Sustainable polymer and polymer-based composite materials for extreme conditions and demanding applications – A review on pushing boundaries in materials science

Abstract

The increase in the dynamics of environmental impact on manufacturing, application, and disposal of materials has led to the need for materials that suitably meet the desired properties. The demand for materials in the past and present has shown a self-motivated trend that will exponentially increase in the coming years. In recent times, polymers and their composites have played significant roles in this advancement due to their unique characteristics and impressive underlying science. This comprehensive assessment highlights polymers' revolutionary potential in tackling complicated engineering issues and pushing technical boundaries, resulting in more sustainable and innovative materials for future demands. This review delves into what distinguishes polymer-based materials from other classes of materials and their potential use in addressing environmental concerns that are beyond the capabilities of conventional materials. The study further explores the current advantages and limitations of polymeric materials. Polymer and polymer composites have received significant attention in several applications, such as deep-sea, aerospace, fireproof, medical, oil and gas, electronics, and automobile industries, where practical applicability in real-world challenges is encountered. The review also discusses forward-looking strategies that outline potential research options for overcoming present hurdles and improving polymer material performance for futuristic applications.