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J. Compos. Sci.
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Advancements in Sustainable Cement-Based Composites: Innovations in Performance, Durability, and...
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Advancements in Sustainable Cement-Based Composites: Innovations in Performance, Durability, and Environmental Impact

A special issue of Journal of Composites Science (ISSN 2504-477X). This special issue belongs to the section "Composites Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 1964

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Gregor Kravanja

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory for Separation Processes and Product Design, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova ul. 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Interests: cement composites; UHPC; smart and multifunctional materials; carbonation; advanced characterization and modeling; cementing materials for oil and gas wells; supercritical CO2; waste utilization in concrete; water repellent concrete; LCA
Prof. Dr. Natalija Bede Odorčić

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department for Computer Modelling of Materials and Structures, Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejcic 3, 51 000 Rijeka, Croatia
Interests: construction materials; engineering materials; structure of materials; special concretes; self-compacting concrete (SCC); green concrete; chloride penetration in concrete; concrete performance optimization; concrete mix design; concrete technology; concrete fracture mechanics; numerical modeling of materials; materials testing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue on Advancements in Sustainable Cement-Based Composites: Innovations in Performance, Durability, and Environmental Impact. Cement-based composites play a critical role in modern construction, addressing the need for sustainable, durable, and high-performance materials. As the global demand for construction materials grows, there is an increasing need for innovations that not only improve the structural properties of cementitious materials but also minimize their environmental impact. This Special Issue will highlight the latest scientific advancements that focus on reducing the ecological footprint of cementitious materials while enhancing their functionality and longevity.

This Special Issue aims to present cutting-edge research in cementitious materials, with a particular focus on sustainability and innovation. We seek contributions that explore advancements in material design, production techniques, and performance optimization, as well as the real-world applications of sustainable cement-based composites. The scope aligns with the mission of the journal, addressing both fundamental research and practical solutions that advance the performance, durability, and environmental responsibility of cementitious materials. This Special Issue is expected to provide valuable insights for researchers, engineers, and practitioners in materials science, civil engineering, and sustainability. We aim to gather at least 10 articles for this Special Issue, which may be published in book form if this number is reached.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and comprehensive review papers are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Innovative Cement Composites: Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), self-compacting concrete (SCC), and multifunctional concretes (self-cleaning, self-healing, self-luminescent, etc.).
  • Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composites: Hybrid fiber systems, mechanical and structural performance, and sustainable fiber integration.
  • Sustainable Cementitious Materials: Low-carbon binders, alternative cements, and eco-friendly formulations.
  • Utilization of By-products: Incorporating industrial by-products such as fly ash, slag, and red gypsum into cementitious materials.
  • Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCAs) and Waste Materials: Incorporation of Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCAs), plastics, waste tire rubber, and recycled glass in cement composites.
  • Carbon Sequestration: Techniques for carbon fixation and storage in cement-based materials.
  • Advanced Characterization and Modeling: Multi-scale analysis of material properties and performance prediction.
  • Functional Enhancements: Development of smart concretes with enhanced mechanical, thermal, or acoustic properties.
  • Nanotechnology and Bio-based Materials: Integrating nanomaterials and bio-based additives to improve sustainability and functionality.
  • Lifecycle Analysis and Environmental Impact: Comprehensive assessments of carbon footprints and long-term durability.
  • Innovations in Manufacturing: Novel production methods for energy-efficient and low-emission cementitious materials.

We look forward to receiving your contributions to this Special Issue, which will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in cementitious materials with a focus on sustainability and innovative solutions.

