Sustainability, Circular Economy and Waste Recycling: Advances in Materials Research (2nd Edition)

Dear Colleagues,

Today, ecological problems have led to a limited production of plastics and non-biodegradable materials and their replacement by materials with a low environmental impact. Biodegradable macromolecules and their composites are desirable candidates for a wide range of applications to overcome the difficulties of waste disposal. Moreover, one of the most crucial trends in current research on the development of new materials is associated with the use of waste raw materials or industrial by-products. This approach takes into account not only ecological issues but also economic ones, since recycled and waste materials are significantly cheaper than virgin raw materials, and their use produces low-cost end products. In industries, the substitution of raw materials that must be disposed of, by-products and waste with renewable and recyclable raw materials constitutes an important transition to sustainable development and the Circular Economy: topics that many countries have already introduced into their environmental agenda through the creation of specific legislation.

Considering the attention that these themes receive today, the 2nd Edition of this Special Issue intends once again to highlight advanced research on the development of new eco-friendly materials and new technologies for sustainability and the Circular Economy. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Biopolymers and biocomposites from natural raw materials;
• Innovative materials from recycled waste and industrial by-products;
• Synthesis, preparation and processing applications;
• Characterisation, properties and potential of new biodegradable and ecofriendly materials;
• Studies on durability and biodegradability under various conditions and environments;
• Life-cycle assessment of new materials;
• Circular Economy, sustainability, innovative and green materials.

Original research, Review articles, Case studies and Research papers focusing on chemical, engineering and physical processes, developed with new green materials and other investigations, are accepted. Papers focusing on topics such as sustainability, Circular Economy, and cost-effective technologies for different applications are also welcome.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Best regards,

Dr. Daniela Fico
Guest Editor

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