Open Access
REVIEW
Christy Sam Sabu1, Pratap Kalita2, Swarup Roy1,3,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.080520
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Investigation of Advancing Key Characteristics in Bio-polymer Food Packaging Materials)
Abstract Active packaging systems, which react either with the environment or with the food itself, are a new addition to traditional food packaging to improve food preservation. Consumer demand for natural foods with minimal processing has resulted in the integration of natural compounds, including catechins, which are polyphenolic compounds abundant in numerous sources like green tea, cocoa, berries, etc. These compounds are considered bioactive agents due to their high antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory potential. This review comprehensively analyzes catechin-based active packaging, covering catechin sources, physicochemical and biological properties, and fabrication techniques. It also evaluates the functional… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Gen Li1,2, Shuhan Liu2, Junhao Cheng2, Ting He2, Zhihong Chen1,*, Baoyang Lu1,2,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.079972
Abstract Hydrogel strain sensors are widely used in wearable electronics, human-machine interfaces, flexible electronics, owing to their ability to convert mechanical deformation into electrical signals. This function requires sensor materials to possess both high compliance and electrical conductivity. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) has emerged as an ideal candidate for hydrogel strain sensors due to its soft and flexible mechanical properties, tunable mechanical performance, mixed ionic-electronic conductivity, and excellent processability. Although extensive research has been conducted on PEDOT:PSS-based hydrogel strain sensors, there is currently no systematic review that elucidates the translation pathway from high-performance materials design and advanced fabrication More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Lei Zeng1, Wei Wei1,2, Liu Yang1, Zhihong Wang1,*, Qiaoguang Li2,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.079607
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Polymer Materials: Multifunctional Design and Sustainable Applications)
Abstract Natural polymers (NPs) are widely distributed in plants, animals, and microorganisms. They can be classified into three habitat-based groups, namely terrestrial polymers, marine polymers, and extreme natural polymers. This review summarizes their structural features, environmental adaptation mechanisms, and functional attributes. It also outlines the evolution of extraction technologies from traditional acid–alkali and mechanical methods to modern green solvent systems. The roles of physical modification and chemical derivatization in performance regulation and functional enhancement are examined. Artificial intelligence methods are introduced to support structure–property prediction, formulation design, and process optimization. Molecular dynamics and other computational approaches More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Mingwei Ren1,2, Xiangchi Hou3, Xinyang Peng3, Yujing Zhou1, Kewei Gao2, Yunbo Chen1,*, Hong Qiu3, Hua Bai3, Xiaolan Hu3,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.080324
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Structure, Design and Mechanism of Flight Composite Materials)
Abstract During the preparation of carbon fiber reinforced carbon matrix (C/C) composites from resin based precursors, the glassy carbon derived from resin pyrolysis is difficult to graphitize into an ordered structure during carbonization and graphitization, which adversely affects the performance of C/C composites. To enhance the transformation of resin-derived carbon into an ordered structure, we employed a structurally ordered graphene-based material to modify a phenolic resin/carbon fiber precursor and designed two composite modification structures that are straightforward to implement in processing. The internal microstructure of the composites was characterized by XRD and SEM. The results indicate More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Bungo Ochiai*, Yuji Kamachi, Yoshimasa Matsumura#
Journal of Polymer Materials, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.078288
Abstract Epoxy-acrylate hybrid systems are extensively employed in adhesives, coatings, and composites; however, conventional formulations often rely on toxic monomers such as glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). This study introduces a sequentially curable epoxy-acrylate hybrid system based on novel hybrid monomers containing both glycidate and acrylate groups, synthesized via the partial oxidation of a diacrylate. Radical polymerization of monomers with a glycidate content exceeding 80% yielded viscous prepolymers consisting of epoxy-functionalized polymers and residual low-molecular-weight glycidates. These prepolymers were subsequently cured with amines at ambient temperature to form crosslinked networks. The gel fraction exceeded 90% when cured with More >
Graphic Abstract
Open Access
REVIEW
Gaziza Zhussipnazarova1, Reshmy Rajasekharan2, Sachin Kalumkumvathukkal Sajeev3, Jijo Thomas Koshy3, Dhanaraj Sangeetha3, Rekha Unni4, Raveendran Sindhu5, Akmaral Darmenbayeva1, Mohammed Kuddus6,7,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.075396
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Cellulose and Nanocellulose in Polymer Composites: Sustainable Engineering Approach)
Abstract It takes centuries for chemically reinforced, short-term designed plastics to decompose naturally. Despite this, there has been a significant surge in plastics production recently, accounting for a considerable part of the total historical output. Forecasts indicate that plastics production could reach unprecedented levels if this trend continues. However, increasing environmental concerns and stricter waste regulations have intensified research into biodegradable alternatives. As a result, there is a growing shift toward sustainable polymeric systems capable of replacing conventional petroleum-based plastics. One such class of promising and renewable materials is cellulose-chitosan bioplastic. This review provides an in-depth… More >
