Next-generation trends in radiation-induced polymer modification: A bibliometric-driven hybrid review

Radiation modification has emerged as a versatile and environmentally friendly technique for modifying polymer materials, enabling controlled crosslinking, chain scission, and degradation phenomena that significantly influence material performance. Conventional review papers in this field often provide descriptive summaries of experimental outcomes. However, conventional review papers are limited in their ability to capture research dynamics, thematic linkages, and emerging trends in a systematic manner. This study presents a comprehensive hybrid conventional and bibliometric review, merging quantitative data-mining tools with deep mechanistic insights to project the future of polymer radiation chemistry. Analyzing two decades of Web of Science data revealed an exponential surge in radiation-based polymer research. Bibliographic coupling analysis displayed eleven key clusters, highlighting the diverse roles of radiation in polymers. Furthermore, co-word analysis revealed field has reached a level of maturity, and emerging research directions in radiation in bio-based materials, nanocomposites, and functional electrical properties. By synthesizing big data with fundamental polymer science, this hybrid review provides a definitive strategic roadmap outlining what's next for radiation-induced modifications in polymer blends and composites, guiding future sustainable and smart material innovations.