Polymer Physics

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closed (31 December 2025)

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31 March 2026

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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer physics is a dynamic field at the intersection of statistical mechanics, condensed matter physics, and polymer science. This Topic invites contributions that explore the fundamental and applied aspects of polymer behavior, including conformational fluctuations, mechanical properties, and the kinetics of polymerization and degradation.

We welcome research on theoretical, computational, and experimental approaches to polymer dynamics, structure–property relationships, and phase behavior. Topics of interest include polymer rheology, self-assembly, network formation, viscoelasticity, and emerging trends such as machine learning applications in polymer physics. Studies addressing the impact of thermal fluctuations, non-equilibrium phenomena, and novel polymeric materials are also encouraged.

By bringing together cutting-edge research, this Topic aims to advance our understanding of polymer systems, fostering discussions on new methodologies and interdisciplinary perspectives. We invite physicists, chemists, materials scientists, and engineers to contribute original research, reviews, and perspective articles.

Join us in shaping the future of polymer physics.

Prof. Dr. Martin Kröger
Dr. Ying Li
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
AppliedPhys appliedphys	-	-	2025	15.0 days *	CHF 1000	Submit
Laboratories laboratories	-	-	2024	15.0 days *	CHF 1000	Submit
Materials materials	3.2	6.4	2008	15.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Physchem physchem	1.7	2.1	2021	22.1 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Polymers polymers	4.9	9.7	2009	14.4 Days	CHF 2700	Submit

* Median value for all MDPI journals in the second half of 2025.

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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All Materials Physchem Polymers AppliedPhys Laboratories

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Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 5584 KB)

23 pages, 9267 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Diclofenac-Derived Organotin(IV) Complexes as Efficient Photostabilizers for Poly(vinyl chloride) Films Under UV Irradiation

by Hind A. Satar, Emad Yousif, Ahmed Ahmed, Dina S. Ahmed, Mohammed Abbas Kadhom, Mohammed H. Al-Mashhadani, Muna Bufaroosha, Tayser S. Gaaz, Mohammed S. S. Alyami, Sohad A. Alshareef and Raghda Alsayed

Physchem 2026, 6(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/physchem6020019 - 27 Mar 2026

Abstract

This study reports the synthesis and evaluation of diclofenac-derived organotin(IV) complexes as photostabilizing additives for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). Diclofenac was selected as a ligand due to its aromatic structure and heteroatom-rich framework, enabling the formation of stable tin-based complexes with potential UV-absorbing and [...] Read more.

This study reports the synthesis and evaluation of diclofenac-derived organotin(IV) complexes as photostabilizing additives for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). Diclofenac was selected as a ligand due to its aromatic structure and heteroatom-rich framework, enabling the formation of stable tin-based complexes with potential UV-absorbing and radical-scavenging properties. The synthesized di- and tri-organotin complexes were incorporated into PVC films at 0.5 wt.% and exposed to UV irradiation (365 nm) for up to 300 h to assess their stabilizing efficiency. Photodegradation was monitored by tracking changes in carbonyl, polyene, and hydroxyl indices, as well as weight loss and surface deterioration. Compared with blank PVC and ligand-containing films, the organotin-modified samples exhibited significantly slower growth of degradation indices, reduced mass loss, and improved surface integrity after irradiation. Among the evaluated additives, the tributyltin complex demonstrated the highest photostabilizing performance, showing superior retention of chlorine content and lower surface roughness parameters. Overall, the results indicate that diclofenac-based organotin(IV) complexes are effective photostabilizers for PVC, with the tributyltin derivative emerging as the most promising candidate for enhancing the durability of PVC materials under UV exposure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Polymer Physics)

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Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 1481 KB)

17 pages, 2409 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Through Analysis of Thin Films Based on Small-Molecule and Polymer NFA Blends for Photovoltaic Conversion: From Neat Materials to Ternary Systems

by Mohamed el A. Kramdi, Aral Karahan, Takeshi Watanabe, Hidehiro Sekimoto, Simon Desbief, Gilles Quéléver, Olivier Margeat, Jörg Ackermann, Carmen M. Ruiz Herrero and Christine Videlot-Ackermann

Physchem 2026, 6(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/physchem6010012 - 9 Feb 2026

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Abstract

Focusing on PM6 as the electron-donating polymer and the non-fullerene acceptors Y12 and PY-IT, this study investigates their chemical, optical, and morphological properties, as well as their compatibility in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) architectures. All materials were characterized in thin-film form using Fourier transform [...] Read more.

