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Development of Low-Carbon Coatings/Materials and Intelligent Construction Protection Technology

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A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2026 | Viewed by 6531

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Tian Su

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Guest Editor

School of Civil Engineering and Geomatics, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255000, China
Interests: microbial modification technology; structural health monitoring and intelligent maintenance; green construction technology; resource utilization of construction wastes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Fubo Cao

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Guest Editor

School of Civil Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014000, China
Interests: recycled concrete and its durability; intelligent construction technology of PEC structures; low-carbon strengthening technology for buildings

Dr. Jianwen Shao

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Guest Editor

School of Civil Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
Interests: solid waste resource utilization; low-carbon cementitious materials; nano-modified smart materials; structural health monitoring; sustainable restoration technology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Rapid urbanization worldwide is driving an immense surge in demand for new buildings and infrastructure. This escalating demand intensifies critical sustainability challenges, manifesting through significantly heightened greenhouse gas emissions, accelerated depletion of finite natural resources, and widespread environmental degradation. These profound impacts accelerate the global construction industry's imperative to adopt and implement truly sustainable solutions. In response, the sector is witnessing remarkable progress in the research, development, and practical application of innovative low-carbon coatings/materials designed to drastically reduce the embodied carbon footprint of structures.

Concurrently, the industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation, fuelled by the rapid integration of intelligent construction technologies. This powerful technological shift—encompassing advancements like Building Information Modeling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, robotics, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data analytics—is fundamentally restructuring project delivery approaches for both buildings and civil infrastructure. It offers compelling benefits including enhanced operational efficiency, substantial gains in productivity, improved resource management, greater potential for circularity, and demonstrably improved overall project outcomes, thereby contributing significantly to sustainability goals.

Our proposed Topic Collection, “Development of Low-Carbon Coatings/Materials and Intelligent Construction Protection Technology”, seeks to comprehensively explore and illuminate the latest scientific and technological advancements driving this dual transformation. We are particularly interested in fostering interdisciplinary research that investigates the synergistic potential between novel low-carbon coatings/materials, recyclable and reusable materials fostering circular economy principles, and the deployment of intelligent construction systems. We aim to understand how these innovations collectively support and propel modern building technologies towards achieving low-carbon, green, and intelligent development paradigms. We welcome the submission of high-quality, original research papers and insightful review articles that address, but are not limited to, the following interconnected focus areas:

Green low-carbon coating;
Microbial modification technology;
Green and ecofriendly materials;
Life cycle assessment (LCA) and environmental impact analysis;
Advanced buildings and infrastructure systems;
Sensors, smart structures, and intelligent control;
Artificial intelligence (AI) in assessment, design, management, and construction technologies;
Integrated application of building information modelling (BIM) and artificial intelligence in construction monitoring;
Structural health monitoring and intelligent maintenance.

Dr. Tian Su
Prof. Dr. Fubo Cao
Dr. Jianwen Shao
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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.

Keywords

low carbon materials
coatings
artificial intelligence
intelligent control
life cycle assessment

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

15 pages, 1822 KB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Performance of Triisopropanolamine-Modified Polycarboxylate Cement Grinding Aid

by Sanan Song, Yan Yan, Yu Liu, Chao Wang, Liyan Wang, Liping Zhang and Huan Wang

Coatings 2025, 15(12), 1478; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15121478 - 15 Dec 2025

Viewed by 109

Abstract

In this study, a triisopropanolamine (TIPA)-modified polycarboxylate cement grinding aid was synthesized via a free radical polymerization reaction, and its effects on cement properties were investigated. The synthesized grinding aid was evaluated through cement grinding experiments, by comparing cement samples with and without the additive. The influences on particle size distribution, specific surface area, residue content, setting behavior, flowability, and mechanical strength were systematically evaluated. The results demonstrated that the modified polycarboxylate cement grinding aid significantly refined size distribution of particles, enlarged the specific surface area to 4900 cm²/g (27.9% increase), decreased 45 μm residue content to 0.8%, accelerated setting, and improved the flowability of the cement paste. Strength tests of cement mortar indicated that the additive improved both early and late compressive strength, with 3d and 28d strengths increasing by 6.5 MPa and 5.7 MPa, respectively, compared to the blank sample, providing strong theoretical support for its potential use in industrial cement production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Low-Carbon Coatings/Materials and Intelligent Construction Protection Technology)

