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236 articles for “functional polymer”
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Advanced Functional Polymers and Their Synergistic Role in Smart Composite Materials for Sustainable Industrial Applications
Abstract: Advanced functional polymers have revolutionized composite materials, offering enhanced properties such as self-healing, electrical conductivity, environmental adaptability, and high mechanical strength. These innovations are reshaping industries by enabling smarter, more efficient, and sustainable solutions. Functional polymers play a pivotal role in producing high-performance composite materials to meet the growing demands of sustainable industrial applications. Significant improvements in material properties mechanical strength, durability, thermal stability, and recyclability are achieved through the …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 4, 2025 · pp. 12–27 Read article
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Polymer–Gel Composite Phase Change Materials: A Functional Polymer Composite Approach for Solar-Thermal Energy Storage in Building Facades
Abstract: This study investigates polymer–composite phase change materials (PCMs) in the form of polymer–gel hybrids as multifunctional systems for solar–thermal energy storage in building façades. Paraffin- and PEG-based PCMs were embedded into polyurethane and acrylic gel matrices to create shape-stabilized polymer–composites with high PCM loading (70–80 wt%). Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) confirmed distinct melting/freezing transitions at ~56°C (paraffin) and ~42°C (PEG), with enthalpy values of 120–150 J/g, closely matching theoretical predictions, …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 6, 2025 · pp. 36–51 Read article
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A Hybrid Multi-Physics Ensemble Deep Learning Framework for Simultaneous Prediction of Thermal and Electrical Conductivity in Functional Polymer-Based Nanocomposites
Abstract: Polymer-based nanocomposites have become promising materials for applications in energy storage, flexible electronics, biomedical devices, aerospace components, and advanced engineering because of their tunable thermal and electrical properties. Reliable prediction of these properties is essential for accelerating material design; however, existing analytical models and conventional machine learning techniques often fail to represent the complex interactions among filler characteristics, polymer matrices, processing conditions, and interfacial transport phenomena. This work presents HMEP-Net, …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 1062–1082 Read article
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Polymer Nanocomposites and Functional Materials for Lithium-Ion Battery Supercapacitor Hybrid Energy Storage Systems: Materials, Interfaces, and Performance Perspectives
Abstract: The growing need for high-performance energy storage solutions in electric vehicles, renewable energy applications, portable electronics, and other sectors has accelerated research and development efforts in Lithium-Ion Battery–Supercapacitor Hybrid Energy Storage Systems (HESS). By combining the high energy density of lithium-ion batteries with the high power density and fast charge/discharge characteristics of supercapacitors, HESS offers a promising approach to meeting diverse energy storage requirements. Nevertheless, several critical challenges remain that …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 4, 2026 · pp. 96–113 Read article
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AI-Driven Prediction of Mechanical and Thermal Properties in Polymer-Based Functionally Graded Composites
Abstract: The proposed architecture of the current paper is an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven model of forecasting mechanical and thermal aspects of polymer-based functionally-graded composites (FGCs). Traditional micromechanical and finite element models, which are practical in homogeneous composites, might not be able to account in nonlinear interaction that is caused by compositional gradient. To overcome the challenge, machine learning (ML) models like artificial neural network (ANN), support vectors regression (SVR), and gradient-boosted …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 70–89 Read article
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Damage Evolution and Delamination Resistance in Polymer Matrix Functionally Graded Laminates
Abstract: Functionally graded laminates (FGLs) in polymer-matrix systems represent a promising pathway to enhance damage tolerance and delay delamination in advanced structural composites. In this study, we explore the mechanisms of damage initiation, propagation, and delamination resistance in polymer matrix functionally graded laminates (PM-FGLs) through a combined experimental–computational approach. Laminates with linear, exponential, and bio-inspired gradation profiles were fabricated using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) and additive manufacturing techniques. Comprehensive mechanical …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 321–337 Read article
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Design and Synthesis of Functionalized Copolymers for Enhanced Interfacial Compatibility in Polymer Matrix Composites
