Synthetic and Natural Origin Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization, Modification, Functionalized Properties and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer materials are widely used in various fields of industry and everyday life. In the last few decades, especially the use of synthetic polymers has seen significant growth and application in many sophisticated fields, such as medicine, sensors, optical fibers, electronics, and as large-size composites in the automotive and aerospace industries. A dozen or so years ago, no one would have believed in the existence of polymers with electrical conductivity or mechanical strength comparable to steel. However, it should be emphasized that the history of synthetic polymers is very short and only slightly exceeds 100 years.

In turn, polymers of natural origin have a long history. They were used in antiquity and later accompanied man along with the development of civilization. Currently, they are widespread in many areas of life and used, among others, in packaging in the automotive and pharmaceutical industries.

Various types of modifications are often carried out to obtain polymers with the desired properties. The functional groups present in the structure of the polymers enable hardening, block copolymer formation, functionalization, deactivation, etc. Chemical modification methods have also been found for synthetic polymers without functional groups. The unexpected properties appear even when different polymers are mixed with or active fillers are added.

Recently, significant attention has been paid to polymers from renewable sources, as both industry and municipalities are aware of the problems caused by the stability of waste polymer products.

The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight progress in the manufacturing, characterization, modification, and applications of polymeric materials of natural and synthetic origin. It is our pleasure to invite you to submit your manuscript.

Prof. Dr. Barbara Gawdzik
Dr. Przemysław Pączkowski
Guest Editors

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