Dr. Gregor Kravanja
Prof. Dr. Natalija Bede Odorčić
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Journal of Composites Science 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 1800 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

  • ultra-high-performance cement composites (UHPC)
  • low-carbon cement and concrete alternatives
  • multifunctional cement composites (self-compacting, self-cleaning, self-healing, and self-luminescence)
  • fiber-reinforced cementitious composites
  • industrial by-products in cementitious materials
  • recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) and waste materials
  • carbon fixation in cement composites and sequestration
  • material characterization and predictive modeling
  • bio-based and nanomaterials in cement composites
  • lifecycle assessment and sustainability in construction

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  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 3881 KiB  
Article
Enhancing the Sustainability of Concrete by Adding Recycled Sand and Silica Fume Along with Human Hair Fibers
by Nadim I. Shbeeb and Mohammad Nadeem Akhtar
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(5), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9050216 - 29 Apr 2025
Abstract
This experimental study produced recycled sand–silica fume–hair fiber concrete to enhance concrete sustainability. Recycled sand and silica fume can be used to address the environmental issues caused by excessive river sand mining and the carbon footprint of the concrete industry. In addition, waste [...] Read more.
This experimental study produced recycled sand–silica fume–hair fiber concrete to enhance concrete sustainability. Recycled sand and silica fume can be used to address the environmental issues caused by excessive river sand mining and the carbon footprint of the concrete industry. In addition, waste hair fibers (0.5–2%) were introduced to enhance the properties of newly developed concrete mixes. The absolute volume method was employed for four newly developed sustainable concrete mixes. A 100 mm slump was set as a structural concrete requirement, which was maintained by adding 0.5%, 1%, 1.4%, 1.9%, and 2.6% of the admixture by weight of the cement to the proposed mixes. The compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and density of the hardened concrete mixtures were estimated. The study results show that combining optimized 10% silica fume with 0.5–2% hair fibers enhanced the properties of the newly developed sustainable mixes. The slump threshold was met when 1.5% of hair fibers were mixed with 10% silica fume, 50% manufactured sand, and 50% recycled sand. However, the splitting tensile strengths of the mixes with 1.5% and 2.0% hair fibers were found to be almost the same at 5.62 MPa and 5.65 MPa, respectively. The bulk density of the mixes increased with increasing percentages of hair fibers. Furthermore, in the mixes with 1.5% and 2.0% hair fibers, the bulk density was very similar at 2.708 g/cm3 and 2.792 g/cm3, respectively. Thus, it can be concluded from the study results that concrete containing recycled sand, silica fume, and hair fibers in optimal percentages is acceptable as structural concrete. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Sustainable Cement-Based Composites: Innovations in Performance, Durability, and Environmental Impact)
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28 pages, 16181 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Potential of Using Walnut Shell Particles for Manufacturing Cement-Bonded Particle Boards
by Anas El Hamri, Yassine Mouhib, Hassan Chkala, Oussama Oulhakem, Mohammed Chigr and Nour-Eddine El Mansouri
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(4), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9040183 - 10 Apr 2025
Viewed by 478
Abstract
In the search for eco-friendly and resource-efficient alternatives to conventional building materials, agricultural residues are gaining increasing attention as reinforcements in cement-based composites. This study investigates the potential of walnut shell particles (WSPs), a lignocellulosic bio-product, as a sustainable reinforcing agent in walnut [...] Read more.
In the search for eco-friendly and resource-efficient alternatives to conventional building materials, agricultural residues are gaining increasing attention as reinforcements in cement-based composites. This study investigates the potential of walnut shell particles (WSPs), a lignocellulosic bio-product, as a sustainable reinforcing agent in walnut shell cement boards (WSCBs). Using super white cement (SWC) as a binder, boards were manufactured with WSP content ranging from 10% to 50% by weight, targeting a density of 1300 kg/m3, a 10 mm thickness, and a water-to-cement ratio of 0.6:1. The mixtures were cold-pressed at ambient temperature using a hydraulic press at 3 MPa for 24 h, followed by curing for 28 days under ambient conditions. Physical properties such as density, water absorption, and thickness swelling were assessed, along with mechanical performance, through flexural testing. Fracture surfaces and internal microstructures were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Functional groups and chemical reactions were monitored using FTIR, while thermal analysis (TGA and DSC), as well as measurements of thermal conductivity and