This volume contains papers presented at Symposium 4D, 'New Trends in Polymer Chemistry and Characterization' of the XXII International Materials Research Congress organized by the Sociedad Mexicana de Materiales AC in collaboration with the Materials Research Society (MRS), USA, which was held August 11–15, 2013, in Cancún, Mexico. The symposium was devoted to fundamental and technological applications of polymeric materials, and continued the tradition of providing a forum for scientists from various backgrounds with a common interest in the development and use of polymeric materials to come together and share their findings and expertise.