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17 pages, 5286 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Biomass Functional Monomer-Modified Polycarboxylate Superplasticizers Enable the Creation of High-Performance Cement Pastes

by Yu Yan, Qifei Du, Wanyue Diao, Chao Wang, Liyan Wang, Sa Lv, Lingwei Kong, Liping Zhang, Yuanzhang Xi and Huan Wang

Coatings 2025, 15(12), 1459; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15121459 - 10 Dec 2025

Viewed by 222

Abstract

In this work, a complex and eco-friendly biomass raffinose monomer-modified polycarboxylate superplasticizer (RAF-PCE) was designed and synthesized via the free radical polymerization technique to simultaneously improve paste fluidity and delay fluidity loss in concrete applications. The adsorption, fluidity, and early hydration behaviors of cementitious systems after the introduction of RAF-PCE have been systematically investigated. Experimental results demonstrate that the hydroxy group in raffinose promotes the adsorption of RAF-PCE on the cement particles, thereby elevating the dispersion characteristic of cement paste through electrostatic repulsion, enabling excellent initial fluidity (310 mm). Additionally, its steric hindrance effect has also been identified to play a role in improving paste fluidity and reducing the slump loss of cement slurry. Detailed analyses unveil that RAF-PCE can reduce the concentration of free Ca²⁺ in the pore solution through complexation with Ca²⁺, which prevents the early precipitation of hydration products and realizes a delayed effect on cement hydration, ultimately evolving into a homogeneous and compact microstructure for superior compressive tensile strength of the cement mortar. The 28-day compressive strength of cement incorporating RAF-PCE reached 79.2 MPa, representing a 5.5% enhancement over conventional PCE systems. Our work provides novel insights into the promotion of innovative and green development in the concrete industry by utilizing renewable biomass resources for high-performance materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Low-Carbon Coatings/Materials and Intelligent Construction Protection Technology)

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18 pages, 1532 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Cellulose Ether on Properties of Premixed Mortar Based on Orthogonal Test Method

by Yun Lin, Qin Hu, Shuzeng Shen, Mo Zhou, Jintuan Zhang, Siqing Zhang, Guimeng Ban and Zne-Jung Lee

Coatings 2025, 15(12), 1395; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15121395 - 28 Nov 2025

Viewed by 292

Abstract

To promote energy efficiency, emission reduction, and green low-carbon development, this study investigates the influence of cellulose ether (CE) content and its interactions with supplementary materials, including stone powder (SP), manufactured sand (MS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and bentonite (BT), on the performance of premixed mortar using an L16(4⁵) orthogonal experimental design. The effects of five factors at four levels were analyzed, focusing on mortar workability and compressive strength. Results showed that CE content significantly affected consistency, water retention, and compressive strength (p < 0.01). A 60% increase in CE led to a 4.7% reduction in flowability, a 2.05% improvement in water retention, and an 18.49% decrease in compressive strength. Response surface methodology identified optimal compositions for each property. The CE-BT interaction influenced consistency (R² = 0.6894), while CE-PVA interactions affected water retention (R² = 0.9336). A ternary model for compressive strength (CE-SP-MS) showed that SP and MS replacements had significant negative effects, with optimal SP replacement at 10%. PVA at 0.04% effectively inhibited plastic shrinkage cracking. The study provides predictive models for mortar performance, aiding in the optimization of premixed mortar formulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Low-Carbon Coatings/Materials and Intelligent Construction Protection Technology)

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26 pages, 6325 KB

Open AccessArticle

Seismic Damage Risk Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Bridges Considering Structural Parameter Uncertainties

by Jiagu Chen, Chao Yin, Tianqi Sun and Jiaxu Li

Coatings 2025, 15(11), 1242; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15111242 - 25 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 578

