Journal profile · Materials Science, Composites
Composites Science and Technology
ISSN 0266-3538 · eISSN 1879-1050 · Elsevier BV · ENGLAND · Semimonthly · Founded 1985
Composites Science and Technology: CAS Zone 2 · Materials Science (2025 upgraded edition, Top journal); impact factor 9.86; hybrid open access; APC about USD 4,610; review about 81 days (submission to acceptance, publisher); 383 articles in 2025; indexed in SCIE and Scopus.
Scope
Aims, scope and focus
Composites Science and Technology is published by Elsevier BV and is in Zone 2 of Materials Science in the CAS Journal Ranking (2025 upgraded edition, Top journal). By OpenAlex counts of its recent articles, its largest topics are Mechanical Behavior of Composites, Fiber-reinforced polymer composites and Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials, together about 31.7% of its articles. Its main subfields are Mechanics of Materials. (generated from OpenAlex topic counts and CAS ranking data)
Composites Science and Technology publishes refereed original articles on the fundamental and applied science of composites. The focus of the journal is on polymeric matrix composites with reinforcements/fillers ranging from nano- to macro-scale. CSTE encourages manuscripts reporting unique, innovative contributions to the materials science, physics, chemistry and applied mechanics aspects of advanced composites.Besides traditional fiber reinforced composites, novel composites with significant potential for engineering applications are encouraged. These may include, but are not limited to, nanocomposites, bio-composites, green/eco composites, energy composites, and composites mimicking natural materials. Manuscripts dealing with multi-scale and multi-functional issues and performance as well as interdisciplinary approaches to the study of new generation composite materials are welcome. Analytical work should be validated (either experimental or numerical). Experimental work should include a modelling section (numerical, analytical) suitable to clarify and justify the results presented. The journal attracts papers on modelling of materials (at different scale, from nano to macro - not composite structures). Publication of manuscripts reporting routine processing, synthesis and property characterization are not a priority of CSTE.In order to expedite the handling of submissions, manuscripts will be given a preliminary review prior to the full reviewing process to evaluate their suitability for CSTE. General Review articles as well as Feature articles covering topics of major interests to the readers will be presented at regular intervals, but only by invitation of the Editors. CSTE does not accept short communications or letters. It is the aim of CSTE to play an effective role in the rapid dissemination of research findings in the ever-evolving field of composite materials.New: With each manuscript a supplementary Graphical Abstract is mandatory.https://www.elsevier.com/authors/journal-authors/graphical-abstract
From the journal's Aims & Scope
Research area (LetPub): Materials Science, Composites
Editor-in-chief Marino M. QuaresiminPublisher website
Editorial board by country: 27 in mainland China (about 27%); most named Mainland China 27, United States 18, Japan 12, United Kingdom 6, Italy 6 (101 members with a country) Editorial board ↗Publisher website ·
Main research topics OpenAlex counts of recent articles; shares are approximate
- Mechanical Behavior of CompositesEngineering18.3%
- Fiber-reinforced polymer compositesEngineering8%
- Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting MaterialsEngineering5.5%
- Composite Material MechanicsEngineering4.9%
- Polymer Nanocomposites and PropertiesMaterials Science4.6%
- Carbon Nanotubes in CompositesMaterials Science4.5%
- Natural Fiber Reinforced CompositesMaterials Science4.4%
- Human auditory perception and evaluationEngineering3.6%
Rankings & indexing
CAS ranking and database indexing
CAS Journal Ranking
CAS Journal Ranking, upgraded edition (March 2025)Materials Science Zone 2
| Level | Category | Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Major | Materials Science | Zone 2 |
| Minor | Materials Science, Composites | Zone 2 |
Top journal: yesReview journal: no
CAS Xinrui Journal Ranking (March 2026)Materials Science Zone 2
| Level | Category | Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Major | Materials Science | Zone 2 |
| Minor | Materials Science, Composites | Zone 2 |
Top journal: yesReview journal: not marked
CAS Journal Ranking, previous upgraded edition (December 2023)Materials Science Zone 1
| Level | Category | Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Major | Materials Science | Zone 1 |
| Minor | Materials Science, Composites | Zone 2 |
Top journal: yesReview journal: no
Database indexing
SCIEScopusLetPub
International journal early-warning lists: not listed in any editionLetPub
Editions, and major and minor categories, are shown separately and never merged into one zone; check which edition your institution uses before you submit or report.
