Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
8.0
4.7
Journals
Polymers
Special Issues
Functional Bio-Based Polymers and Composites for Multipurpose Applications
share announcement

Functional Bio-Based Polymers and Composites for Multipurpose Applications

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 May 2025 | Viewed by 6131

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Seongcheol Kim

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
Interests: polymers; energy; bio-medical
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Vanaraj Ramkumar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Materials Chemistry Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeonsan 38541, Republic of Korea
Interests: functional polymers; supercapacitor; bio-film applications
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue delves into the realm of functional and bio-based polymers and their composite materials for use in versatile applications. Functional polymers have demonstrated advantages of improving the efficiency in their respective field, while bio-polymers posses environmentally sustainable and renewable attributes; these polymers have become increasingly prominent in materials science, boasting vast potential for utilization across various sectors. Covering the structural intricacies and characterization methods of bio-based polymers, this issue explores their diverse applications in fields ranging from flexible materials to composite structures and beyond. These novel materials play an important role in bio-medical energy storage, electronics, and environmental applications. Through comprehensive discussions, the aim of this Special Issue is to foster the comprehension and utilization of functional and bio-based polymer composite materials, providing valuable guidance and insights, enabling their continued advancement in both industrial and scientific realms.

Kind regards,

Prof. Dr. Seongcheol Kim
Dr. Vanaraj Ramkumar
Guest Editors

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

  • functional polymers
  • bio-polymer
  • polymer composites
  • polymer structures
  • polymer characterization
  • flexible polymers
  • multipurpose polymers
  • polymer applications
  • bio-medical polymers
  • energy storage composites
  • environmentally sustainable

