Next Generation Composite Materials with Emerging Biobased Nanoadditives

Green Materials Upcoming Themed Issue

Submit your abstract by 31 March 2025

Introduction

The present Themed Issue is closely linked to the REDONDO project, an EU-funded initiative, focusing on developing reversibly cross-linked polyethylene with enhanced properties. The project will implement innovative cross-linking strategies and novel biobased additives to bring sustainable solutions for piping and cabling applications. 

Indeed, in the last couple of decades, there has been a growing awareness of environmental issues, leading to intensified efforts to develop sustainable solutions. Among these, the valorization of renewable resources to produce more safe and sustainable materials has emerged as a highly promising approach. Within the dynamic field of composite polymeric materials, incorporating biobased additives has gained significant attention, as it directly addresses the demand for environmentally friendly materials and practices, such as circularity. 

In this context, this Themed Issue aims to showcase recent progress in the development of innovative composite polymeric materials incorporating biobased additives, with a particular emphasis on nanosized additives. Contributions will span a wide spectrum, from the synthesis and modification of biobased additives to the evaluation of the environmental impact of the final composite materials. This special issue aspires to identify current gaps and challenges, while highlighting promising solutions and emerging trends shaping the future of sustainable materials. 

Main topics that will be included

Innovative polymeric composite materials
A key focus of this special issue is the development of advanced polymeric composite materials exhibiting enhanced properties due to the incorporation of biobased fillers. These properties may include improved mechanical performance, thermal stability, flame-retardant properties, gas barrier properties, and more, highlighting the versatility and functionality of such materials. 

Emerging biobased additives
Another central theme is the investigation of new and promising biobased additives that can serve as functional components in composite materials. Special emphasis will be placed on emerging additives, highlighting their improved performances and future potential. 

Modification of biobased (nano)additives
In addition to novel additives, this special issue will address the modification, physical (e.g. size reduction) or chemical (e.g. functionalization), of established biobased additives, such as lignin and cellulose. The impact of modifications on structure-properties relationship will be discussed. The modifications will be further assessed with comparisons made to both unmodified biobased additives and conventional fossil-based alternatives and. 

Processing techniques and compatibilization
Achieving optimal performance in polymeric composites requires the uniform dispersion of additives within the polymer matrix and good compatibility and adhesion between the filler and matrix. This topic will cover the development of innovative methodologies for the preparation of composite materials, alongside studies on the compatibilization of biobased additives, typically hydrophilic, and polymeric matrices, often rather hydrophobic.

Biodegradability and recycling
Evaluating end-of-life options is necessary for the development of new environmentally friendly materials. The present special issue will include studies assessing the recyclability of composites materials, examining how the filler and the matrix behave after multiple recycling cycles. Additionally, the (bio)degradability of composites materials will be investigated, with particular focus on the influence of the biobased fillers on the degradation process.

Sustainability and environmental impact
The valorisation of biomass and wastes as high-performance additives contributes directly to the goals of a circular economy and sustainable practices. This special issue will feature life cycle assessments (LCA) and sustainability analyses to quantify the environmental impact of polymeric composites with biobased additives, comparing them to composite with benchmark additives, demonstrating their advantages in reducing ecological footprint.

Submission information

Submit your abstract here by 31 March 2025

Author guidelines must be strictly followed

If your abstract is successful, you will be invited to submit your full paper here: https://ice-review.rivervalley.io/. Once you have registered, navigate to the journal that you wish to submit to. Choose article type "Themed Issue" and then the specific name from the drop-down menu on screen.

Key dates

Submit your abstract: 31 March 2025
After invitation - Author submission deadline: 30 September 2025

REDONDO

REDONDO (Reversibly Designed Cross-linked Polymers) is a groundbreaking Horizon Europe project focused on developing recyclable, reversibly cross-linked polyethylene (rPEX).

Find out more on REDONDO’s webpage.