Metrics
Impact metrics and publication volume
Impact
- Impact factor
- 9.86LetPub ·
- Impact factor (publisher)
- 9.9Publisher website ·
- CiteScore 2026-06
- 18.3LetPub ·
- CiteScore (publisher)
- 18.3Publisher website ·
- SJR 2026-06
- 1.72LetPub ·
- SNIP 2026-06
- 1.75LetPub ·
- h-index
- 187LetPub ·
- h-index
- 281OpenAlex ·
- i10-index
- 9,667OpenAlex ·
- 2-year mean citedness
- 12.01OpenAlex ·
- Self-citation rate
- 4%LetPub ·
- Share of gold OA articles
- 14.79%LetPub ·
Volume
- Articles per year
- 362LetPub ·
Articles by year OpenAlex count · 12,407 in total · the current year is incomplete
| Year | Articles | Open access | Citations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 298 | 71 | 387 |
| 2025 | 383 | 75 | 3,555 |
| 2024 | 508 | 103 | 10,340 |
| 2023 | 416 | 105 | 11,508 |
| 2022 | 550 | 95 | 20,734 |
| 2021 | 502 | 122 | 20,959 |
Sources count differently and were observed at different times, so each source's own value is kept; "publisher" marks figures from the journal's website.
Review & acceptance
Review time and acceptance
Publisher-reported review time from the journal's website
81 dayssubmission to acceptance · community reports about 3.9 months
The publisher's own definition applies; dates from this journal's articles in the last 24 months are not available yet, so the publisher's figure is used.
Figures by source
- Average review time (community reports)
- about 3.9 monthsLetPub ·
- Average acceptance (community reports)
- 25%LetPub ·
- Submission to first decision
- 4 daysPublisher website ·
- First decision after review
- 38 daysPublisher website ·
- Submission to acceptance
- 81 daysPublisher website ·
- Acceptance to publication
- 2 daysPublisher website ·
- Peer review
- Single anonymous peer reviewPublisher website
Community reports come from authors' own submissions (confidence 0.5) and are not a promise from the journal; for publisher figures, the journal's own definitions apply.
Fees & open access
APC and open-access policy
Hybrid open accessLetPub
A subscription journal in which authors can pay to publish their article open access.
| Source | APC | Fee waiver | License | Observed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenAlex | USD 4,610 / EUR 4,310 / GBP 3,690 / JPY 571,780 | — | — | |
| Publisher website | USD 4,610 | — | — |
A hybrid journal charges the APC only when the author chooses open access; publishing under the subscription model is usually free.
The journal's website is authoritative for fees; sources were observed at different times and each keeps its own value, without averaging.
Submission
Article types and submission policies (journal website)
What to prepare6 items from the author guidelines
- Abstract
- ≤ 250 words
- Keywords
- 1–7
- Reference style
- Numbered, in order of citation
- Templates
- LaTeX
- Cover letter
- Required
- Not considered
- letters
Article types accepted2
- original paperOn all aspects of fundamental and applied science of engineering composites will be considered for publication. The journal currently does not publish letters o…Length not stated
- original papers and review papersOriginal papers and review papersLength not stated
Policy excerpts from the journal's websiteAI use, Authorship, Conflicts of interest, License & copyright, Open access, Peer review, Preprints
- AI use Declaration of generative AI use
Authors must declare the use of generative AI tools in the manuscript preparation process upon submission of the paper.Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies (“AI tools”) have been rapidly adopted in research and scholarly publishing, offering significant benefits while requiring clear standards for responsible and transparent use.Authors preparing a manuscript for this journal may use AI tool…
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Authorship Group authorship
Group authorship refers to the attribution of an article to a defined and named group of authors whose members have contributed to the work. Examples include research consortia, clinical trial groups, collaborative networks, task forces or working groups, expert panels or consensus groups, and participatory research groups. Group authorship must be declared on the title page at submission. When av…
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Conflicts of interest Declaration of competing interests
All authors must disclose any financial and personal relationships with other people or organizations that could inappropriately influence or bias their work. Examples of potential competing interests include:EmploymentConsultanciesStock ownershipHonorariaPaid expert testimonyPatent applications or registrationsGrants or any other fundingAffiliation with the journal as an Editor or Advisory Board …
Source ↗Publisher website ·- License & copyright License options
Authors will be offered open access user license options which will determine how you, and third parties, can reuse your open access article. We advise that you review these options and any funding body license requirements before selecting a license option.