Graphic Abstract
Open Access
REVIEW
Xingdan Wang1,#, Yuheng Du1,#, Xinyue Zhang1, Yifei Li1, Renmeng Liu1, Lei Yang1, Edward Ramsey2, Zhongliang Jiang1,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.080578
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Polymer Materials for Tissue Engineering and Cell Encapsulation)
Abstract Polymeric hydrogels are three-dimensional hydrophilic macromolecular networks capable of retaining varying amounts of water, similar to the extracellular matrix (ECM). To effectively translate these materials into therapeutic actions, it is of importance to control their molecular design, structural architecture, and physical dimensions, ensuring that these factors are strictly optimized to meet the demands of therapeutic applications. Existing reviews mainly focus on specific hydrogel aspects, but there is a gap in translating hydrogel miniaturization into therapeutic potential. This review highlights developments in hydrogel miniaturization, focusing on microfluidic strategies for precise microgel control. Miniaturized hydrogels improve cell-material More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Mazaher Salamat-Talab1,*, Hossein Kazemi1,2, Mehdi Safari1
Journal of Polymer Materials, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.074982
Abstract Polymeric composite laminate materials have gained a prominent position in advanced industries because of their outstanding mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. However, the lack of through-thickness reinforcement and the stress inconsistencies at the fiber-matrix interface result in weak out-of-plane properties and increase the delamination likelihood. Delamination is often a concealed form of damage that significantly diminishes the mechanical properties and long-term durability of laminated composites. Therefore, it is essential to recognize that, due to the significant shear stresses encountered in practical applications, a thorough understanding of delamination behavior under mode II loading is necessary. Also,… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Debosmita Karar1,*, Ashit Kumar Pramanick2, Mallar Ray3
Journal of Polymer Materials, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.078127
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Cellulose and Nanocellulose in Polymer Composites: Sustainable Engineering Approach)
Abstract Experimental preparation of graphene like 2D silicon is a great challenge due to the dominant sp3 hybridization in silicon. We have synthesized quasi 2D crystalline silicon nanosheets by topochemical exfoliation of layered Zintl phases, which bear signatures of properties predicted theoretically. Quasi-two-dimensional silicon nanosheets were uniformly dispersed within a conducting polyaniline matrix to fabricate solid-state nanocomposites with varying silicon loadings. The resulting polyaniline–quasi-2D silicon composites were systematically examined for their structural characteristics and optical emission behavior. Notably, the nanocomposites exhibit intense photoluminescence at room temperature, with an emission efficiency significantly higher than that of pristine quasi-2D More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Muhammad Mudassar1, Lei Cai1, Qi Zhang2, Deng’an Cai1,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.080344
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Structure, Design and Mechanism of Flight Composite Materials)
Abstract In this work, a comprehensive numerical study of the low-velocity impact (LVI) behavior of QUAD laminates vs. Double-Double (DD) stacking sequences has been performed. Finite element models were drawn, and analyses carried out in Abaqus/Explicit employing continuum shell elements (SC8R) for the plies, cohesive elements (COH3D8) for the delamination interfaces, and the built-in Hashin damage criterion for intralaminar failure. Two different impact energies (50 and 100 J) were applied using a hemispherical impactor mass of 6.25 kg, and the impact histories were investigated in force-time, displacement-time, and energy-absorption responses. The QUAD layup provided the stiffest… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Esam Bashir Yahya*
Journal of Polymer Materials, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.075913
Abstract Biopolymer–microbe interactions have emerged as a central theme in the development of sustainable materials and next-generation therapeutic strategies. This work provides a critical and integrative analysis of recent advances in biopolymer-based systems designed to modulate microbial behavior, with particular emphasis on antimicrobial activity, biofilm regulation, and host–microbe compatibility. Unlike conventional reviews that primarily catalogue existing studies, this manuscript systematically evaluates the mechanistic foundations governing polymer–microbe interactions, highlighting how physicochemical properties such as surface chemistry, porosity, charge distribution, and biodegradability influence microbial adhesion, virulence, and resistance patterns. Recent experimental evidence demonstrates that rationally engineered biopolymers especially More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Qing Yang1, Yi Yang2,*, Jia Yang3,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.077474
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Polymer Materials in Controlled Drug Delivery)