Abstract

To accurately assess the seismic risk of bridges, this study systematically conducted probabilistic seismic hazard–fragility–risk assessments using a reinforced concrete continuous girder bridge as a case study. First, the CPSHA method from China’s fifth-generation seismic zoning framework was employed to calculate the Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) with 2%, 10%, and 63% exceedance probabilities over 50 years as 171.16 gal, 98.10 gal, and 28.61 gal, respectively, classifying the site as being with 0.10 g zone (basic intensity VII). Second, by innovatively integrating the Response Surface Method with Monte Carlo simulation, the study efficiently quantified the coupled effects of structural parameter and ground motion uncertainties, a finite element model was established based on OpenSees, and the seismic fragility curves were plotted. Finally, the risk probability of seismic damage was calculated based on the seismic hazard curve method. The results demonstrate that the study area encompasses 46 potential seismic sources according to China’s fifth-generation zoning. The seismic fragility curves clearly show that side piers and their bearings are generally more susceptible to damage than middle piers and their bearings. Over 50 years, the pier risk probabilities for the intact, slight, moderate, severe damage, and collapse are 68.90%, 6.22%, 15.75%, 7.86%, and 1.27%, while the corresponding probabilities of bearing are 3.54%, 44.11%, 25.64%, 7.74%, and 18.97%, indicating significantly higher bearing risks at the moderate damage and collapse levels. The method proposed in this study is applicable to various types of bridges and has high promotion and application value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Low-Carbon Coatings/Materials and Intelligent Construction Protection Technology)

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19 pages, 3923 KB

Open AccessArticle

Frost Resistance and Damage Mechanism of Recycled Aggregate Concrete

by Meng Li, Huaiqin Liu, Bangxiang Li, Shangwei Gong, Changgui Xu, Tian Su, Xuefeng Mei and Sheng Xu

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1169; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101169 - 6 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 657

Abstract

This study systematically evaluates the influence of the recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) replacement rate and the number of freeze–thaw cycles (FTCs) on the frost damage of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) through rapid freeze–thaw tests, and delves into the underlying damage mechanisms. The findings demonstrate that the incorporation of recycled aggregates deteriorates the frost resistance of concrete to a certain extent, primarily manifested by increased apparent damage with rising FTC numbers and RCA content. Specimens with an RCA replacement rate exceeding 50% exhibited extensive mortar spalling and aggregate exposure after 50 FTCs. The mass loss rate initially decreased in the early freezing-thawing stage, then began to increase after approximately 20 cycles, reaching a maximum of 5.09%. The relative dynamic elasticity modulus (RDEM) decreased with an increase in both FTCs and RCA content, dropping to a minimum of 71.99%. Furthermore, based on the relative dynamic elastic modulus, this study developed a GM(1, 1) freeze–thaw damage prediction model applicable to a full replacement range of 0%–100% RCA with a precision level of Grade I. Microstructural analysis revealed that microcracks and pores within the interfacial transition zones (ITZs) and the surrounding matrix of both NCA and RCA are critical for the initiation and propagation of freeze–thaw damage, thereby elucidating the damage mechanism in RAC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Low-Carbon Coatings/Materials and Intelligent Construction Protection Technology)

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15 pages, 2670 KB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation of Macroscopic Chloride Ion Diffusion in Concrete Members

by Zhaorui Ji, Bin Peng, Wendong Guo and Mingyang Sun

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1131; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101131 - 30 Sep 2025

Viewed by 389

Abstract

To quantitatively analyze the macroscopic diffusion process of chloride ions in existing concrete members, the Peridynamic Differential Operator (PDDO) was introduced to formulate a discrete format for Fick’s second law, and a simulation model was established and validated. Subsequently, the influence of specific or randomly distributed defects in the concrete is reflected by adjusting the coefficients in the model’s global matrix. Moreover, the complex geometry of concrete members is captured by employing a point set-based spatial discretization approach. The model also accommodates for the complex corrosion conditions encountered in practice by imposing different boundary conditions. These features allowed for the simulation and validation of chloride ion diffusion experiments on concrete under natural environmental conditions. The study further analyzed how factors such as defects, diffusion coefficients, boundary conditions, and the geometric shape of members influence the macroscopic diffusion process. The findings indicate that the numerical model based on the PDDO can effectively quantify the macroscopic diffusion of chloride ions in existing concrete members. It provides fundamental data for the durability maintenance of concrete infrastructures and potentially reduces their carbon footprint by preventing unnecessary rehabilitation or reconstruction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Low-Carbon Coatings/Materials and Intelligent Construction Protection Technology)

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16 pages, 3378 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Wood Fiber on Mechanical and Thermal Insulation Properties of Lightweight Mortar

by Mo Zhou, Guimeng Ban, Yuanming Luo, Qin Hu, Jintuan Zhang, Ke Yu, Xue Hong and Huixin Zhong

Coatings 2025, 15(9), 1094; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15091094 - 18 Sep 2025

