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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Green Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 April 2025) | Viewed by 16392

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Abdul Aabid

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Guest Editor

Department of Engineering Management, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Interests: aerospace structures repair and control; structural dynamics; composite materials; smart materials; finite element modelling and analysis; design of experiments; machine learning approach; fluid dynamics and control
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Muneer Baig

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Guest Editor

Department of Engineering Management, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Interests: material science and engineering; experimental methods; manufacturing process; structural dynamics; composite materials; finite element modelling and analysis; design of experiments; machine learning approach; fluid dynamics and control
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, there has been an increasing global focus on sustainability and the urgent need to transition towards environmentally friendly practices in various industries. Engineering, as a key sector driving innovation and development, plays a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future. This Special Issue aims to explore the latest advancements and challenges in the field of sustainable materials for engineering applications.

Sustainable materials encompass a wide range of materials and technologies that minimize environmental impact while maintaining or even improving performance. This Special Issue welcomes original research, review articles, case studies, and perspectives that shed light on sustainable materials' applications across different engineering disciplines. The objective is to provide a comprehensive platform for researchers, scientists, engineers, and practitioners to share their insights, exchange knowledge, and present cutting-edge solutions to address sustainability challenges.

Potential topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to:

Novel sustainable materials: Exploration and development of new materials with reduced environmental footprint, including bio-based materials, recycled materials, and materials with improved end-of-life management.

Life cycle assessment and environmental impact: Studies focusing on the assessment of sustainable materials' life cycle, including methodologies, tools, and case studies evaluating environmental impacts and resource consumption.

Sustainable material processing and manufacturing: Innovative techniques and technologies for sustainable material processing, including energy-efficient manufacturing processes, waste reduction, and pollution prevention.

Structural materials for sustainability: Advancements in sustainable materials for structural applications, such as high-performance concrete, sustainable metals, composites, and polymers.

Renewable energy materials: Materials for renewable energy technologies, including solar panels, wind turbines, energy storage systems, and fuel cells.

Sustainable materials for transportation: Materials and technologies for sustainable transportation, such as lightweight materials, electric vehicle components, and alternative fuel systems.

Sustainable materials for water and wastewater treatment: Development of sustainable materials for efficient and eco-friendly water treatment and wastewater management systems.

Case studies and real-world applications: Successful implementation of sustainable materials in engineering projects, showcasing their benefits, challenges, and lessons learned.

By bringing together diverse perspectives, this Special Issue seeks to foster interdisciplinary collaborations and promote the adoption of sustainable materials in engineering applications. It will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, policymakers, and stakeholders committed to driving sustainable development and creating a more environmentally conscious future.

Dr. Abdul Aabid
Dr. Muneer Baig
Guest Editors

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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. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

sustainable materials
environmental impact
bio-based materials
recycled materials
material processing
manufacturing techniques
energy-efficient processes
structural materials
high-performance concrete
sustainable metals
sustainable composites
sustainable polymers
renewable energy materials
fuel cells
sustainable transportation
lightweight materials
electric vehicle components
alternative fuel systems
water treatment
sustainable development
environmental consciousness

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 185 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Sustainable Materials for Engineering Applications

by Abdul Aabid and Muneer Baig

Materials 2023, 16(18), 6085; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16186085 - 6 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3333

Abstract

This newly added Special Issue (SI) of the Materials journal, titled “Sustainable Materials for Engineering Applications”, focuses on the foundations, characterizations, and applications of several sustainable materials [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials for Engineering Applications)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

21 pages, 4429 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pyrolyzed Agro-Food By-Products: A Sustainable Alternative to Coal

by Lukáš Jeníček, Jan Malaťák, Jan Velebil and Michal Neškudla

Materials 2025, 18(7), 1495; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18071495 - 27 Mar 2025

Viewed by 568

Abstract

This study investigates the potential use of biochar derived from residues—such as spruce wood, spent coffee grounds, tea waste, and nutshells—as a sustainable coal substitute—to enhance the decarbonization of European energetic systems and decrease the dependence on fossil fuels. The biomasses were pyrolyzed at 250–550 °C, analyzed for calorific value and composition, and evaluated for energy retention and mass loss. The results show significant energy density improvements, with optimal temperatures varying by material (e.g., spruce wood reached 31.56 MJ·kg⁻¹ at 550 °C, retaining 21.84% of its mass; spent coffee grounds peaked at 31.26 MJ·kg⁻¹ at 350 °C, retaining 37.53%). Economic analysis confirmed pyrolyzed biomass as a cost-effective alternative to coal, especially considering emission allowance costs. Integrating biomass pyrolysis into regional energy systems supports decarbonization, reduces emissions, and advances us towards a circular economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials for Engineering Applications)

