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Polymers
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Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Polymer Blends and Composites
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Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Polymer Blends and Composites

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 4160

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Roberto Scaffaro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
Interests: polymeric materials; nanocomposites; green composites; polymer blends; polymer engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The combination of two or more polymeric materials continues to arouse considerable interest. Whether they are miscible or partially miscible, polymer blends allow the preparation of completely new materials with different structures, possibly improved properties and, consequently, potential superior performance.

Furthermore, the addition of fillers is able to influence the physico-chemical properties of polymeric matrices, such as interfacial interactions and the characteristics of the polymer's molecular structure, or to determine specific properties such as thermal, optical, mechanical, electrical, or degradative. This makes the final material even more appealing and interesting for practical applications.

The purpose of this collection is to disseminate the latest advances related to polymer blending/compatibilization and composite mixtures. Special attention will be given to polymeric materials and fillers with low environmental impact, i.e., biodegradable and bio-based. To this end, we are pleased to invite all researchers who wish to contribute their research related to these topics.

Prof. Dr. Roberto Scaffaro
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • polymer blends
  • polymeric composites
  • nanocomposites
  • composites

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 8018 KiB  
Article
Extrusion Parameters Optimization and Mechanical Properties of Bio-Polyamide 11-Based Biocomposites Reinforced with Short Basalt Fibers
by Vito Gigante, Francesca Cartoni, Bianca Dal Pont and Laura Aliotta
Polymers 2024, 16(21), 3092; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16213092 - 31 Oct 2024
Viewed by 725
Abstract
The increasing demand for sustainable materials in high-value applications, particularly in the automotive industry, has prompted the development of biocomposites based on renewable or recyclable matrices and natural fibers as reinforcements. In this context, this paper aimed to produce composites with improved mechanical [...] Read more.
The increasing demand for sustainable materials in high-value applications, particularly in the automotive industry, has prompted the development of biocomposites based on renewable or recyclable matrices and natural fibers as reinforcements. In this context, this paper aimed to produce composites with improved mechanical and thermal properties (tensile, flexural, and heat deflection temperature) through an optimized process pathway using a biobased polyamide reinforced with short basalt fibers. This study emphasizes the critical impact of fiber length, matrix adhesion, and the variation in matrix properties with increasing fiber content. These factors influence the properties of short-fiber composites produced via primary processing using extrusion and shaped through injection molding. The aim of this work was to optimize extrusion conditions using a 1D simulation software to minimize excessive fiber fragmentation during the extrusion process. The predictive model’s capacity to forecast fiber degradation and the extent of additional fiber breakage during extrusion was evaluated. Furthermore, the impact of injection molding on these conditions was investigated. Moreover, a comprehensive thermomechanical characterization of the composites, comprising 10%, 20%, and 30% fiber content, was carried out, focusing on the correlation with morphology and processing using SEM and micro-CT analyses. In particular, how the extrusion process parameters adopted can influence fiber breakage and how injection molding can influence the fiber orientation were investigated, highlighting their influence in determining the final mechanical properties of short fiber composites. By optimizing the process parameters, an increment with respect to bio-PA11 in the tensile strength of 38%, stiffness of 140%, and HDT of 77% compared to the matrix were obtained. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Polymer Blends and Composites)
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21 pages, 8085 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Impact Resistance, Oxygen Barrier, and Thermal Dimensional Stability of Biaxially Processed Miscible Poly(Lactic Acid)/Poly(Butylene Succinate) Thin Films
by Piyawanee Jariyasakoolroj, Pramote Kumsang, Supanut Phattarateera and Noppadon Kerddonfag
Polymers 2024, 16(21), 3033; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16213033 - 29 Oct 2024
Viewed by 646
Abstract
This study investigates the crystallization, microstructure, and performance of poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene succinate) (PLA/PBS) thin films processed through blown film extrusion and biaxial orientation (BO) at various blend ratios. Succinic anhydride (SA) was used to enhance interfacial adhesion in PLA-rich blends, while blends near [...] Read more.