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Open access Open access
We refer you to our open access information page to learn about open access options for this journal.
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Peer review Peer review
Single anonymized review process Model summary
This journal follows a single anonymized review process. Your submission will initially be assessed by our editors. If your submission is deemed suitable, it will typically be sent to be reviewed by a minimum of two reviewers for an independent expert assessment of the scientific quality. The decision as to whether your article is accepted or rejected for publication will be made by our editors.Re…
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Preprints Preprints
Preprint sharingAuthors may share preprints in line with Elsevier's article sharing policy. Sharing preprints, such as on a preprint server, will not count as prior publication.We advise you to read our policy on multiple, redundant or concurrent publication.
Source ↗Publisher website ·
Excerpts are quoted from the journal's website; "model summary" lines are written by Workers AI and checked against the text. The journal's website is authoritative.
Profile
Publication details and official links
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Country or region
- ENGLAND
- Language
- English
- Frequency
- Semimonthly
- Founded
- 1985
- ISSN
- 0266-3538
- Electronic ISSN
- 1879-1050
- Official links
- Journal homepage ↗LetPub
- Submission system ↗Publisher website
- Special issues ↗Publisher website
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Composites Science and Technology
What CAS zone is Composites Science and Technology in?
In the 2025 upgraded edition of the CAS Journal Ranking, Composites Science and Technology is in Zone 2 of Materials Science, and in Zone 2 of the minor category Materials Science, Composites; it is a Top journal. In the 2026 Xinrui edition it is in Zone 2 of Materials Science. Zones from different editions, and from major and minor categories, are not interchangeable.
What is the impact factor of Composites Science and Technology?
The latest impact factor listed by LetPub is 9.86; CiteScore 18.3, h-index 281.
How long does peer review take at Composites Science and Technology?
The publisher reports about 81 days (submission to acceptance); authors report an average review time of about 3.9 months. Article statistics cover accepted papers only, publisher figures follow the journal's own definitions, and community reports come from authors' own submissions; none is a promise from the journal.
What are the manuscript requirements of Composites Science and Technology?
According to the journal's author guidelines: Abstract: ≤ 250 words; Keywords: 1–7; Reference style: Numbered, in order of citation; Templates: LaTeX; Cover letter: Required. A model extracted these from the author guidelines and each was checked against the text; check the latest version on the journal's website before submitting.
Where are the editorial board members of Composites Science and Technology based?
Of the 101 board members whose country the journal's board page names, 27 (about 27%) are in mainland China; the countries named most often are Mainland China (27), United States (18) and Japan (12). Counted from the institutions listed on the board page; for reference only.
Which databases index Composites Science and Technology?
According to LetPub and DOAJ records, Composites Science and Technology is indexed in SCIE and Scopus.
Is Composites Science and Technology open access, and what is the APC?
Composites Science and Technology is a hybrid journal. For open-access publication: APC about USD 4,610.
Sources and updates
The facts on this page come from LetPub, Publisher website, OpenAlex; every figure is tagged with its source and the date it was observed, and conflicting values are kept per source. LetPub source page: view ↗ (archived 2026-08-26). Last updated: .