Abstract: Interfacial adhesion between the polymer matrix reinforcing phase affects significantly the mechanical and thermal behavior of polymer composites. The study reports on the design and synthesis of functionalized copolymers in the efforts to establish interfacial compatibility based on chemical design. The reinforcements were functionalized doping polar functional groups such as glycidyl methacrylate and maleic anhydride during free-radical copolymerization to form copolymerizing reactive sites that interacted with the reinforcement surfaces. Confirmation …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 1404–1418 Read article
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AI-Designed Functionally Graded Polymer Composites for Multifunctional Thin Films
Abstract: The design of multifunctional polymer composite thin films requires simultaneous optimization of mechanical, optical, barrier, and thermal properties—objectives often in conflict when using conventional homogeneous materials. This study presents an artificial intelligence-driven framework for designing functionally graded material (FGM) architectures in polymer nanocomposite thin films. We integrated machine learning with physics-based modeling to optimize compositional gradients across film thickness, achieving superior performance compared to homogeneous and discrete multilayer alternatives. A …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 1026–1041 Read article
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Multi-Objective Optimization of Polymer-Based Functionally Graded Composites for Lightweight Structures
Abstract: Functionally graded composites (FGCs) improve lightweight structural performance by allowing material properties to change smoothly across a component. Polymer-based FGCs (P-FGCs), in particular, are gaining prominence in aerospace, automotive, and biomedical industries due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, tunability, and ease of processing. However, optimizing these materials for lightweight structural applications requires addressing conflicting design objectives, such as maximizing stiffness while minimizing weight or enhancing thermal resistance while maintaining manufacturability. …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 961–973 Read article
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Judicial Oversight of Biometric Evidence and The Role of Polymer and Composite Technologies in Indian Criminal Trials
Abstract: This paper critically looks at changes that have taken place in the role of forensic science in the remodeled Indian criminal justice system and how the modern law has deviated since the colonial laws. With the changing of reformatory model of justice to a more balanced one that suggests fairness and due process, the study lends weight to the increasing cases of clarity, consistency and control in the field of …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 5, 2025 · pp. 141–152 Read article
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3D Printing of Polymer-Based Functionally Graded Materials: Recent Developments and Challenges
Abstract: Additive manufacturing (AM), specifically 3D printing, has become a useful technique for fabricating functionally graded materials (FGMs) because it can facilitate the spatial distribution of materials. Polymer FGMs (P-FGMs) have gained a great deal of interest due to their lightweight, customizable, multifunctional properties. In comparison to conventional fabrication, 3D printing allows better control of composition and microstructure, which results in materials with controlled mechanical, thermal, and biological properties. This review …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 338–347 Read article
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Polymer Chemistry-Guided Development of Biomimetic Composite Scaffolds
Abstract: Polymer chemistry plays a fundamental role in advancing biomaterials for anatomical tissue engineering, particularly in the design of composite scaffolds that replicate the intrinsic characteristics of native tissues. The regeneration of damaged tissues, especially within anatomically complex structures such as bone, cartilage, and skin, necessitates biomaterials that closely emulate the hierarchical architecture and biological functions of native extracellular matrices (ECMs). The capacity to replicate both mechanical and biochemical cues of …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 7–13 Read article
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Polymer-Coated Composite Granules of Clarithromycin: Design, Characterization, and Functional Evaluation for Taste Masking and Antibacterial Performance
Abstract: Background: Masking the unpleasant taste of clarithromycin is essential to improve patient adherence, especially among pediatric and elderly groups. However, enhancing palatability while maintaining its antibacterial effectiveness remains a significant formulation challenge. This study focused on developing polymer-coated clarithromycin granules (B1–B10) using novel non-sugar-based polymers and assessing their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus Methods: Clarithromycin granules were produced using a fluidized bed coating technique with non-saccharide polymers, specifically Eudragit E-100 …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 1042–1050 Read article
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High-Performance Polymer Composite Membranes for Selective Ion Transport in Advanced Energy Conversion Systems
