Crystallization and Rheological Properties of Functional Building Materials

Dear Colleagues,

The performance of functional building materials is governed by a complex interplay of physicochemical processes that span from the fresh state to the hardened service life. Among these, crystallization and rheological properties are two fundamental yet often separately studied aspects that collectively determine not only the processability and formability of building materials but also their long-term durability and functional performance. Crystallization phenomena, whether hydration-driven crystal network formation in cementitious systems, salt crystallization-induced deterioration, or controlled crystallization in geopolymers and specialty binders, profoundly influence microstructure, mechanical strength, and resistance to environmental attacks. Meanwhile, rheological properties govern the flow, placement, and structural build-up of fresh materials, directly impacting construction efficiency, quality control, and the ultimate performance of the hardened product.

In recent years, the convergence of these two research frontiers has opened new opportunities for designing building materials with tailored functionality and enhanced durability. Advanced characterization techniques now enable multi-scale investigation of crystallization kinetics, rheological evolution, and microstructural development in real time. Crystalline admixtures and crystallization modifiers have shown promise in imparting self-healing capabilities and improving resistance to chemical attacks. Rheological control strategies are being developed to optimize the placement of functional materials in demanding applications such as 3D printing, grouting, and repair. Yet, the fundamental linkages between crystallization behavior, rheological response, and long-term durability remain insufficiently understood across the diverse family of functional building materials, including cement-based composites, geopolymers, gypsum systems, alkali-activated materials, and polymer-modified systems.

This Special Issue aims to present and disseminate the most recent advances related to the crystallization and rheological properties of functional building materials, with a particular emphasis on their implications for durability. We invite contributions addressing experimental, theoretical, and computational investigations that advance our understanding of how crystallization processes and rheological behavior jointly influence the processing, microstructure, performance, and service life of building materials. We particularly encourage studies that bridge the gap between fresh-state properties and hardened-state durability, as well as research that explores innovative material design strategies leveraging the crystallization–rheology–durability nexus.

Topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Hydration-driven crystallization and its effects on rheological evolution, microstructure development, and mechanical performance of cementitious materials;
• Crystalline admixtures, crystallization modifiers, and their roles in self-healing, crack repair, and durability enhancement;
• Salt crystallization damage in porous building materials and strategies for mitigation;
• Rheological characterization and structural build-up of functional building materials in fresh state;
• Flow-induced crystallization and its implications for material processing and final properties;
• Multi-scale characterization of crystallization kinetics, phase evolution, and rheological response;
• Chemical resistance, freeze–thaw resistance, sulfate attack, carbonation, and long-term stability, in relation to crystallization and rheological properties;
• Advanced manufacturing techniques (3D printing) and the role of crystallization–rheology control in process optimization;
• Computational modeling and simulation of crystallization, rheology, and durability in building materials;
• Sustainable and low-carbon building materials: crystallization and rheology of geopolymers, alkali-activated materials, and recycled-content systems;
• Polymer-modified and fiber-reinforced building materials: crystallization behavior, rheology, and durability.

We welcome original research articles and comprehensive reviews that advance the frontiers of knowledge in this interdisciplinary field.

Dr. Suining Zheng
Dr. Jincheng Yu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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