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Reaction Mechanism and Properties of Cement-Based Materials (2nd Edition)

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2025 | Viewed by 8501

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Weiting Xu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
Interests: high-performance cement-based materials; shrinkage reduction and toughening mechanism of concrete; prevention and control of concrete cracks; recycling of solid waste; organic-inorganic composite cementitious materials; molecular dynamics simulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cement is one of the most important building materials in human history, and is used to build various infrastructures due to its high strength, excellent durability, and relatively low cost. The microstructure of cement-based materials is composed of a cement paste system, stone, porosity, water content, and other components. Among them, the cement paste system, mainly the hydration product of clinker or a reaction precursor, is the most important component of cement-based materials. The microstructure of a reaction product, pores, and the constituent phase, as well as the hardening process of a cement paste system, have crucial influences on the mechanical and physical properties of the resulting materials. The in-depth understanding of the relationship between the microstructure and macroscopic properties of cement-based materials helps to design more efficient and stable cementitious materials for construction. Cement-based materials are multi-phase and multi-scale structures, and each component has a different degree of influence on the overall mechanical and physical properties. This Special Issue focuses on, but is not limited to, the mechanisms of the physicochemical effects on the cracking and toughening properties of cement-based materials on the macroscopic scale, such as gelling components, aggregates, admixtures, fibers, the water–binder ratio, curing system, and environmental effect; the effects of micrometer-scale reinforcement materials, such as microbeads, whiskers, and osmotic crystals, on filling, bridging, bonding, and osmotic crystallization in cement-based material systems; the enhancing effects and mechanisms of nano-scale reinforcement materials, such as nano-SiO2, nano-CaCO3, graphene, carbon nanotubes, micro-organisms, nano-polymers, etc., on the microstructure of hydration products as well as the growth mode and pore structure of hardened paste; and the conjugate toughening effects of cross-scale components such as “carbon fiber + carbon nanotubes” and “fiber + whisker + graphene” on different scales of cement-based materials.

It is my pleasure to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue, “Reaction Mechanism and Properties of Cement-Based Materials”. Full papers, communications, discussions, and reviews related to the current research, application, and development of strengthening, toughening, and durability enhancement components of different scales of cement-based materials, reaction mechanisms, and properties of various cementitious materials, including Portland cement, aluminate cement, sulfate aluminum cement, ferroaluminate cement, and phosphate cement, are welcomed.

Dr. Weiting Xu
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • cement-based materials
  • cement-based composite materials
  • kinetics of hydration evolution
  • strengthening, toughening, and durability enhancement effect and mechanism
  • multi-phase and multi-scale structures of cement-based materials
  • macro-properties and micro-structure
  • numerical simulation study of cement-based materials
  • macro-properties and micro-structure of cement or concrete
  • utilization of waste in the production of sustainable cement-based materials
  • reaction mechanism of admixtures and their effects on the properties of cement or concrete
  • mechanism and properties of 3D-printing cement materials
  • cement-based functional materials
  • portland cement, aluminate cement, sulfate aluminum cement, ferroaluminate cement, and phosphate cement