Abstract: The development of high-performance Polymer Composite Membranes (PCM) with enhanced ion transport is essential for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC). However, low-humidity conditions and filter agglomeration still limit long-term membrane stability. This research designs a functionalized PCM integrating cross-linked Poly (Vinyl Alcohol)/Poly (Ethylene Glycol) (PVA/PEG) matrix with sulfonic acid functional groups and Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) nanofillers to improve selective ion transport under low-humidity conditions. Two types of PCM were …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 724–736 Read article
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Bio-Inspired FGPCs for Biomedical and Structural Applications
Abstract: Bio-inspired functionally graded polymer composites (FGPCs) represent a new class of smart materials that use gradient material distributions to enhance mechanical and biological properties, mimicking natural systems like bones, shells, and plant stems. FGPCs exhibit smooth gradient distributions across interfaces, which improves biocompatibility and reduces the risk of failure under complex loading and environmental conditions. In this study, bio-inspired FGPCs were designed, fabricated, and validated using a combined experimental and …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 456–481 Read article
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Polymer Chemistry-Driven Design of a Severable Dental Prophylaxis Instrument: Leveraging PEEK and Composites for Enhanced Functionality
Abstract: Polymer chemistry unlocks new possibilities for dental prophylaxis instruments by leveraging molecular design for enhanced functionality. This study explores Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK), a semi-crystalline thermoplastic, in a novel instrument with a severable working end, featuring a tubular structure with internal screw threads (0.5–0.8 cm) anchoring replaceable elements via a threaded mechanism. PEEK’s aromatic backbone, alternating ether and ketone groups, yields a tensile strength of ~100 MPa, chemical inertness against …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 6, 2025 · pp. 869–877 Read article
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Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Through Polymeric Precursor Route and their Integration into Functional Nanocomposites
Abstract: A polymer precursor approach for creating zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with regulated size and shape is described in this work. By stabilising and capping particles, the polymer-assisted pathway efficiently reduces particle agglomeration while facilitating controlled nucleation and growth. The surface shape and dispersion of the produced ZnO nanoparticles were assessed using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). When compared to traditional synthesis techniques, the addition of polymer greatly enhanced surface homogeneity …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 883–890 Read article
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Thermal Conductivity and Energy Storage Performance of Paraffin Wax-Based Composites Reinforced with Amine Functionalized Graphene as a Nanofiller
Abstract: In this study, amine-functionalized graphene (AFG) was employed as a nanofiller/nanomaterial to enhance the thermal and structural properties of a paraffin wax (PW)-based polymeric composite, formulated as a phase change material (PCM). The PW/AFG composite was synthesized with varying nanofiller volume fractions (0.20%, 0.40%, 0.80%, and 1.60%), and its thermal conductivity, stability, and energy storage performance were systematically analyzed. The incorporation of AFG into the polymer matrix significantly improved the …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 5, 2025 · pp. 355–374 Read article
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Polymer-Based Ankle-Foot Orthoses: Innovations in Material Selection and Functional Enhancement
Abstract: Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are critical devices in rehabilitative therapy for patients with foot drop due to neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy. These conditions impair dorsiflexion, making walking difficult and increasing the risk of falls. Traditional AFOs, often made from rigid thermoplastics, provide support but limit flexibility and patient comfort. Recent advancements in polymer chemistry have introduced innovative materials that enhance the functionality, durability, and effectiveness …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 5, 2025 · pp. 49–55 Read article
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Polymer Chemistry and Composite Materials in Biomedical Applications
Abstract: The integration of polymer chemistry and composite materials has revolutionized biomedical applications. Recent advancements in polymer synthesis, functionalization, and nanotechnology have further expanded their applications, leading to significant improvements in biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical performance. These polymeric carriers protect bioactive compounds from enzymatic degradation, enable controlled drug release, and improve therapeutic efficacy. The integration of polymer chemistry with nanotechnology has enabled the development of highly efficient, targeted therapeutic systems that …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 4, 2025 · pp. 413–419 Read article