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

18 pages, 6762 KiB  
Article
Influence of Hydroxyapatite and Gelatin Content on Crosslinking Dynamics and HDFn Cell Viability in Alginate Bioinks for 3D Bioprinting
by Lina Maria Anaya-Sampayo, Nelly S. Roa, Constanza Martínez-Cardozo, Dabeiba Adriana García-Robayo and Luis M. Rodríguez-Lorenzo
Polymers 2024, 16(22), 3224; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16223224 - 20 Nov 2024
Viewed by 434
Abstract
This study investigates how varying concentrations of hydroxyapatite (OHAp) and the addition of gelatin influence the ionic crosslinking time of alginate-based bioinks, as well as the shear stress experienced by neonatal human dermal fibroblasts (HDFn) during extrusion. These factors are crucial for validating [...] Read more.
This study investigates how varying concentrations of hydroxyapatite (OHAp) and the addition of gelatin influence the ionic crosslinking time of alginate-based bioinks, as well as the shear stress experienced by neonatal human dermal fibroblasts (HDFn) during extrusion. These factors are crucial for validating bioinks and developing viable 3D bioprinted models. Four bioink formulations were created with a 50/50 ratio of alginate to gelatin, incorporating different calcium phosphate concentrations (0%, 1%, 5%, and 10%). The bioink compositions were confirmed via Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and rheological analyses evaluated their pseudoplastic behavior, printability limits, and crosslinking times. The results indicated a notable increase in the consistency index (k) from 0.32 for the 0% OHAp formulation to 0.48 for the 10% OHAp formulation, suggesting improved viscoelastic properties. The elastic modulus recovery after crosslinking rose significantly from 245 Pa to 455 Pa. HDFn experienced a shear stress of up to 1.5436 Pa at the tip during extrusion with the HDFn-ALG5-GEL5-OHAp10 bioinks, calculated at a shear rate as low as 2 s−1. Viability assays confirmed over 70% cell viability 24 h post-extrusion and 92% viability after 7 days for the 10% OHAp formulation, highlighting the potential of hydroxyapatite-enhanced bioinks in tissue engineering applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Bio-Based Polymers and Composites for Multipurpose Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 5130 KiB  
Article
Mechanical and Insulation Performance of Rigid Polyurethane Foam Reinforced with Lignin-Containing Nanocellulose Fibrils
by Kabirat O. Bello and Ning Yan
Polymers 2024, 16(15), 2119; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16152119 - 25 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1445
Abstract
Isocyanates are critical components that affect the crosslinking density and structure of polyurethane (PU) foams. However, due to the cost and hazardous nature of the precursor for isocyanate synthesis, there is growing interest in reducing their usage in polyurethane foam production—especially in rigid [...] Read more.
Isocyanates are critical components that affect the crosslinking density and structure of polyurethane (PU) foams. However, due to the cost and hazardous nature of the precursor for isocyanate synthesis, there is growing interest in reducing their usage in polyurethane foam production—especially in rigid PU foams (RPUF) where isocyanate is used in excess of the stoichiometric ratio. In this study, lignin-containing nanocellulose fibrils (LCNF) were explored as mechanical reinforcements for RPUF with the goal of maintaining the mechanical performance of the foam while using less isocyanate. Different amounts of LCNF (0–0.2 wt.%) were added to the RPUF made using isocyanate indices of 1.1, 1.05, 1.0, and 0.95. Results showed that LCNF served as a nucleating agent, significantly reducing cell size and thermal conductivity. LCNF addition increased the crosslinking density of RPUF, leading to enhanced compressive properties at an optimal loading of 0.1 wt.% compared to unreinforced foams at the same isocyanate index. Furthermore, at the optimal loading, LCNF-reinforced foams made at lower isocyanate indices showed comparable stiffness and strength to unreinforced foams made at higher isocyanate indices. These results highlight the reinforcing potential of LCNF in rigid polyurethane foams to improve insulation and mechanical performance with lower isocyanate usage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Bio-Based Polymers and Composites for Multipurpose Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3138 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Sandwiched NiCo-Layered Double Hydroxides/Carbon Nanoballs for Sustainable Energy Storage
by Thirukumaran Periyasamy, Shakila Parveen Asrafali, Seong-Cheol Kim and Jaewoong Lee
Polymers 2024, 16(14), 2005; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16142005 - 12 Jul 2024
Viewed by 826
Abstract
This study presents a promising method for creating high-performance supercapacitor electrodes. The approach involves crafting a unique composite material—nickel-cobalt-layered double hydroxides (NiCo-LDH) grown on carbon nanoballs (CNBs). This is achieved by first creating a special carbon material rich in oxygen and nitrogen from [...] Read more.
This study presents a promising method for creating high-performance supercapacitor electrodes. The approach involves crafting a unique composite material—nickel-cobalt-layered double hydroxides (NiCo-LDH) grown on carbon nanoballs (CNBs). This is achieved by first creating a special carbon material rich in oxygen and nitrogen from a polybenzoxazine source. At first, eugenol, ethylene diamine and paraformaldehyde undergo Mannich condensation to form the benzoxazine monomer, which undergoes self-polymerization in the presence of heat to produce polybenzoxazine. This was then carbonized and activated to produce CNBs containing heteroatoms. Then, through a hydrothermal technique, NiCo-LDH nanocages are directly deposited onto the CNBs, eliminating the need for complicated templates. The amount of CNBs used plays a crucial role in performance. By optimizing the CNB content to 50%, a remarkable specific capacitance of 1220 F g−1 was achieved, along with excellent rate capability and impressive cycling stability, retaining 86% of its capacitance after 5000 cycles. Furthermore, this NiCo-LDH/CNB composite, when combined with active carbon in a supercapacitor configuration, delivered outstanding overall performance. The exceptional properties of this composite, combined with its simple and scalable synthesis process, position it as a strong contender for next-generation sustainable energy storage devices. The ease of fabrication also opens doors for its practical application in advancing energy storage technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Bio-Based Polymers and Composites for Multipurpose Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2758 KiB  
Article
Eco-Friendly Straws: A Fusion of Soy Protein Isolate and Cassava Starch Coated with Beeswax and Shellac Wax
by Wissuta Choeybundit, Thomas Karbowiak, Aurélie Lagorce, Kittaporn Ngiwngam, Rafael Auras, Pornchai Rachtanapun, Duangjai Noiwan and Wirongrong Tongdeesoontorn
Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1887; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131887 - 1 Jul 2024
Viewed by 2012
Abstract
This research aimed to produce eco-friendly straws using soy protein isolate (SPI) and cassava starch (CS) at different ratios by the extrusion technique and by coating with beeswax and shellac wax. Three straw formulations (F) (F1: 24.39% SPI–24.39% CS; F2: 19.51% SPI–29.37% CS; [...] Read more.
This research aimed to produce eco-friendly straws using soy protein isolate (SPI) and cassava starch (CS) at different ratios by the extrusion technique and by coating with beeswax and shellac wax. Three straw formulations (F) (F1: 24.39% SPI–24.39% CS; F2: 19.51% SPI–29.37% CS; and F3: 14.63% SPI–34.15% CS) were prepared, incorporating glycerol (14.6% w/w) and water (36.6% w/w). After extrusion and drying at 80 °C for 20 h, visual assessment favored F2 straws due to smoother surfaces, the absence of particles, and enhanced straightness. For the physical property test, the straws were softened in pH buffer solutions for 5 min. To simulate practical application, mechanical bending strength was studied under different relative humidity (RH) settings. Water absorption reduced the strength as RH increased. F2 straws outperformed other formulations in bending strength at 54% RH. For hydrophobic coatings, F2 was chosen. Beeswax- and shellac wax-coated straws displayed negligible water absorption and sustained their integrity for over 6 h compared to uncoated straws. This study shows that extrusion and natural coatings may make sustainable straws from SPI and CS. These efforts help meet the growing demand for eco-friendly plastic alternatives, opening up new options for single-use straws. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Bio-Based Polymers and Composites for Multipurpose Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 8318 KiB  
Article
Nanoscopic Characterization of Starch-Based Biofilms Extracted from Ecuadorian Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Varieties
by Pablo Ilvis, José Acosta, Mirari Arancibia and Santiago Casado
Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1873; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131873 - 30 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1049
Abstract
Synthetic plastic polymers are causing considerable emerging ecological hazards. Starch-based biofilms are a potential alternative. However, depending on the natural source and extraction method, the properties of starch can vary, affecting the physicochemical characteristics of the corresponding casted films generated from it. These [...] Read more.
Synthetic plastic polymers are causing considerable emerging ecological hazards. Starch-based biofilms are a potential alternative. However, depending on the natural source and extraction method, the properties of starch can vary, affecting the physicochemical characteristics of the corresponding casted films generated from it. These differences might entail morphological changes at the nanoscale, which can be explored by inspecting their surfaces. Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a well-known tuber containing a high amount of starch, but the properties of the biofilms extracted from it are dependent on the specific variety. In this research, four Ecuadorian potato varieties (Leona Blanca, Única, Chola, and Santa Rosa) were analyzed and blended with different glycerol concentrations. The amylose content of each extracted starch was estimated, and biofilms obtained were characterized at both macroscopic and nanoscopic levels. Macroscopic tests were conducted to evaluate their elastic properties, visible optical absorption, water vapor permeability, moisture content, and solubility. It was observed that as the glycerol percentage increased, both moisture content and soluble matter increased, while tensile strength decreased, especially in the case of the Chola variety. These results were correlated to a surface analysis using atomic force microscopy, providing a possible explanation based on the topography and phase contrast observations made at the nanoscale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Bio-Based Polymers and Composites for Multipurpose Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop