Guest Editorial for the Special Issue “Advances in High-Performance Polymeric Materials”

Abstract

High-performance polymeric materials are essential for technological advancements in electronics, aerospace, automotive engineering, biomedicine and sustainable manufacturing. Characterized by outstanding mechanical strength, lightweight structures, superior thermal stability, electrical performance and multifunctionality, these advanced materials effectively address rigorous industrial demands. This Special Issue carefully compiles sixteen high-quality articles, including original research and critical reviews, which collectively demonstrate recent advancements in polymer composites, innovative foaming techniques, multifunctional fibers, responsive sensors, energy-harvesting materials, optimized polymer blends and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding composites. Each article provides detailed experimental findings, clearly defined structure-property relationships and precise processing methods, demonstrating significant potential for practical applications.

Several studies in this collection specifically focused on structural optimization strategies for polymeric foams, highlighting critical improvements in mechanical and structural performance. For instance, Zhai et al. utilized supercritical nitrogen (N₂)/carbon dioxide (CO₂) foaming techniques to fabricate ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/olefin block copolymer (OBC) foams, significantly enhancing rebound resilience, dimensional stability, and mechanical properties, particularly making them suited for cushioning and footwear applications (adem.202500320). Wang et al. further advanced polymeric foam research by developing double-layered polylactic acid (PLA)-based nanocomposite foams, which exhibited improved mechanical strength and lightweight characteristics advantageous for automotive and structural components (adem.202402348).

To further improve cellular structures, Geng et al. employed chain-extension strategies to substantially improve the cellular morphology and mechanical stability of thermoplastic polyether amide elastomer foams. This development extends their potential applications into mechanically demanding environments (adem.202403005). In a related study, Huang et al. demonstrated that combining poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with chain extenders significantly enhanced the stability, expansion ratio, and mechanical strength of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) foams, thereby addressing critical challenges in biodegradable polymer applications (adem.202500302). Concurrently, innovative filler strategies have played a crucial role in optimizing cellular morphology and performance. Kuang et al. effectively incorporated hollow metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into polystyrene (PS) foams via supercritical CO₂ foaming, achieving enhancements in cell density, uniformity, and mechanical properties, beneficial for insulation and structural applications (adem.202500464). Also, Sun et al. investigated the potential of polysiloxane-polyether surfactants in the context of rigid polyimide (PI) foams, achieving optimization of cellular structures and mechanical performance that renders them suitable for utilization as high-end aerospace insulation materials (adem.202500284).

Another focus of this issue involved polymer composites with EMI shielding and sensing abilities. Liao et al. fabricated thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) foams reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), significantly enhancing EMI shielding and mechanical energy absorption properties, ideal for electronic packaging and protective equipment (adem.202402864). Meanwhile, Hu et al. developed highly sensitive microcellular piezoresistive sensors based on poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/polyether block amide (PBAT/PEBA) blends with MWCNTs, exhibiting excellent sensitivity and durability suitable for wearable electronic applications (adem.202500210). Moreover, Zhou et al. designed acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) foams reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), introducing bimodal cell structures via supercritical CO₂ foaming to significantly enhance electrical conductivity and EMI shielding performance, thus bridging structural optimization with functional enhancement (adem.202402066). In addition to these experimental investigations, Wujcik et al. (adem.202500384) presented a comprehensive review summarizing recent progress in MXene-based electrospun polymer fibers for EMI shielding. They highlighted intrinsic conductivity, internal scattering capabilities, and strong electromagnetic absorption properties of MXene, emphasizing how electrospinning effectively integrates MXene into polymer fibers. These composite fibers offer distinct advantages, including lightweight characteristics, mechanical flexibility, and outstanding shielding effectiveness, providing insightful perspectives for future research directions in EMI shielding polymer composites.

Systematic attention was also paid to energy-harvesting polymeric materials. Chen et al. developed coupled nanogenerators based on electrospun porous polyurethane/polyvinylidene fluoride–zinc oxide (PU/PVDF–ZnO) nanofibers, demonstrating excellent mechanical flexibility, stable piezoelectric outputs, and promising potential for wearable self-powered electronics (adem.202500549). Furthermore, advanced composite fibers combining thermal insulation and mechanical durability were explored. Tan et al. fabricated aramid III/polyvinyl alcohol fibers via wet-spinning, achieving enhanced mechanical robustness, moisture resistance, and thermal insulation properties beneficial for protective textiles and related applications (adem.202500148). Concurrently, Wang et al. rigorously investigated flame-retardant polymer composites incorporating phosphorus- and nitrogen-modified halloysite derivatives, significantly enhancing flame retardancy while maintaining the mechanical integrity required for safety-critical applications (adem.202500291). Optimized polymer blends also demonstrated substantial potential within this Issue. Zhang et al. introduced a robust core-shell morphology within polyamide 6/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/styrene ethylene butylene styrene (PA6/ABS/SEBS) blends, notably improving toughness and impact resistance, thereby expanding their application potential in demanding industrial environments (adem.202402110).

Finally, sustainable biomass-derived composites received significant attention, emphasizing environmental sustainability and practical applicability. Hedenqvist et al. developed vacuum-formed polyolefin composites containing high-content biomass fillers such as wood powder and oat husk, significantly enhancing mechanical properties and dimensional stability through optimized filler–matrix interactions, thus supporting sustainable manufacturing approaches (adem.202500334). Huang et al. systematically optimized biomass-based melamine composite tableware formulations, effectively minimizing melamine and formaldehyde emissions, thereby significantly enhancing consumer safety and sustainability (adem.202500236).

Collectively, these articles, which have been meticulously selected for their rigour and relevance, exemplify rigorous methodologies, clearly defined structure–property relationships, precise processing strategies, and substantial practical implications. This Special Issue has yielded several promising future research directions, including the continuous refinement of polymer foam technologies, further development of multifunctional EMI shielding and sensing composites, advancements in energy-harvesting polymeric materials, and intensified investigation into sustainable biomass-derived polymer composites. Each of these areas offers significant technological and environmental benefits.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all authors and reviewers for their rigorous and valuable contributions, which have significantly enhanced the quality of the manuscripts. It is anticipated that this Special Issue will provide valuable insights and stimulate continued interdisciplinary collaborations, thereby driving further advancements within the vibrant field of high-performance polymeric materials.