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17 pages, 8127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of Treatment Effects of Different Materials on Thin Oil Films

by Xiuli Wu, Bo Zheng, Haiping Dai, Yongwen Ke and Cheng Cai

Materials 2025, 18(7), 1486; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18071486 - 26 Mar 2025

Viewed by 203

Abstract

With the continuous and rapid development of global industries, issues such as offshore oil spills, leakage of organic chemicals, and the direct discharge of industrial oily sewage have caused serious damage to the ecological environment and water resources. Efficient oil–water separation is widely recognized as the solution. However, there is an urgent need to address the difficulties in treating thin oil films on the water surface and the low separation efficiency of existing oil–water separation materials. In view of this, this study aims to investigate high-efficiency oil–water separation materials for thin oil films. Four types of oil–water separation materials with different materials are designed to treat thin oil films on the water surface. The effects of factors such as oil film thickness, pressure, and temperature on the oil–water separation performance of these materials are studied. The viscosities of kerosene and diesel oil are tested, and the adsorption and separation effects of the oil–water separation materials on different oil products and oily organic solvents are examined. In addition, the long-term stability of the movable and portable oil–water separation components is verified. The results show that the oil-absorbing sponge-based oil–water separation membrane has an excellent microporous structure and surface roughness, endowing the membrane surface with excellent hydrophobicity and lipophilicity, and exhibiting good oil–water separation performance. The filtration flux of oil increases with the increase in pressure and temperature. It has good adsorption and separation performance for different oil products and oily organic solvents. Moreover, it maintains stable operation performance during the 12-month long-term oil–water separation process for kerosene and diesel oil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials for Engineering Applications)

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20 pages, 5147 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Properties and Behavior of Sandy Soils by a New Interpretation of MICP

by Masaharu Fukue, Zbigniew Lechowicz, Catherine N. Mulligan, Seiichi Takeuchi, Yuichi Fujimori and Kentaro Emori

Materials 2025, 18(4), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18040809 - 12 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 676

Abstract

Research on MICP technology for ground improvement began in the early 2000s, and since then, it has been considered as innovative research. The field of applications is showing signs of expanding from sandy soil stabilization to remediation. However, the research has not always progressed, because it is extremely difficult to evaluate the ability (viability rate) related to microorganisms and how to handle them quantitatively. In fact, this problem hinders the consensus of research results in terms of quantitative evaluation of microorganisms and the cross-comparison (evaluation) and use of MICP technology research. The crucial disadvantage of using bacteria is that their properties are not constant due to changes over time and in the surrounding environment. Therefore, for engineering purposes, we used the carbonate formation rate (CPR), instead of urease activity, as a function of the microbial mass (OD) with viable bacteria. Thus, the standard OD−CPR relationship was defined experimentally, and the estimation method of viability was established. The required amount of microorganisms for testing was given by OD*, and the relationship “OD = Rcv OD*” was defined to convert from OD* to OD. Rcv was defined as the viable bacterial rate. It was found that the Ca²⁺/OD ratio controls the inhibition behavior in MICP. At a Ca²⁺/OD ratio of >8.46 M, then inhibition occurs, while at Ca²⁺/OD = 8.46 M, CPR = 8.46 OD and the CPR is proportional to the viable OD, Rcv, and OD*. We show that it is possible to perform an experiment using OD* with aged bacteria, obtain Rcv from the standard OD−CPR and OD*−CPR relationships, convert OD* to OD and to perform a unified evaluation without actually determining the viability rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials for Engineering Applications)

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32 pages, 11259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Assessment of the Environmental Impact of Construction Materials of Monocrystalline and Perovskite Photovoltaic Power Plants Toward Their Sustainable Development

by Izabela Piasecka and Zbigniew Kłos

Materials 2024, 17(23), 5787; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17235787 - 26 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1055

