Hierarchical Circular Pathways in Polymers: Molecular Design to Systems Optimization

Editors: Dr. Garima Chauhan¹, Dr. Salar Tavakkol², and Dr. Patricia Dolez³,

Keywords: Circular Systems Engineering, Polymer Circularity, Chemical Recycling, Depolymerization, Process Intensification, Life Cycle Assessment, Sustainability Metrics, Digital Twins, Feedstock Heterogeneity

Aim of Special Issue

Current research on polymer circularity remains fragmented across length and time scales. Most studies focus on isolated recycling technologies or aggregated sustainability metrics that lack mechanistic resolution, leaving critical gaps in cross-scale integration, feedstock complexity, and predictive design frameworks.

This special issue advances the concept of hierarchical circular pathways, treating polymer circularity as an integrated, multi-scale system. The central objective is to establish a predictive, design-oriented framework connecting chemistry, engineering, and systems analysis to enable the rational development of scalable and effective circular polymer systems. 

Themes

Cluster 1: Molecular Engineering & Reaction Pathways 

Foundational science of circular transformations, emphasising predictive structure–reactivity–process relationships under realistic waste-stream conditions.

• - Design for controlled disassembly and closed-loop recovery
• - Depolymerization mechanisms (ionic, radical, catalytic) and kinetics
• - Structure–property–reactivity relationships (crystallinity, crosslinking, additives)
• - Solvent–polymer thermodynamics (phase equilibria, solubility, selective extraction)

Cluster 2: Advanced Recycling & Process Intensification

Integrated reaction engineering frameworks coupling feedstock heterogeneity with reaction–transport phenomena for scalable circular technologies.

• - Coupled reaction–transport-phase phenomena in heterogeneous recycling systems
• - Solvent-based separation and depolymerization
• - Thermochemical conversions (Pyrolysis, Gasification, etc.), catalytic recycling, hybrid mechanical–chemical pathways
• - Processing of complex streams (mixed fractions, multilayer, thermosets)
• - Intensified and modular process configurations

Cluster 3: Systems Engineering & Digitalization

Multi-scale, data-driven frameworks integrating molecular behaviour, process performance, and system-level optimization under uncertainty.

• - Circular supply chain and infrastructure design
• - Process systems engineering and superstructure optimization
• - Machine learning for sorting, degradation prediction, and process control
• - Digital twins and uncertainty quantification

Cluster 4: Sustainability Metrics & Policy Interfaces

Dynamic, mechanistically informed sustainability metrics that explicitly link material behaviour, process performance, and policy design.

• - Policy instruments (EPR, carbon pricing, recycled content)
• - Integrated TEA–LCA with process-level resolution
• - Exergy and second-law analysis of circular pathways
• - Dynamic and multi-cycle circularity metrics

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Contribution Types

Submissions are invited in the following formats: 

• - Research articles (theory-based or empirical)
• - Method-related papers (data models, analytical frameworks, tools)
• - Conceptual papers (strategic and forward-looking perspectives) 
• - Industry case studies demonstrating practical deployment and scalability (clearly linked to academic literature)

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Submission Guidelines

Extended Abstract should be submitted to the journal by emailing editor@circulareconomyjournal.org. Please include the name of all co-authors in submission.

Full manuscripts should be submitted via the journal’s online system , selecting “Hierarchical Circular Pathways in Polymers: Molecular Design to Systems Optimization”.

All submissions must adhere to the Journal of Circular Economy’s guidelines and terms including publication fees. Manuscripts should be prepared in accordance with the journal’s author guidelines. Submissions will undergo double-blind peer review. Both conceptual and empirical papers are welcome.

Format and word count

Review/Case Studies: 4,500–6,000 words
Research Papers: 3,500–6,000 words
Perspectives: 800–1,000 words

All word counts exclude tables, illustrations, and references.

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Submission Deadlines

Call for abstracts opens: 17 June 2026

Extended abstracts due (500–750 words): 30 September 2026

Full paper due: 28 February 2027

Expected publication: 30 June 2027 (rolling publication upon acceptance)

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Contact

Questions: editor@circulareconomyjournal.org

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