POLYMER COMPOSITE MATERIALS WITH SORPTION PROPERTIES: STRUCTURE, MODIFICATION AND APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Polymer composite materials with sorption properties have attracted increasing attention due to their potential application in environmental technologies, particularly in water purification systems. Recent advances in polymer chemistry and materials science have enabled the development of functional composites with controlled physicochemical characteristics and improved adsorption performance. Among various materials, cellulose- and chitosan-based composites are considered promising due to their biodegradability, availability and the presence of reactive functional groups capable of interacting with different classes of pollutants. This review analyzes recent progress in the design and modification of polymer composite sorbents, focusing on the relationship between structural organization, functional group accessibility and adsorption efficiency. Particular attention is given to the role of intermolecular interactions, pore architecture and chemical modification in controlling sorption behavior toward heavy metal ions, dyes and pharmaceutical contaminants. The results of recent studies demonstrate that adsorption performance is determined not only by chemical composition but also by structural parameters governing diffusion processes and stability of polymer matrices. The analysis indicates that modern research trends are directed toward development of multifunctional hybrid materials with improved selectivity, regeneration ability and stability under realistic conditions. Future progress in this field is associated with integration of structure–property analysis, predictive modelling and scalable synthesis approaches for creation of efficient and environmentally safe sorbent materials.