Advances in High Performance Polymers and Composites Materials: Development Opportunities

Abstract

The development of high-performance polymers continues to grow in both academia and industry due to their numerous benefits for society and diverse commercial potential. Further, polymer materials with varied functional properties can be modified through blends and composites to enhance their performance. The unique functional, thermal, and mechanical characteristics, along with the ease of processing, have created new opportunities for product applications in various sectors, including packaging, agriculture, energy, automobiles, infrastructure, retail, aerospace, defense, and other growing industries. This review primarily focuses on the scientific and technological advances in high-performance materials such as polyolefins and elastomers, as well as their composites. Furthermore, it addresses the environmental concerns arising from plastic mismanagement, emphasizing sustainability aspects, including the circular economy and the development of biodegradable, bio-compostable and bio-based polymers. The review also discusses new directions in polymer science and engineering, such as life cycle management, flexible manufacturing, and the integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning to accelerate sustainable development.