Recent Research on Functional Cement-Matrix Composites and Construction Coatings

Dear Colleagues,

With the accelerated global urbanization process, the massive generation and inefficient disposal of construction and demolition waste (CDW) have become key bottlenecks restricting the sustainable development of the construction industry. Meanwhile, the performance requirements for construction materials are evolving from a single structural focus to multi-functional, intelligent, and green-oriented features. Therefore, utilizing CDW as a secondary resource for the innovative development of functional cement-based composites is not only an inevitable requirement to address environmental challenges from the perspective of “zero-waste cities” but also a strategic approach to achieve the synergy of improved construction materials and coatings performance, as well as carbon emission reduction.

This Special Issue aims to explore the transformation of the traditional “low-value recycling” model of CDW. Through material design and mechanism innovation, CDW is endowed with new functional vitality, providing an opportunity to gather research and improvement efforts related to CDW in functional cement-based composites, construction materials, and coatings. This will not only promote further scientific development but also offer researchers a useful overview of relevant literature.

We sincerely invite you to contribute to this Special Issue. Submissions in the following specific research directions, but not limited to, are encouraged:

Functional modification mechanism of recycled cement powder (RCPs): Investigating the influence mechanisms of technologies such as physical grinding, chemical activation, and composite activation on the cementitious activity and functional properties of RCPs.

Interface performance optimization and functional integration of recycled aggregate-cement matrix: Exploring interface strengthening technologies and studying the introduction of functional components (e.g., self-sensing, self-healing) into the interface zone.

Multi-component collaborative design of CDW-based low-carbon cementitious systems: Investigating the blending mechanism of various industrial solid wastes (e.g., steel slag, blast furnace slag, fly ash) with CDW, and developing high-performance geopolymers or new types of low-carbon cement.

Extraction and application of waste-derived functional components (e.g., thermoelectric phases, magnetic components): Exploring the separation or transformation of functional components from CDW for the preparation of intelligent construction materials and coatings such as thermoelectric and electromagnetic shielding materials.

Preparation technology and performance modification of waste-derived functional concrete: Focusing on the replacement of traditional raw materials with CDW, and endowing concrete with specific functions (e.g., anti-seepage, hydrophobicity, thermal insulation) through the optimization of mix proportions and the introduction of functional components.

Application of CDW in composites for ecological restoration and intelligent construction: Investigating the use of CDW to prepare new functional materials and coatings for scenarios such as 3D printing, subgrade reinforcement, and ecological slope protection.

Carbon footprint assessment of CDW resource utilization: Establishing scientific environmental impact assessment methods and quantifying the carbon emission reduction benefits of high-value utilization pathways.

Dr. Wen-hua Chen
Dr. Chunhong Chen
Guest Editors

Dr. Xiang Guo
Guest Editor Assistant

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.