Viewed by 577

Abstract

To advance the development of green building materials and achieve high-value utilization of waste resources, this study investigates the mechanistic influence of incorporating waste wood fibers on the mechanical and thermal insulation properties of lightweight mortar. Five fiber contents were designed—0%, 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.2%, and 1.6%—to systematically evaluate their effects on compressive strength, flexural strength, and tensile bond strength, as well as thermal conductivity, pore structure, and microstructural interfaces. The results demonstrate that at low fiber dosages (particularly 0.4% and 0.8%), wood fibers can significantly enhance both the mechanical strength and thermal insulation performance of mortar. Specifically, at a fiber content of 0.8%, the 28-day compressive strength increased by 10.62%, and the flexural strength by 23.8%; the tensile bond strength reached its peak at 0.4%, with a 14.8% improvement. The lowest thermal conductivity recorded was 0.16 W/(m·K), accompanied by a remarkable 61.9% reduction in porosity compared to the control group. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) analysis revealed that wood fiber incorporation markedly increased the proportion of capillary pores, reduced total porosity, and enhanced mortar compactness; scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations further indicated that the honeycomb-like morphology and surface roughness of wood fibers substantially improved interfacial bonding performance and microcrack-bridging capacity. The findings suggest that an optimal fiber content—recommended to not exceed 0.8%—can synergistically improve the mechanical and thermal insulation properties of lightweight mortar, providing both theoretical support and practical guidance for its application in green building wall materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Low-Carbon Coatings/Materials and Intelligent Construction Protection Technology)

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22 pages, 4462 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Response and Energy Dissipation Mechanisms of Soil–Lightweight Foam Composite Protective Layers Under Impact Loading

by Jianping Gao, Le Liu, Xuefeng Mei, Dengfeng Li, Jianli Wu and Peng Cui

Coatings 2025, 15(9), 1074; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15091074 - 12 Sep 2025

Viewed by 957

Abstract

Engineering structures often face safety risks under impact or explosion loading, making the design of lightweight and efficient cushioning systems crucial. This study investigates the dynamic response and energy-dissipation characteristics of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Expanded Polyethylene (EPE), and soil–foam composite cushion layers under impact loading, using a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) testing apparatus. The tests include pure foam layers (lengths ranging from 40 to 300 mm) and a soil–foam composite layer with a total length of 60 mm (soil/foam ratio 1:1 to 1:3), subjected to impact velocities of 9.9–15.4 m/s. The results show that the stress wave propagation velocity of EPE is 149.6 m/s, lower than that of EPS at 249.3 m/s. At higher velocities, the attenuation coefficient for the 40 mm EPE sample reaches as low as 0.22, while EPS is 0.31. Furthermore, the maximum energy absorption coefficient of EPE exceeds 98%, with better stability at high impact velocities. In composite cushion layers, both soil and foam collaborate in energy absorption, but an increased proportion of soil leads to a decrease in energy absorption efficiency and attenuation capacity. Under equivalent ratios, the soil–EPE combination performs better than the soil–EPS combination. By constructing a comprehensive evaluation system based on three indices: stress wave attenuation coefficient, energy absorption coefficient, and energy absorption density, this study quantifies the impact resistance performance of different cushioning layers, providing theoretical and parametric support for material selection in engineering design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Low-Carbon Coatings/Materials and Intelligent Construction Protection Technology)

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30 pages, 8759 KB

Open AccessArticle

Frost Resistance and Life Prediction of Waste Polypropylene Fibre-Reinforced Recycled Aggregate Concrete

by Xuechao Yang, Zehui Zhang, Hsing-Wei Tai, Bangxiang Li, Jiahui Li, Weishen Zhang, Tian Su and Jianping Liu

Coatings 2025, 15(9), 1070; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15091070 - 11 Sep 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 669