Abstract

The interest in alternative energy sources, including the use of solar radiation energy, is growing year by year. Currently, the most frequently installed photovoltaic modules are made of single-crystalline silicon solar cells (sc-Si). However, one of the latest solutions are perovskite solar cells (PSC), which are considered the future of photovoltaics. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to assess the environmental impact of the construction materials of monocrystalline and perovskite photovoltaic power plants toward their sustainable development. The research object was the construction materials and components of two 1 MW photovoltaic power plants: one based on monocrystalline modules and the other on perovskite modules. The life cycle assessment (LCA) method was used for the analyses. The IMPACT World+, IPCC and CED models were used in it. The analyses were performed separately for five sets of elements: support structures, photovoltaic panels, inverter stations, electrical installations and transformers. Two post-consumer management scenarios were adopted: storage and recycling. The life cycle of a photovoltaic power plant based on photovoltaic modules made of perovskite cells is characterized by a smaller negative impact on the environment compared to traditional power plants with monocrystalline silicon modules. Perovskites, as a construction material of photovoltaic modules, fit better into the main assumptions of sustainable development compared to cells made of monocrystalline silicon. However, it is necessary to conduct further work which aims at reducing energy and material consumption in the life cycles of photovoltaic power plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials for Engineering Applications)

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16 pages, 9230 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Reclaimed Water on the Visual Quality of Automotive Coating

by Piotr Woźniak and Marek Gryta

Materials 2024, 17(21), 5382; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17215382 - 4 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 839

Abstract

In the present study, the possibility of recovering water in a car wash station was presented. The resistance of automotive coatings to washing water recovered at 50% and 70% from wastewater generated at car wash was tested. Wastewater treatment was carried out by ultrafiltration (UF) using tubular polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes (100 and 200 kDa) manufactured by the PCI company. The membranes retained oil contamination, suspended solids, and over 60% of surfactants. For comparison, the 0.5% Turbo Active Green solution, used at professional car washes, was also applied in paint resistance studies. The tested solutions washed the painted surfaces of samples taken from car doors for 8 days. The resistance of automotive coatings to washing solutions was assessed by measuring gloss, Log Haze, RIQ, and Rspec parameters. Scratch resistance was also assessed. The results obtained in the current study indicated that the use of water recovered from wastewater did not deteriorate the quality of the car paint coating. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials for Engineering Applications)

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19 pages, 8423 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical and Durability Properties of Rubberized Sulfur Concrete Using Waste Tire Crumb Rubber

by Okpin Na and Giyeol Lee

Materials 2024, 17(21), 5269; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17215269 - 30 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1253

Abstract

The use of rubber crumbs provides a viable solution for alleviating the disposal problem of waste tires. In this study, rubberized sulfur concrete (RSC) was researched to investigate the optimal mixture proportion and to improve the mixing process in terms of compressive strength and durability performance. For the mixture of the RSC, sand, rubber particles, and micro-filler were adopted as aggregates and sulfur was used for the binding material. Moreover, two mixing processes were applied: the dry mixing process and the wet mixing process. Based on the test results, the increment of rubber particles in the mixture led to a decrease in the compressive strength for both the dry and wet mixing processes. To minimize the voids between the sand and rubber particles, the micro-filler was used at 5% of the total volume. The amount of sulfur varied slightly depending on the mixing process: 30% sulfur for the dry mixing process and 34% sulfur for the wet mixing process, respectively. Consequently, compared to the dry mixing process, the wet mixing process increased the bonding force between sulfur and rubber powder due to the simultaneous heating and combining. In toughness, the wet mixing process demonstrates a 40% higher energy absorption capability compared to the dry mixing process. For the durability performance of the RSC, the mixture with 20% rubber particles produced using the wet mixing process exhibited better corrosion and freeze–thaw resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials for Engineering Applications)

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11 pages, 794 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Properties of Adhesive Mortars Using Waste Glass

by Galyna Kotsay and Wiktor Szewczenko

Materials 2024, 17(15), 3853; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17153853 - 3 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1057

Abstract

This study investigates the use of waste glass as an active aggregate in glass polymers based on water glass, aiming to enhance the sustainability of construction materials by utilizing recyclable waste. Methodologically, the research employs a combination of water glass as a binder with waste glass, analyzing their chemical interaction and the resulting mechanical properties. The primary findings reveal that the inclusion of finely ground waste glass not only promotes the polycondensation and hardening processes of water glass but also significantly influences the adhesive and cohesive strengths of the developed glass polymers. After 7 days of hardening, the tensile strength of these materials exceeds that of standard concrete with values reaching up to 4.11 MPa, indicating strong adhesion capabilities that could pull out fragments of the concrete substrate. Conclusively, the study underscores the potential of waste glass in improving the structural and economic efficiencies of building materials, contributing to a reduction in landfill waste and offering a promising avenue for the innovative use of recyclable materials in construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials for Engineering Applications)

