The Polymers 2027 topics/ themes are:
Sustainable Polymer Chemistry, Synthesis and Molecular Design
This session will focus on advances in polymer chemistry, molecular design and synthesis strategies for developing innovative materials with tailored properties, improved performance and reduced environmental impact.
Topics include:
- Green chemistry and sustainable polymer synthesis
- Polymerisation mechanisms, kinetics, catalysis and reaction engineering
- Bio-based monomers, renewable feedstocks and alternative raw materials
- Macromolecular architecture, controlled polymerisation and precision synthesis
- Polymer physics and structure–property relationships
- Functionalisation, surface modification and polymer interfaces
- Supramolecular polymers, self-assembly and dynamic polymer networks
Biopolymers, Bio-Based Plastics and Renewable Materials
This session will explore the development, characterisation and applications of polymers derived from biological resources and renewable feedstocks, including opportunities to improve material performance and support sustainable production.
Topics include:
- Bio-based polymers and plastics from renewable resources
- Natural polymers, including cellulose, starch, lignin, chitin, proteins and polysaccharides
- Biodegradable and compostable polymers, including PLA, PHA and related materials
- Microbial polymers, fermentation-derived materials and biopolymer production
- Biopolymer blends, composites and nanocomposites
- Modification, functionalisation and performance enhancement of biopolymers
- Bio-based films, coatings, fibres and sustainable packaging
- Biopolymer processing, scale-up and industrial applications
Polymer Recycling, Circular Economy and Waste Valorisation
This session will address technologies and strategies for improving polymer circularity, recovering valuable resources and transforming polymer waste into useful materials and products.
Topics include:
- Mechanical recycling and performance optimisation of recycled polymers
- Chemical recycling, depolymerisation and monomer recovery
- Polymer upcycling and conversion of plastic waste into value-added materials
- Sorting, separation and purification of complex polymer waste streams
- Compatibilisation, recycled polymer blends and composite materials
- Design for recyclability, reuse, repair and circular product development
- Waste valorisation and the use of secondary raw materials
- Circular economy strategies, resource efficiency and industrial implementation
Sustainable Polymer Processing, Composites and Advanced Manufacturing
This session will focus on processing technologies, material engineering and manufacturing innovations that enhance polymer performance while improving energy efficiency, resource utilisation and production sustainability.
Topics include:
- Sustainable polymer processing, extrusion, injection moulding and reactive processing
- Polymer rheology and processing–structure–property relationships
- Additive manufacturing, 3D printing and 4D printing of polymeric materials
- Bio-based composites, natural-fibre reinforcement and hybrid materials
- Polymer nanocomposites and lightweight structural materials
- Sustainable coatings, membranes, films and surface engineering
- Energy-efficient processing, process optimisation and manufacturing digitalisation
- Industrial scale-up, advanced manufacturing and technology transfer
Sustainable Polymers for Packaging, Energy, Healthcare and Advanced Applications
This session will highlight the development and application of polymer materials in established and emerging technologies, addressing functional performance, innovation and sustainability challenges across industrial sectors.
Topics include:
- Sustainable packaging, barrier materials and functional polymer films
- Polymer materials for batteries, fuel cells and energy storage and conversion
- Polymers for hydrogen technologies and renewable energy systems
- Polymer membranes for water purification, separation and resource recovery
- Biomedical polymers, biomaterials and controlled drug delivery
- Conductive polymers, flexible electronics and polymer-based sensors
- High-performance polymer composites for transportation, construction and engineering
- Smart, functional and multifunctional polymers for emerging applications
Biodegradation, Environmental Performance and Life-Cycle Sustainability
This session will examine polymer degradation, environmental behaviour and sustainability assessment, with emphasis on reliable testing methods, life-cycle impacts and responsible end-of-life management.
Topics include:
- Polymer degradation mechanisms, biodegradation pathways and environmental transformation
- Biodegradability testing, compostability and standardised assessment methods
- Environmental fate of polymers in soil, freshwater and marine environments
- Polymer ageing, weathering and long-term material performance
- Microplastics, polymer fragmentation and environmental impact assessment
- Life-cycle assessment (LCA), carbon footprint and resource-efficiency analysis
- Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) approaches and sustainability indicators
- End-of-life strategies, environmental standards and responsible material development