Abstract

The inherent defects of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) lead to poor frost resistance in recycled aggregate concrete (RAC), limiting its application in cold coastal regions. Waste polypropylene fibre (WPF), utilized as a reinforcement material, can improve the frost resistance of RAC. This study systematically analyzes the influence of WPF on the frost resistance of RAC and establishes a life prediction model. The results indicate that the damage to concrete in a saline freeze–thaw environment is significantly greater than that in a freshwater environment. WPF mitigates the development of freeze–thaw damage in RAC effectively by bridging microcracks and segmenting interconnected pores, thereby optimizing the pore structure and enhancing the matrix compactness. After 125 freeze–thaw cycles, the attenuation amplitude of the relative dynamic elastic modulus (RDEM) for RAC incorporated with WPF decreased by 9.69% and 5.77% in freshwater and saline environments, respectively, while the compressive strength increased by 20.65% and 18.57%. Concurrently, the negative mass growth rate of RAC in freshwater decreased by 20.62%, and the mass loss in the salt solution decreased by 5.84%. Furthermore, life predictions based on both RDEM and the compressive strength loss rate demonstrate that WPF extends the service life of RAC. Notably, the RDEM-based prediction yields a longer life but corresponds to a larger strength loss, whereas the prediction based on the compressive strength loss rate, although slightly shorter, corresponds to a more stable residual strength. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Low-Carbon Coatings/Materials and Intelligent Construction Protection Technology)

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15 pages, 6520 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Y₂O₃ Particle Size on the Microstructure and Properties of Ni-Co-Y₂O₃ Composite Coatings

by Linxin Qi, Hongmin Kan, Tingting Yue and Jiang Wu

Coatings 2025, 15(9), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15091009 - 1 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 840

Abstract

In this study, Ni-Co-Y₂O₃ composite coating was prepared by electrodeposition, and the effect of Y₂O₃ particle size on the microstructure and properties of the coating was investigated. The samples were analyzed by XRD, SEM, AFM, EDS, cyclic voltammetry, XPS, hardness, and corrosion resistance test. The results indicate that the diffraction peak of the coating prepared with 50 nm particles exhibits reduced intensity and broadening, whereas the coating prepared with 100 nm particles displays a sharper and more pronounced peak. The onset reduction potential and the performance of the reduction reaction are influenced by particle size. When the particle size is 50 nm, the reduction process is less favorable, with an onset reduction potential of −0.9 V; in contrast, when the particle size is 100 nm, the reduction occurs more readily, with an onset reduction potential of −0.8 V. XPS analysis reveals that the chemical environment of elements varies with particle size. Regarding hardness, the coating prepared by combining different Y₂O₃ particle sizes exhibits higher hardness compared to that prepared using a single particle size, which can be attributed to the synergistic effect. In terms of corrosion resistance, the coating prepared with 100 nm Y₂O₃ particles demonstrates superior corrosion resistance, whereas the coating prepared with mixed particle sizes shows reduced stability and is more susceptible to corrosion. The coating prepared by mixing Y₂O₃ with particle size of 50 nm and 100 nm has a small friction coefficient. In summary, the particle size of Y₂O₃ has a significant influence on the microstructure, hardness, and corrosion resistance of Ni-Co-Y₂O₃ composite coatings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Low-Carbon Coatings/Materials and Intelligent Construction Protection Technology)

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Review

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44 pages, 16029 KB

Open AccessReview

Research Progress on the Preparation and Performance of Recycled Mortars Using Solid Waste-Based Cementitious Materials

by Yanjiao Gao, Jiale Chen, Qing Li, Tian Su, Meng Li, Bangxiang Li and Xuefeng Mei

Coatings 2025, 15(12), 1483; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15121483 - 16 Dec 2025

Viewed by 241

Abstract

Solid waste-based cementitious materials (SWCMs) represent an innovative class of binders derived mainly from construction and demolition waste as well as industrial byproducts. Their application in recycled mortar offers a promising pathway to partially replace conventional cement, thereby advancing resource recycling and facilitating a low-carbon transition in the cement industry. This review systematically examines the properties, activation techniques, strength development, and corrosion resistance of recycled mortar prepared with SWCMs. Recycled powder (RP) and industrial solid waste have gelation potential, but their low reactivity requires activation treatment to enhance utilization efficiency. Activation methods, including thermal activation, carbonation, and alkali activation, effectively enhance reactivity and promote the formation of dense gel structures (e.g., C-(A)-S-H, N-A-S-H). While low replacement ratios optimize pore structure via the microfiller effect, higher ratios introduce excessive inert components, impairing mechanical properties. SWCMs demonstrate superior resistance to sulfate and chloride attacks, but their acid resistance is relatively limited. They also have excellent freeze–thaw resistance. SWCMs represent a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional cement, exhibiting commendable mechanical and durability properties when properly activated and formulated, thereby contributing to resource recycling and environmental sustainability in the cement industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Low-Carbon Coatings/Materials and Intelligent Construction Protection Technology)

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