Analysis of trends and convergence of science and technology in the field of polymers used in high-energy materials

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Department of chemistry. Faculty of science, Imam Hussein Comprehensive University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

In today’s fast-paced world, informed decision-making in the realm of strategic technologies has become increasingly vital. One of the most effective approaches to understanding scientific trends and identifying key actors in these domains is scientometric analysis. By examining published scientific documents—including research articles and patents—this method not only reveals the growth trajectory of knowledge but also maps the interactions among researchers, institutions, and countries.

Energetic polymers, as a class of advanced materials, play a critical role in the development of modern systems for propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics. Due to their unique properties and the technical challenges associated with their advancement, this field has attracted growing attention from research centers, defense sectors, and industrial entities. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state and future outlook of research related to energetic polymers. Scientific data published between 2014 and 2024 were collected from the Web of Science, Lens and Seraj databases. Using a combination of scientometric tools—VOSviewer and Bibliometrix—the analysis covers key research trends, keyword evolution, emerging topics, challenges, and future opportunities. In the review and analysis conducted for the development of the concept of sustainable innovation using the convergence of sciences required in the emerging technology of customization in the future of high-energy materials, it is proposed. Additionally, scientific collaboration networks among countries, institutions, and leading researchers were visualized and analyzed using VOSviewer to gain deeper insights into the pathways of scientific development in this area.

Keywords


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Volume 1405, Issue 1
April 2026
Pages 157-187
  • Receive Date: 17 June 2025
  • Revise Date: 04 August 2025
  • Accept Date: 01 December 2025
  • Publish Date: 21 March 2026