Rheology Applied to Polymer Characterization and Processing: A Themed Honorary Issue to Prof. Antxon Santamaria

Dear Colleagues,

Polymers and rheology have been feeding each other since the 1920s. In fact, scientific and technological development of polymeric materials is based on the correlation synthesis/compounding-characterization-rheology-processing-properties/applications. The double engagement of rheology in both polymer characterization and polymer processing is currently an undeniable reality. Rheology remains an invaluable tool to characterize polymer chain architecture (e.g., long-chain branches), but emerging issues are at the stake, such as specific interactions, supramolecular associations, reversible crosslinks, self-assembled phases, flow-induced morphologies/structures, immiscible blends, nanocomposites, gels, and other complex structures. On the other hand, polymer processing in general crucially requires the contribution of rheology to advance molding simulation for design and manufacturing. Contemporary processing machines submit polymer melts to elongational flows and very high pressures and shear rates, not contemplated in depth so far. Much work should be done to disclose the rheological implications of layer-by-layer lamination of solutions and melts and different additive manufacturing methods (3D Printing). The challenge of processing complex polymeric materials, such as those mentioned, can only be faced with the help of sound rheological studies.

Theoretical and experimental works within this scope are welcome in this Special Issue.

Prof. Antxon Santamaria is an Emeritus Professor at the University of the Basque Country. After completing his Ph.D. Thesis on the rheology of polystyrene-based copolymers in 1980, he joined the Polymer Science and Engineering group of Prof. J.L. White at the University of Tennessee as a Research Associate. He was a founding member of the Spanish Rheology Group (GER) in 1983. In 1992, he became a full Professor of Applied Physics at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). He has worked on basic and applied rheology of polymer systems, such as thermoreversible gels, copolymers, blends, liquid crystals, polymer-modified bitumens, adhesives, and nanocomposites for over 40 years. The purpose of his research has been twofold: linking rheology with chain architecture and micro/nanostructure, and solving practical problems related to the processing and elaboration of new materials. In recent years, he has addressed the liaison between rheological features and ultimate properties like adhesion and electrical conductivity, as well as the suitability of rheology for new processing methods, such as 3D printing. His research activity is complemented with a strong relationship with industrial enterprises, by participating in collaborative projects and producing hundreds of technical reports. As such, approximately one-third of his research has been funded by polymer companies. He has given master lectures and training courses on polymers and rheology at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Menéndez Pelayo International University (Madrid), and IFP School (Paris) and Repsol, among others. He has published six books (two as an Editor), 200 papers in scientific journals, delivered more than 60 oral communications and 14 invited lectures in International Conferences, and registered three patents. He has directed 24 Doctoral Theses on the rheology of polymers. He was the Director of the Polymer Science and Technology Department of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) from 1989 to 2009 and coordinator of the Doctoral Programme “Chemistry and Polymers” (2012–2016). His close relationship with international and Spanish scientists lead him to become President of the Spanish Polymer Group (GEP) from 1997 to 2003 and President of the Spanish Rheology Group (GER) from 2006 to 2015. He was awarded the Golden Medal of this society. Concerned about the weak situation of the Basque language in modern life, he carried out pioneering activities for the incorporation of this language into academia.

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• Polymer rheology
• Polymer blends and nanocomposites
• Structure–property relationships
• Chain architectures and supramolecular associations
• Computer simulations