Biodegradable Polymers: Innovations in Processing, Diverse Applications, and Sustainable Solutions

Dear Colleagues,

Biodegradable polymers represent an important facet of sustainable materials science and offer solutions to the growing environmental problems associated with conventional plastics. This Special Issue explores the various aspects of processing biodegradable polymers, including synthesis methods, manufacturing techniques, characterization methods, and industrial-scale production processes. It also aims to highlight the wide range of applications in various fields such as packaging, biomedicine, agriculture, automotive, and more. By promoting interdisciplinary dialog and collaboration, this Special Issue aims to accelerate the development and use of biodegradable polymers as a viable alternative to conventional, non-degradable plastics, thus contributing to the advancement of sustainable materials technology.

The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

• Novel synthesis routes and strategies for the production of biodegradable polymers;
• Processing techniques and methods for the production of biodegradable polymer materials, including extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, and 3D printing;
• Characterization methods to evaluate the structural, mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of biodegradable polymer products;
• Additive manufacturing approaches and advances in composites and blends based on biodegradable polymers;
• Biodegradable polymer nanocomposites and their processing, characterization and applications;
• Sustainable processing and recycling strategies for biodegradable polymers;
• Applications of biodegradable polymers in packaging, including food packaging, agricultural films, and industrial packaging;
• Biomedical applications of biodegradable polymers, g., drug delivery systems, tissue engineering scaffolds, and medical devices;
• Agricultural applications of biodegradable polymers, including mulch films, seed coatings, and soil erosion control materials;
• Automotive and construction applications of biodegradable polymers, including interior components, structural materials and insulation products;
• Environmental impact assessments and life cycle analyses of biodegradable polymer-based products and their end-of-life disposal options.

This Special Issue welcomes original research articles, reviews, and short communications that advance the understanding, development, and use of biodegradable polymers in various applications and industries.

Dr. Vesna Ocelić Bulatović 
Dr. Dajana Kučić Grgić
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.

• biodegradable polymer materials
• polymer composites
• 3D printing
• biomedical applications
• mulch films
• product life cycle