Innovations in Polymer Chemistry for Smart Composite Materials in Building Applications

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 05 | Page : 699 707
    By

    Sarvesh P. S. Rajput,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

Driven by the need to reduce maintenance costs and environmental impacts, researchers have developed smart polymers that not only sense damage but also autonomously respond to external stimuli such as temperature, mechanical stress, and light. In the built environment, these advanced polymers—particularly shape memory polymers (SMPs)—offer unique self-healing, self-sensing, and adaptive properties that enhance the durability, safety, and energy efficiency of structures. The emergence of smart polymers marks a significant advancement in material science, allowing engineers to integrate functionalities such as self-healing, shape memory, and responsive adaptability to environmental changes. This paper reviews the current state of polymer-based smart materials, examines the underlying chemistry that enables their function, and explores their integration in construction applications. Key developments include polymer nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties, bio-based polymers that support sustainability, and multifunctional coatings that provide improved weather resistance. Emphasis is placed on how polymeric composites can contribute to sustainable building practices by reducing material waste, improving energy efficiency, and mitigating structural damage caused by environmental stressors. As the construction industry seeks innovative solutions to enhance resilience and sustainability, polymer-based smart materials present a promising avenue for future development. By leveraging advances in polymer chemistry, researchers and engineers can revolutionize building materials, leading to more intelligent, adaptable, and eco-friendly infrastructure.

Keywords: Smart polymers, composite materials, polymer chemistry, sustainable construction, self-healing composites.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer and Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Sarvesh P. S. Rajput. Innovations in Polymer Chemistry for Smart Composite Materials in Building Applications. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):699-707.
How to cite this URL:
Sarvesh P. S. Rajput. Innovations in Polymer Chemistry for Smart Composite Materials in Building Applications. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):699-707. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=214616


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Special Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 13
Special Issue 05
Received 28/02/2025
Accepted 08/04/2025
Published 24/06/2025
Publication Time 116 Days
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