Polymer Chemistry
The journal for the most innovative and exciting polymer chemistry, with an emphasis on the synthesis and properties of polymers.
Editor-in-Chief: Christine Luscombe
Publishing model: Hybrid
Scope
Polymer Chemistry welcomes submissions in all areas of polymer science that have a strong focus on macromolecular chemistry. Manuscripts may cover a broad range of fields, yet no direct application focus is required.
Manuscripts with a strong application focus might be more suitable for RSC Applied Polymers.
Readership
Polymer chemists in industry and academia, plus materials scientists and bioscientists.
Journal Impact Factor
3.9 (2025)
First decision time (all)
7 days
First decision time (peer reviewed)
26 days
Indexing
eISSN: 1759-9962
Publish in this journal
We encourage authors to review the information below and read our author guidelines before submitting their manuscript.
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There are no fees to submit to or publish in this journal.
As a hybrid journal, authors can choose to publish their article either through the journal's subscription model or as gold open access. Authors who choose the option to publish open access will be charged an APC of £3,100.
If you choose open access you may be able to publish in this journal, with no APC to pay, if your institution has an open access agreement with us. You can use our Journal Finder to find out if your institution has an agreement and which journals are included.
Read more about payments and funding for information on APCs, discounts, waivers, and open access agreements.
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Polymer Chemistry publishes:
- Communications
- Full papers
- Reviews
- Minireviews
- Perspectives
- Tutorial reviews
- Comments and Replies
Read the author guidelines for more information on article types and how to prepare your article for submission.
Find guidance on our publishing process, editorial policies and the responsibilities of authors and reviewers throughout the publication process.
- Our publishing process and editorial policies, including our initial assessment of submissions, our journal transfer service and the publication of accepted manuscripts.
- Our guidance for authors on their responsibilities and the code of conduct they should follow when submitting to our journals.
- Our guidance for reviewers on the procedure and requirements to assess manuscripts submitted to our journals.
Author guidelines
Our author guidelines explain how to prepare and submit your article and provide useful information on the review and publication process including transfers, revisions and any article processing charges (APCs) that may apply.
Meet the team
Meet the people supporting this journal, including its leadership, editors, advisors, and the editorial office.
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Calls for papers
Any open calls for papers for this journal are shown below. All submissions to our open calls will undergo an initial assessment by the journal editors and subsequent peer review as per the usual policies of RSC journals.
Additive manufacturing of soft materials
Polymer Chemistry
Call for papers
Closing date: 31 August 2026
Prizes and recognition
Polymer Chemistry Lectureship
Recognising exceptional early career researchers who have significantly contributed to polymer chemistry.
Prize
Polymer Chemistry outstanding reviewers
Recognising outstanding peer reviewers.
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Research and innovation
The likely future of where chemistry’s greatest contributions will be – as well as the regulatory and funding environments needed to achieve them.