Focusing on PM6 as the electron-donating polymer and the non-fullerene acceptors Y12 and PY-IT, this study investigates their chemical, optical, and morphological properties, as well as their compatibility in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) architectures. All materials were characterized in thin-film form using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. Binary blends of PM6:Y12 and PM6:PY-IT, along with the ternary PM6:PY-IT:Y12 system, were dissolved in o-xylene and processed into active layers by blade coating under ambient conditions. Optical properties were analyzed in solution and in thin films, providing insights into light-absorption efficiency and spectral complementarity. Nanoscale morphology and molecular packing were examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS), revealing correlations between material organization and device performance. The results highlight the importance of optimizing material selection, ink formulation, and film morphology to maximize charge-generation efficiency. Power-conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 13.95%, 12.04%, and 12.17% were achieved for PM6:Y12, PM6:PY-IT, and PM6:PY-IT:Y12 devices, respectively. The ternary PM6:PY-IT:Y12 system demonstrated performance comparable to PM6:PY-IT, with improved miscibility and nearly aggregate-free morphologies, suggesting potential for further efficiency gains. These findings offer valuable guidance for designing high-performance, sustainable active layers, contributing to the development of next-generation organic photovoltaic technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Polymer Physics)

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Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 1003 KB)

22 pages, 7178 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Tuning Hydrophilic–Hydrophobic Properties of PLA Films Through Surface Fluorination and Drying

by Zhipeng He, Jae-Ho Kim and Susumu Yonezawa

Physchem 2026, 6(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/physchem6010002 - 8 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Polylactic acid (PLA) films were directly fluorinated using fluorine gas at room temperature under varying conditions: fluorine concentrations of 190–760 Torr and reaction times of 10–60 min. Some of the fluorinated samples were subsequently dried at 70 °C for 2 d. Fourier-transform infrared [...] Read more.

Polylactic acid (PLA) films were directly fluorinated using fluorine gas at room temperature under varying conditions: fluorine concentrations of 190–760 Torr and reaction times of 10–60 min. Some of the fluorinated samples were subsequently dried at 70 °C for 2 d. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses verified the successful introduction of fluorine and the formation of -CF_x and C=OF groups on the PLA surface after fluorination. The fluorination level initially increased with increasing reaction time or fluorine concentration but then decreased because of the formation and escape of CF₄ gasification. Drying further reduced the surface fluorine content. Both fluorination and drying increased the glass transition temperature of PLA, which was attributed to the increase in surface polarity and crosslinking density of the polymer. Fluorination significantly improved the surface hydrophilicity of PLA, with the water contact angle decreasing from 64.09°to 18.75°. This was due to the formation of a rough, porous surface caused by the introduction of polar fluorine atoms, as observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). However, drying the fluorinated samples increased the water contact angle to 91.46°, resulting in hydrophobicity owing to increased surface crosslinking. This study demonstrates a simple and effective method for tuning the hydrophilic–hydrophobic properties of PLA surfaces using direct fluorination and thermal treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Polymer Physics)

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14 pages, 3499 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Facile Preparation of iPP Fibrous Membranes from In Situ Microfibrillar Composites for Oil/Water Separation

by Chengtao Gao, Li Zhang, Xianrong Liu, Chen He, Shanshan Luo and Qin Tian

Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2114; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152114 - 31 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 690

Abstract

Superhydrophobic and superoleophilic nanofibrous or microfibrous membranes are regarded as ideal oil/water separation materials owing to their controllable porosity, superior separation efficiency, and ease of operation. However, developing efficient, scalable, and environmentally friendly strategies for fabricating such membranes remains a significant challenge. In [...] Read more.

Superhydrophobic and superoleophilic nanofibrous or microfibrous membranes are regarded as ideal oil/water separation materials owing to their controllable porosity, superior separation efficiency, and ease of operation. However, developing efficient, scalable, and environmentally friendly strategies for fabricating such membranes remains a significant challenge. In this study, isotactic polypropylene (iPP) fibrous membranes with morphologies ranging from ellipsoidal stacking to microfiber stacking were successfully fabricated via a multistage stretching extrusion and leaching process using in situ microfibrillar composites (MFCs). The results establish a significant relationship between microfiber morphology and membrane oil adsorption performance. Compared with membranes formed from high-aspect-ratio microfibers, those comprising short microfibers feature larger pores and a more open structure, which enhances their oil adsorption capacity. Among the fabricated membranes, the iPP membrane with an ellipsoidal stacking morphology exhibits optimal performance, achieving a porosity of 65% and demonstrating both hydrophobicity and superoleophilicity, with a silicone oil adsorption capacity of up to 312.5%. Furthermore, this membrane shows excellent reusability and stability over ten adsorption–desorption cycles using chloroform. This study presents a novel approach leveraging in situ microfibrillar composites to prepare high-performance oil/water separation membranes in this study, underscoring their considerable promise for practical use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Polymer Physics)

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