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24 pages, 2989 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effective Carbon Dioxide Mitigation and Improvement of Compost Nutrients with the Use of Composts’ Biochar

by Sylwia Stegenta-Dąbrowska, Ewa Syguła, Magdalena Bednik and Joanna Rosik

Materials 2024, 17(3), 563; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17030563 - 25 Jan 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2343

Abstract

Composting is a process that emits environmentally harmful gases: CO₂, CO, H₂S, and NH₃, negatively affecting the quality of mature compost. The addition of biochar to the compost can significantly reduce emissions. For effective CO₂ removal, high doses of biochar (up to 20%) are often recommended. Nevertheless, as the production efficiency of biochar is low—up to 90% mass loss—there is a need for research into the effectiveness of lower doses. In this study, laboratory experiments were conducted to observe the gaseous emissions during the first 10 days of composting with biochars obtained from mature composts. Biochars were produced at 550, 600, and 650 °C, and tested with different doses of 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15% per dry matter (d.m.) in composting mixtures, at three incubation temperatures (50, 60, and 70 °C). CO₂, CO, H₂S, and NH₃ emissions were measured daily. The results showed that the biochars effectively mitigate CO₂ emissions during the intensive phase of composting. Even 3–6% d.m. of compost biochars can reduce up to 50% of the total measured gas emissions (the best treatment was B650 at 60 °C) and significantly increase the content of macronutrients. This study confirmed that even low doses of compost biochars have the potential for enhancing the composting process and improving the quality of the material quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials for Engineering Applications)

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13 pages, 4945 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of the Pozzolanic Activity Improvement of Yellow Phosphorus Slag with Thermal Activation

by Xinyue Liu, Xiaoming Liu, Zengqi Zhang, Chao Wei, Qingsen Zeng, Yantian Li and Shanliang Ma

Materials 2023, 16(17), 6047; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16176047 - 3 Sep 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1584

Abstract

Yellow phosphorus slag (YPS) is a byproduct from the production of yellow phosphorus. It has potential pozzolanic activity and can be used as a supplementary cementitious material. However, the early strength of cement mortar decreases significantly with increasing YPS dosage, which restricts the utilization of YPS in cement and concrete. This study aimed to increase the pozzolanic activity of YPS ash by thermal activation. The strength method, alkali dissolution method and polymerization degree method were used to evaluate the effect of thermal activation at different temperatures on the pozzolanic activity of YPS ash. The results showed that YPS ash calcined at 800 °C helps to enhance the early strength because the fluorine in cuspidine (Ca₄Si₂O₇F₂) is insoluble, reducing the retarding effect on the mortar. The higher late strength of YPS ash calcined at 100 °C was due to the low polymerization degree of [SiO₄]. The pozzolanic activity of YPS ash is positively correlated with the dissolution concentration of (Si + Al) and the compressive strength and negatively associated with the polymerization degree. This paper shows a possibility for the large-scale utilization of YPS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials for Engineering Applications)

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Review

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29 pages, 10408 KiB

Open AccessReview

Valorization of Residue from Aluminum Industries: A Review

by Andrie Harmaji, Reza Jafari and Guy Simard

Materials 2024, 17(21), 5152; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17215152 - 23 Oct 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2311

Abstract

Recycling and reusing industrial waste and by-products are topics of great importance across all industries, but they hold particular significance in the metal industry. Aluminum, the most widely used non-ferrous metal globally, generates considerable waste during production, including dross, salt slag, spent carbon cathode and bauxite residue. Extensive research has been conducted to recycle and re-extract the remaining aluminum from these wastes. Given their varied environmental impacts, recycling these materials to maximize residue utilization is crucial. The components of dross, salt slag, and bauxite residue include aluminum and various oxides. Through recycling, alumina can be extracted using processes such as pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy, which involve leaching, iron oxide separation, and the production of alumina salt. Initially, the paper will provide a brief introduction to the generation of aluminum residues—namely, dross, salt slag, and bauxite residue—including their environmental impacts, followed by an exploration of their potential applications in sectors such as environmental management, energy, and construction materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials for Engineering Applications)

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