Surface and Interfacial Engineering Strategies for Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composites

Dear Colleagues,

Fiber-reinforced cementitious composites have become increasingly important in the development of durable, high-performance, and sustainable construction materials. The performance of these composites is strongly governed by surface and interfacial phenomena, particularly those associated with fiber surface chemistry, matrix–fiber interactions, and interfacial transition zones. Inadequate interfacial bonding, moisture sensitivity, and long-term degradation of fibers remain key challenges that limit mechanical performance and durability, especially when natural fibers are used.

Recent advances in surface modification and functionalization strategies—such as chemical treatments, coupling agents, physical pre-treatments, and carbonation-driven surface changes—have opened new pathways to improve fiber–matrix adhesion, control interfacial properties, and enhance the long-term behavior of cement-based composites. Understanding how cementitious matrices interact with fiber surfaces, and how surface-engineering approaches influence mechanical, physical, and durability-related properties is therefore essential for the design of next-generation cementitious materials.

This Special Issue aims to bring together high-quality research that advances the understanding of surface modification, interfacial mechanisms, and structure–property relationships in fiber-reinforced cementitious composites. The Special Issue aligns with the scope of Coatings by highlighting surface science, functionalization strategies, interfacial engineering, and characterization techniques applied to cement-based systems. By focusing on surface-driven mechanisms, durability enhancement, and performance optimization, this Special Issue provides a platform for interdisciplinary contributions with relevance to materials science, civil engineering, and sustainable construction. The collection aims to gather at least 10 articles, which may be published as a dedicated book volume if this threshold is reached.

The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

• Surface modification and functionalization of natural and synthetic fibers;
• Chemical and physical treatments of fibers (e.g., silane coupling agents, hornification);
• Fiber–matrix adhesion and interfacial transition zone characterization;
• Effects of cementitious matrices on fiber surface properties;
• Carbonation-induced surface modification and durability enhancement;
• Surface-driven mechanisms affecting mechanical and physical performance;
• Interfacial degradation, aging, and long-term durability of composites;
• Advanced characterization techniques for surfaces and interfaces.

We look forward to receiving your contributions

Dr. Adriano Galvão Souza Azevedo
Prof. Dr. Holmer Savastano Junior
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• surface modification
• fiber–matrix interface
• cementitious composites
• functionalization of fibers
• durability enhancement.