Functional Polymer Composites: Latest Advances and Prospects

Dear Colleagues,

Functional polymer composites are present trends in the sector of biomedical, biosensor, actuators, and biotechnological applications; this is because polymer-based composites are light, cheap, versatile, and durable materials under aggressive environmental conditions. Moreover, they constitute a step in the direction of smart polymer composites, with their versatile behavior permitting a variety of applications in commercial markets of the energy harvesting, energy storage, and self-sensing sectors. Integrating the functional behavior of polymers and substrates could impact the movement towards the application of composites in multiple sectors, from macro- to micro-scale applications. For this Special Issue, the title “Functional Polymer Composites: Latest Advances and Prospects” has been proposed. A wide variety of chosen fillers and matrixes could have the characteristics to meet the complex standards for functional polymer composite materials in high-tech industries. Functional polymer composites are crucial in the development of new, innovative technologies. Advances in functional polymer composites promote new solutions concerning materials related to energy and environmental policies. The mechanical performance of smart polymer composites could exhibit better performance in lightweight energy storage systems with the development of improved multifunctional and non-corrosive characteristics.

The Special Issue aims to collect articles reporting on the latest advances and prospects in this field, presenting the methods, designs, properties, and structures characterizing promising new applications for functional polymer composites. The Special Issue covers potential applications in various areas, including energy storage, energy harvesting, energy devices, electricity, shape memory materials, actuators, and sensor areas. Papers presenting advanced modelling, simulation, and experimental processes—covering the design, preparation, and prediction of the properties of proposed functional polymer composites—are warmly welcomed for submission to this Special Issue.

Dr. Sneha Samal
Dr. David Vokoun
Dr. Ivo Stachiv
Guest Editors

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