The International Journal for the Science and Technology of Polymers

Polymer is an interdisciplinary journal dedicated to publishing innovative and significant advances in Polymer Physics, Chemistry and Technology. We welcome submissions on polymer hybrids, nanocomposites, characterisation and self-assembly. Polymer also publishes work on the technological application of polymers in energy and optoelectronics.

The main scope is covered but not limited to the following core areas:

Polymer Materials

    Nanocomposites and hybrid nanomaterials
    Polymer blends, films, fibres, networks and porous materials

Physical Characterization

    Characterisation, modelling and simulation* of molecular and materials properties in bulk, solution, and thin films

Polymer Engineering

    Advanced multiscale processing methods

Polymer Synthesis, Modification and Self-assembly

    Including designer polymer architectures, mechanisms and kinetics, and supramolecular polymerization

Technological Applications

    Polymers for energy generation and storage
    Polymer membranes for separation technology
    Polymers for opto- and microelectronics

*Theory and simulation papers should include or reference previously published experimental results.

Special Issue on honor of Claudio De Rosa on the occasion of his 65th birthday and 40 years of research activity
Submission Date: 2025-06-30

This special issue is in honor of Claudio De Rosa on the occasion of his 65th birthday and 40 years of research activity.This issue will compile contributions focused on semi-crystalline polymers, their synthesis and crystallization behavior with a special focus on the relationship between structure and properties. It will explore areas that have been central to Prof. De Rosa 's research over the past forty years, including polymer crystal structure, nanostructures based on block copolymers and polymer (nano)composites.

Manuscript submission information:

Open for Submission: from 13 February 2025 to 30 June 2025Submission Site: Editorial Manager®
Article Type Name: "VSI: Honoring C. De Rosa" - please select this item when you submit manuscripts online.

All manuscripts will be peer-reviewed. Submissions will be evaluated based on originality, significance, technical quality, and clarity. Once accepted, articles will be posted online immediately and published in a journal regular issue within weeks. Articles will also be simultaneously collected in the online special issue.

For any inquiries about the appropriateness of contribution topics, welcome to contact Leading Guest Editor.

For more information about our Journal, please visit our ScienceDirect Page: Polymer.

Keywords:

    polymer crystal structure
    polymer crystallization
    polymer synthesis
    polymer morphology
    mechanical properties of semicrystalline polymers
    application of crystalline polymers 
    computer simulation
    block copolymers

Special Issue on Latest research advances in polymer blends science
Submission Date: 2025-06-30

Polymer blends were the subject of intense research in the 70's and 80's, and are now well established in many application sectors. This initial research, and that which has continued to develop since, has enabled us to define fundamental concepts, deploy both experimental and theoretical methodologies, and design highly original polymer blends or multiphase polymer materials. This research concerns all scales: 1/ molecular, with the use of numerous macromolecular chemistries for the polymers themselves but also at the interfaces; 2/ nanometric, calling on thermodynamic or self-assembly mechanisms for example; 3/ micrometric, focusing for example on rheological behavior and the parameters of processing and shaping processes. It is by mobilizing chemistry, physical chemistry and physics that polymer blends can respond to multiple functions and uses.At the 'Polymer Blends-Eurofillers 2025' European Conference, it was shown that ground-breaking research was being carried out, involving new concepts and unexpected experimental and theoretical approaches, drawing on new tools in chemistry, rheology and physics, as well as new processes. It was also shown that research is particularly interested in the circularity of polymer blends and in low environmental footprint design approaches.

Guest editors:

Jean-Francois Gerard, Ingénierie des Matériaux Polymères, Villeurbanne, France

Manuscript submission information:

Guest Editor Invitation Only

Open for Submission: from 20 February 2025 to 20 June 2025 

Special Issue on Protective and Functional Polymer Coatings from Sustainable and Renewable Materials
Submission Date: 2025-06-30

This special issue highlights cutting-edge research on functional polymer coatings derived from or containing sustainable, renewable, and biobased materials. Fundamental, computational, and scientific investigations into polymer synthesis and characterization, surface adhesion, barrier performance, interfacial properties, protection mechanisms, and thermal, mechanical, and electrical/electrochemical stability are of key interest. By integrating green approaches with high-performance polymer materials, this issue addresses critical challenges in extending coating durability and functionality in diverse and demanding applications, while reducing the environmental impact.

Guest editors:

Eugene Caldona, North Dakota State University, Fargo, United States

Andriy Voronov, North Dakota State University, Fargo, United States

Manuscript submission information:
Guest Editor Invitation Only
Open for Submission: from 15 January 2025 to 30 June 2025

Special Issue on Transport in Polymer Membranes for Sustainability and Decarbonization
Submission Date: 2025-07-28

Chemical Separations are essential to modern society. Without separations, our access to clean water, air, food, energy and medicine is critically restricted. Because of their energy efficiency and versatility, membrane-based separations have the potential to help address grand technical challenges in sustainability and decarbonization. Developing next-generation polymer membranes with high selectivity, permeability and robust performance requires an in-depth understanding of the interplay between polymer structure and molecular transport. This Special Issue will address various topics related to molecular design strategies for polymer membranes as well as the emerging applications, including design, processing, theory, simulation, characterization and device testing.

Guest editors:

Hee Jeung Oh, Penn State College of Engineering, University Park, United States
Yuanqiao Rao, The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, United States
Lin Zhao, The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, United States

Manuscript submission information:

Guest Editor Invitation Only
Open for Submission: from 27 January 2025 to 28 July 2025

Special Issue on Nonlinear Polymers
Submission Date: 2025-09-01

This Special Issue involves all polymers that have a branching point (dendrimers, hyperbranched polymers, comb polymers, star polymers) as well as cyclic polymers. The Special Issue will include physical properties and potential applications, as well as the synthesis and characterization of these complex polymers.

Guest editors:

Scott Grayson, Tulane University School of Science and Engineering, New Orleans, United States
Daniel Savin, University of Florida, Gainsville, United States
Julia Ham, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, United States

Manuscript submission information:

Guest Editor Invitation Only

Open for Submission: from 25 March 2025 to 1 September 2025

Special Issue on Mechanics of bond breaking: from single molecules to polymer networks
Submission Date: 2025-09-15

Bond breaking and reforming have a determining influence on the mechanical and rheological properties of polymer materials and are crucial features to understand and control. These molecular level processes have an impact across different length scales up to the macroscopic level, and it is therefore essential to establish links between these different length scales. However, correlating bulk mechanical performances with the nanomechanical properties of individual molecular constituents remains a major challenge. This special issue aims thus to collect contributions from scientists working at different length scales, from single molecules to bulk materials.

Guest editors:

Charles-André Fustin, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
Christian Clasen, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Anne-Sophie Duwez, Université de Liège, Liege, Belgium

Manuscript submission information:

Guest Editor Invitation Only

Open for Submission: from 15 February 2025 to 15 September 2025

Special Issue on EPF 2025: Leading Research from Established Labs and Future Faculty
Submission Date: 2025-10-31

The Special Issue will present Leading Research from Established Labs and Future Faculty at EPF 2025.

Guest editors:

Alejandro J.Müller, Universidad del Pais Vasco, Leioa, Spain
Katja Loos, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
Michael Silverstein, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel

Manuscript submission information:

Editor Invitation Only

Open for Submission: from 1 May 2025 to 31 October 2025.