resistance, provided comprehensive insights into the thermal behavior, insulating performance, and energy efficiency potential of the boards. Results demonstrate that the board with 30% WSP exhibited an optimal balance of physical and mechanical properties, achieving a 24 h water absorption of 14.05% and a modulus of rupture (MOR) of 6.53 MPa, making it suitable for non-structural applications. The board with 50% WSP exhibited the best thermal insulation performance, with a low thermal conductivity of 0.079 W/m·K. These findings highlight the potential of recycled agricultural materials in enhancing building materials’ performance, contributing to sustainable, eco-friendly construction practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Sustainable Cement-Based Composites: Innovations in Performance, Durability, and Environmental Impact)
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14 pages, 2615 KiB  
Article
Rheological Behavior of Ion-Doped Hydroxyapatite Slurries
by Zahid Abbas, Massimiliano Dapporto, Andreana Piancastelli, Davide Gardini, Anna Tampieri and Simone Sprio
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(4), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9040181 - 9 Apr 2025
Viewed by 331
Abstract
The present work investigates the rheological behavior of ceramic slurries made of hydroxyapatite powders doped with magnesium and strontium ions and selected as particularly relevant for biomedical applications. The incorporation of doping ions into the apatite crystal structure is a well-known way to [...] Read more.
The present work investigates the rheological behavior of ceramic slurries made of hydroxyapatite powders doped with magnesium and strontium ions and selected as particularly relevant for biomedical applications. The incorporation of doping ions into the apatite crystal structure is a well-known way to enhance the bioactivity of hydroxyapatite through compositional and structural changes, however, this also affects the rheological properties relevant to the fabrication of ceramic devices by forming techniques based on the manipulation of aqueous slurries. We analyzed the effect of different apatitic chemical compositions, powder content, and dispersant amount on the shear behavior and flowability of slurries, thus finding that the structural changes in hydroxyapatite induced by ion doping significantly affected the colloidal stability of the apatite powders and the viscoelasticity of the slurries. This leads to improved rheological behavior in the hydroxyapatite suspensions, which is suitable for the future development of ceramic slurries, particularly for achieving novel ceramic devices by extrusion-based techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Sustainable Cement-Based Composites: Innovations in Performance, Durability, and Environmental Impact)
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15 pages, 3825 KiB  
Article
Thermal, Mechanical, and Microstructural Properties of Novel Light Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA)-Based Geopolymer Concretes
by Tinkara Marija Podnar and Gregor Kravanja
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(2), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9020069 - 4 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 800
Abstract
The construction sector’s reliance on traditional cement significantly contributes to CO2 emissions, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. This study investigates fine (0–4 mm), rounded, uncoated, porous-surfaced lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA)-based geopolymers, which combine the low-carbon benefits of geopolymers with [...] Read more.
The construction sector’s reliance on traditional cement significantly contributes to CO2 emissions, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. This study investigates fine (0–4 mm), rounded, uncoated, porous-surfaced lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA)-based geopolymers, which combine the low-carbon benefits of geopolymers with LECA’s lightweight and insulating properties. Geopolymers were synthesized using lignite-rich fly ash with varying ratios of LECA to aggregate. Mechanical testing revealed that the reference mixture without LECA (REF-GEO) achieved the highest compressive strength of 37.89 ± 0.75 MPa and flexural strength of 7.62 ± 0.11 MPa, while complete substitution of the aggregate with LECA (LECA-100%) reduced the compressive strength to 17.31 ± 0.88 MPa and flexural strength to 3.41 ± 0.11 MPa. The density of the samples decreased from 2.06 g/cm3 for REF-GEO to 1.31 g/cm3 for LECA-100%, and thermal conductivity dropped significantly from 1.15 ± 0.07 W/mK to 0.38 ± 0.01 W/mK. Microstructural analysis using XRD and SEM-EDX highlighted changes in the material’s internal structure and the increase in porosity with higher LECA content. Water vapor permeability increases over time, particularly in samples with higher LECA content. These findings suggest that LECA-based geopolymers are suitable for low-load or non-structural elements. They are ideal for sustainable, energy-efficient construction that requires lightweight, insulating, and breathable materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Sustainable Cement-Based Composites: Innovations in Performance, Durability, and Environmental Impact)
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