Degradation and Stabilization of Polymer Materials 2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

This proposed Special Issue aims to delve into the intricate degradation processes of various polymers, from their creation, through their use and, finally, to their possible transformation into microplastics, shedding light on the importance of natural and artificial plastic ageing, with a particular focus on the influential role of UV radiation in the breakdown of plastics into microplastics and the further breakdown of microplastics into nanoplastics.

To research the recycling processes used for polymers and circular economy activities with the aim to protect nature, polymer/microplastic’s impact on the environment, possibly through a life cycle assessment, and an evaluation of terrestrial and aquatic organisms’ impacts are crucial.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the complex processes in the degradation of various polymers, with special emphasis on the identification, characterization and investigation of the impact of microplastics on the environment.

Highlights of this Special Issue:

1. Revealing the mechanisms of polymer degradation, which include the investigation of natural and artificial ageing processes, which thus contribute to the formation of microplastics and even nanoplastics.
2. Analysis of the role of UV radiation and other natural factors in the degradation of plastics from larger polymer structures into microplastics and further into nanoplastics.
3. Research into the polymer recycling processes and circular economy activities aimed at protecting nature with a focus on investigating the impact of polymers/microplastics on the environment, including the use of a life cycle assessment methodology to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the ecological footprint associated with the different stages of production, use and disposal of polymers.
4. Research into the impacts of polymer degradation, recycling and circular economy activities on living organisms (terrestrial and aquatic).
5. Discussion of the implications of the research findings for conservation efforts and environmental policy. 

By addressing these key aspects, this Special Issue aims to contribute valuable insights into the complexities of polymer degradation and recycling and circular economy activities.

This Special Issue aims to contribute to a better understanding of the impact of microplastics on sustainability policy, on environmental, climate and other changes, and to offer insights that can inform future research and policy decisions.

Dr. Branka Mušič
Prof. Dr. Mariaenrica Frigione
Dr. Barbara Horvat
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• provide a comprehensive overview of the life cycle of polymers, from production to their environmental consequences
• assess the environmental impact of plastics and microplastics on ecosystems
• research the impact of UV radiation and other natural factors on the aging of plastic and its subsequent breakdown into micro- and nanoplastics
• provide insights into the impact of plastics/microplastics on the implications of different mitigation strategies through recycling and the circular economy