This study investigates the crystallization, microstructure, and performance of poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene succinate) (PLA/PBS) thin films processed through blown film extrusion and biaxial orientation (BO) at various blend ratios. Succinic anhydride (SA) was used to enhance interfacial adhesion in PLA-rich blends, while blends near 50/50 formed co-continuous phases without SA. Biaxial stretching and annealing, adjusted according to the crystallization behavior of PLA and PBS, significantly influenced crystallinity, crystallite size, and molecular orientation. Biaxial stretching induced crystallization and ordered chain alignment, particularly at the cold crystallization temperature (Tcc), leading to a 70–80-fold increase in impact resistance compared to blown films. Annealing further enhanced crystallinity, especially at the Tcc of PLA, resulting in larger crystallite sizes. BO films demonstrated reduced thermal shrinkage due to improved PLA crystalline structure, whereas PLA-rich blown films showed higher shrinkage due to PLA’s lower thermal resistance. The SA-miscibilized phase reduced oxygen transmission in blown films, while BO films exhibited higher permeability due to anisotropic crystal orientation. However, the annealing of BO films, especially at high temperature (Tcc of PLA), further lowered oxygen permeability by promoting the crystallization of both PLA and PBS phases. Overall, the combination of SA compatibilization, biaxial stretching, and annealing resulted in substantial improvements in mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and oxygen barrier properties, highlighting the potential of these films for packaging applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Polymer Blends and Composites)
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18 pages, 3424 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Processing Potential of Polylactic Acid, Polyhydroxyalkanoate, and Poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) Binary and Ternary Blends
by Alisa Sabalina, Sergejs Gaidukovs, Arturs Aunins, Anda Gromova, Gerda Gaidukova, Liga Orlova and Oskars Platnieks
Polymers 2024, 16(16), 2288; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16162288 - 13 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1437
Abstract
Biodegradable and bio-based polymers, including polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polylactic acid (PLA), and poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA), stand out as sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics for a wide range of consumer applications. Studying binary and ternary blends is essential to exploring the synergistic [...] Read more.
Biodegradable and bio-based polymers, including polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polylactic acid (PLA), and poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA), stand out as sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics for a wide range of consumer applications. Studying binary and ternary blends is essential to exploring the synergistic combinations and efficiencies of three distinct biopolyesters. A comprehensive evaluation of melt-extruded binary and ternary polymer blends of PHA, PLA, and PBSA was conducted. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed a heterogeneous morphology characteristic of immiscible blends, with a predominant spherical inclusion morphology observed in the majority of the blends. An increased PBSA concentration led to an elevation in melt viscosity and elasticity across both ternary and binary blends. An increased PHA content reduced the viscosity, along with both storage and loss moduli in the blends. Moreover, a rise in PHA concentration within the blends led to increased crystallinity, albeit with a noticeable reduction in the crystallization temperature of PHA. PLA retained amorphous structure in the blends. The resultant bio-based blends manifested enhanced rheological and calorimetric traits, divergent from their pure polymer counterparts, highlighting the potential for optimizing material properties through strategic formulation adjustments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Polymer Blends and Composites)
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16 pages, 16387 KiB  
Article
Process Characterizations of Ultrasonic Extruded Weld-Riveting of AZ31B Magnesium Alloy to Carbon Fiber-Reinforced PA66
by Zeguang Liu, Guanxiong Lu, Yuanduo Yang, Sansan Ao, Kaifeng Wang and Yang Li
Polymers 2024, 16(12), 1749; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16121749 - 20 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 754
Abstract
Traditional metal–plastic dissimilar welding methods directly heat the metal workpiece, which may cause potential thermal damage to the metal workpiece. Ultrasonic extruded weld-riveting (UEWR) is a relatively new method for dissimilar joining of carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) and metal. In this method, the [...] Read more.
Traditional metal–plastic dissimilar welding methods directly heat the metal workpiece, which may cause potential thermal damage to the metal workpiece. Ultrasonic extruded weld-riveting (UEWR) is a relatively new method for dissimilar joining of carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) and metal. In this method, the CFRTP workpiece is melted using the ultrasonic effect and is squeezed into prefabricated holes in the metal workpiece to form a rivet structure. In this method, the metal workpiece is not directly heated, and potential high-temperature losses can be avoided. This paper investigates the process characterizations of UERW of AZ31B magnesium alloy to carbon fiber-reinforced PA66. The process parameters are optimized by the Taguchi method. The joint formation process is analyzed based on the fiber distribution in the cross-sections of joints. The effects of welding parameters on the joint microstructure and fracture surface morphology are discussed. The results show that a stepped amplitude strategy (40 μm amplitude in the first stage and 56 μm amplitude in the second stage) could balance the joint strength and joint appearance. Insufficient (welding energy < 2600 J or amplitude-A < 50%) or excessive (welding energy > 2800 J or amplitude-A > 50%) welding parameters lead to the formation of porous defects. Three fracture modes are identified according to the fracture surface analysis. The maximum tensile shear strength of joints at the optimal parameters is about 56.5 ± 6.2 MPa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Polymer Blends and Composites)
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