When Polymers Meet Boundaries: Governing Structure, Dynamics, Transport, and Function Across Interfaces and Confinement

Polymers increasingly function in environments where interfaces, confinement, and hierarchical structures dominate their behavior rather than the bulk material itself. From nanometer-thick dielectric layers in advanced semiconductor packaging to polymer electrolytes, biomaterials, membranes, and hybrid composites, spatial constraints fundamentally reshape molecular organization, transport pathways, energy dissipation, and long-term reliability. Understanding these boundary-governed phenomena has become a central challenge for designing the next generation of functional polymer materials.This Research Topic aims to establish connections between the fields of polymer interfaces, confinement, and hierarchical materials design across traditionally separated disciplines. We welcome contributions that reveal how molecular interactions with interfaces and confined environments govern polymer structure, dynamics, coupled multiphysics responses, and ultimately material functionality. Studies ranging from fundamental polymer physics to application-driven materials engineering are equally encouraged.We welcome fundamental and application-oriented contributions across the following themes:1. Polymer interfaces and interphases2. Confinement and hierarchical polymer structures3. Structure–property–processing relationships4. Coupled transport and multiphysics phenomena5. Mechanical performance and reliability6. Advanced characterization and multiscale modeling7. Emerging applications Topic editor Chien-Hua Tu is employed by Unimicron Germany GmbH. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic subject Topic editors: Chien-Hua Tu, Shixian Zhang Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/84525/when-polymers-meet-boundaries-governing-structure-dynamics-transport-and-function-across-interfaces-and-confinement