Abstract The pathological progression of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is closely associated with synovial inflammation and a microenvironment characterized by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). Celecoxib (CEL), a commonly used cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor suffers from poor targeting and systemic side effects when administered systemically. To achieve precise drug delivery and synergistic therapy at the joint lesion site, this study designed and synthesized an amphiphilic poly (2-oxazoline) block copolymer (POxSP) with a thioketal-based ROS-responsive linker. This polymer was used to construct intelligent nanoparticles (POxSP-CEL) loaded with CEL. These nanoparticles self-assembled in aqueous solution to form spherical structures with an… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Shahidul Islam1, Md. Abdul Jalil2,*, Marija Kodric3, Zorica Erakovic4, Md. Byzed Hasan5
Journal of Polymer Materials, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.075107
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Cellulose and Nanocellulose in Polymer Composites: Sustainable Engineering Approach)
Abstract This systematic review critically evaluates the mechanical performance, durability, processing routes, and industrial applicability of sisal fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in relation to their readiness for wider engineering and industrial implementation. The review analyzes and summarizes science articles published 2020, 2025 to identify the performance trends, technical limitations, and techno, economic constraints influencing the application of these composites. A PRISMA, based approach was implemented, which included systematic searches of Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar by using pre, set keywords, inclusion criteria, and clear screening procedures, to ensure reproducibility and quality control.… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Norlela Manja Ahmad1, Farisha Irdina Muhammad Ridzuan1, Nur Farisha Sulthan Hussain1, Siti Zafirah Zainal Abidin1,2,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.078419
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Innovative Smart Polymeric Materials for Sustainable Energy Solutions: Bridging Advances in Energy and Biomedical Applications)
Abstract Materials sustainability is becoming increasingly important across advanced technologies, driving the development of environmentally friendly electrolyte systems. In this work, biopolymer electrolytes were prepared using Phytagel as the host polymer and varying concentrations of sodium perchlorate (NaClO4) as the dopant salt via the solution-casting method for sodium-ion battery applications. The prepared biopolymer electrolytes were characterised using various techniques to assess changes in their morphology and electrical performance. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms the crystalline/amorphous nature of the prepared biopolymer electrolytes, and the membrane with 40 wt.% NaClO4 exhibits a high degree of amorphousness. Peak-deconvoluted XRD analysis confirms… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Rabiatul Akashah Rusli1, Siti Zafirah Zainal Abidin1,2,*, Nur Farisha Sulthan Hussain1, Siti Rudhziah Che Balian3
Journal of Polymer Materials, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.077915
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Innovative Smart Polymeric Materials for Sustainable Energy Solutions: Bridging Advances in Energy and Biomedical Applications)
Abstract The urgent demand for sustainable energy materials aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 has intensified interest in biopolymer electrolytes (BPEs). Many non-polysaccharide biopolymers exhibit low ionic conductivity and weak salt dissociation at room temperature, limiting their performance in sodium-ion energy storage devices. Polysaccharides such as guar gum provide abundant coordination sites that can enhance Na+ transport. This study investigates the electrical, structural, and electronic behaviour of guar gum–sodium perchlorate (guar gum–NaClO4) BPEs to establish structure–transport relationships. Biopolymer electrolyte films were prepared via solution casting using guar gum (0.5 g) with NaClO4 at six salt… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Peishuai Xing1, Xiaodong Guo2, Yang Wang1,*, Sixi Zha1, Zeting Chen3, Shicheng Shen1, Bin He2, Tianyun Li2, Yuning Zhao2
Journal of Polymer Materials, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.077304
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Functional Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
Abstract In the fabrication of microelectronic devices, polyimide (PI) is often patterned through plasma etching. However, the relationship between its etching behavior and the precursor processing technology has not been systematically revealed. In this paper, PMDA-ODA type PI was selected as the research object. For the first time, the effects of two film-forming processes, freeze drying (FD) and thermal drying (TD), on the microstructure of PI films and their O2 plasma etching behavior were systematically compared. By means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and water contact angle testing,… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Biao Liu1, Xin Wei1, Zexin Lin1, Peiyu Cui1, Junlong Yao1, Xiaobo Ye2, Bin Fang2, Yani Guo1,*, Yimin Sun1,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.077831
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Sustainable Development and Multifunctional Application of Cellulose Composites)
Abstract This study reports a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-assisted surface functionalization strategy to achieve colloidal stabilization of rod-shaped ZnO nanorods and their uniform integration into Lyocell fibers via dry-jet wet spinning. ZnO nanorods are prone to aggregation due to high surface energy, limiting their antibacterial efficacy. We demonstrate that PEG molecules adsorb onto ZnO surfaces through hydrogen bonding and coordination, providing steric stabilization that prevents agglomeration and ensures homogeneous dispersion in the spinning dope. The optimized composite fiber with 3 wt% ZnO exhibits balanced performance, delivering inhibition rates above 95% against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, while retaining over… More >
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