About this Research Topic
A material can be considered smart or intelligent if it can alter its properties reversibly in response to an external stimuli like light, pressure, temperature, electric or magnetic field, etc . By carefully designing the chemical structure of these polymers, researchers can tailor their responsiveness to specific stimuli and optimize their performance for various purposes. Moreover, the reversible nature of the stimulus-induced changes allows for precise control over the material's behavior, enabling applications that require dynamic responses or programmable functionalities. These materials have garnered significant interest across various fields due to their potential applications in areas ranging from biomedicine and drug delivery to sensing, textiles, and aerospace engineering.
Despite their promising potential, challenges remain in the development of smart polymers. Some of the key problems associated with smart polymers include: 1) Complex Synthesis route which can be time-consuming and expensive. Simplifying the synthesis of smart polymers while maintaining their functionality is a significant challenge in the field; 2) Limited Stimuli Responsiveness which may be limited to specific ranges or conditions therefore enhancing the range and sensitivity of stimuli responsiveness is crucial for expanding the utility of smart polymers; 3) Stability and Durability: Some smart polymers may undergo degradation or loss of functionality over time, particularly under harsh environmental conditions or in biological environments where long-term performance is essential, therefore this remains a significant challenge; 4) Scalability: Scaling up the production of smart polymers to meet industrial demands while maintaining consistent quality and performance poses a significant challenge; 5) Sustainability and recyclability: By integrating principles of sustainability and circular economy into the development and lifecycle management of smart materials, it is possible to mitigate their environmental impact and create a more sustainable future.
Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary collaboration between polymer chemists, materials scientists, biomedical engineers, and regulatory experts. Ongoing research efforts focused on overcoming these obstacles will be essential for unlocking the full potential of smart polymers and composites.
We welcome the submission of Original Research, Review, and Mini Review on themes including, but not limited to:
• Biobased smart polymers or composites
• Green and advanced synthesis methods
• Recyclable/degradable smart materials
• Long-time performance evaluation of smart materials
• Scalability of smart polymers/composites production
Despite their promising potential, challenges remain in the development of smart polymers. Some of the key problems associated with smart polymers include: 1) Complex Synthesis route which can be time-consuming and expensive. Simplifying the synthesis of smart polymers while maintaining their functionality is a significant challenge in the field; 2) Limited Stimuli Responsiveness which may be limited to specific ranges or conditions therefore enhancing the range and sensitivity of stimuli responsiveness is crucial for expanding the utility of smart polymers; 3) Stability and Durability: Some smart polymers may undergo degradation or loss of functionality over time, particularly under harsh environmental conditions or in biological environments where long-term performance is essential, therefore this remains a significant challenge; 4) Scalability: Scaling up the production of smart polymers to meet industrial demands while maintaining consistent quality and performance poses a significant challenge; 5) Sustainability and recyclability: By integrating principles of sustainability and circular economy into the development and lifecycle management of smart materials, it is possible to mitigate their environmental impact and create a more sustainable future.
Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary collaboration between polymer chemists, materials scientists, biomedical engineers, and regulatory experts. Ongoing research efforts focused on overcoming these obstacles will be essential for unlocking the full potential of smart polymers and composites.
We welcome the submission of Original Research, Review, and Mini Review on themes including, but not limited to:
• Biobased smart polymers or composites
• Green and advanced synthesis methods
• Recyclable/degradable smart materials
• Long-time performance evaluation of smart materials
• Scalability of smart polymers/composites production
Keywords: Smart materials, sustainability, green chemistry, external stimuli, scale-up
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