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 4063 KiB  
Article
Influence of Clinker and Cinder Particle Gradation on the Properties of Blended Cement and Associated Mortars
by Runze Shang, Dexiang Huang, Wenju Cai, Longlong Niu, Bi Chen, Xinyu Zhang, Wei Li and Min Deng
Materials 2025, 18(12), 2864; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18122864 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 221
Abstract
The high-hydrolysis reactivity cement clinker powder in cement plays a major role in cement’s cementation, while low-hydrolysis reactivity mineral admixture powders, such as slag, m mainly serve as a filler. Through optimizing the particle matching of cement clinker powder and slag powder, the [...] Read more.
The high-hydrolysis reactivity cement clinker powder in cement plays a major role in cement’s cementation, while low-hydrolysis reactivity mineral admixture powders, such as slag, m mainly serve as a filler. Through optimizing the particle matching of cement clinker powder and slag powder, the mechanical properties of cement can be enhanced. In this study, clinker and slag with differing levels of fineness were obtained by separate grinding, and the particle gradation of clinker powder and slag powder in the cement was optimized. Fine clinker particles were mixed with coarse slag particles to systematically explore their effects on the rheology of cement paste, the formation of hydration products, the evolution of the pore structure, and the material’s mechanical properties. Through experimental tests and microscopic analysis, the mechanism whereby particle gradation is regulated by separate grinding was revealed. The findings of the study are as follows: with the same amount of cinder, finer clinker requires a higher water content of standard consistency. The addition of coarse cinder effectively reduces the standard-consistency water requirement of the blended cement. Fine grinding of coal cinder fails to enhance cement strength effectively but markedly raises the standard-consistency water demand. Thus, the specific surface area of coal cinder should be maintained at approximately 210 m2/kg. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reaction Mechanism and Properties of Cement-Based Materials (2nd Edition))
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18 pages, 5902 KiB  
Article
Effect of Combined MgO Expansive Agent and Rice Husk Ash on Deformation and Strength of Post-Cast Concrete
by Feifei Jiang, Yijiang Xing, Wencong Deng, Qi Wang, Jialei Wang and Zhongyang Mao
Materials 2025, 18(12), 2815; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18122815 - 16 Jun 2025
Viewed by 243
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of the combined addition of MgO expansive agent (MEA) and rice husk ash (RHA) on the performance of concrete. Results show that MEA absorbs water and competes with superplasticizers for adsorption, reducing early-age fluidity. In the later stages, [...] Read more.
This study investigates the effects of the combined addition of MgO expansive agent (MEA) and rice husk ash (RHA) on the performance of concrete. Results show that MEA absorbs water and competes with superplasticizers for adsorption, reducing early-age fluidity. In the later stages, its reaction with RHA generates M-S-H gel, accelerating slump loss. At early ages (up to 7 days), due to the slow hydration of MEA and partial replacement of cement, fewer hydration products are formed. Additionally, the pozzolanic reaction of RHA has not yet developed, resulting in the low early strength of concrete. In the later stages, Mg(OH)2 fills pores and enhances compactness, while the pozzolanic reaction of RHA further optimizes the pore structure. The internal curing effect also provides the moisture needed for continued MEA hydration, significantly improving later-age strength. Moreover, in the post-cast strip of a tall building, the internal curing effect of RHA ensures the effective shrinkage compensation by MEA under low water-to-cement ratio conditions. The restraint provided by reinforcement enhances the pore-filling effect of Mg(OH)2, improving concrete compactness and crack resistance, ultimately boosting long-term strength and durability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reaction Mechanism and Properties of Cement-Based Materials (2nd Edition))
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24 pages, 6692 KiB  
Article
Application of Flotation Tailings as a Substitute for Cement in Concrete Structures for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development—Part I: Sulfide Neutralization
by Vanja Đurđevac, Novica Staletović, Lidija Đurđevac Ignjatović, Violeta Jovanović, Nikola Vuković and Vesna Krstić
Materials 2025, 18(12), 2804; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18122804 - 14 Jun 2025
Viewed by 339
Abstract
Flotation tailings (FT), as a product of the exploitation and processing of copper ore, represent a significant environmental and health risk due to the high content of heavy metals and sulfide compounds. Contemporary concepts of sustainable development and circular economy increasingly emphasize the [...] Read more.
Flotation tailings (FT), as a product of the exploitation and processing of copper ore, represent a significant environmental and health risk due to the high content of heavy metals and sulfide compounds. Contemporary concepts of sustainable development and circular economy increasingly emphasize the need for rational use of resources and minimization of all types of waste, including mining waste. In this context, the reuse of flotation tailings in the construction industry represents a significant step towards closing the material flow in the mining and construction sectors. In order to reduce the negative impact of FT on the environment, the possibility of its application as a substitute for a portion of cement in the production of concrete was investigated. The main challenge is to reduce the negative impact of sulfides, originating from sulfide compounds, in order to achieve the desired concrete quality. Limestone aggregates of different size fractions (0/4, 4/8, 8/16 mm) were used for sulfide neutralization. Pyrite concentrate was used as a sulfide source, which together with FT provides the mixtures FT-7, FT-14, FT-25, and FT-40, with sulfur contents of 7.56, 13.84, 25.02, and 39.82%, respectively. FT mixtures were used as a substitute for Portland cement (PC) in the preparation of concrete. Test methods included XRD (X-ray diffraction), XRF (X-ray fluorescence), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), LP (leaching procedure), TCLP (toxicity characterization leaching procedure), assessment of acid eluate generation potential (AP—acid potential, NP—neutralization potential, and NNP—net neutralization potential), NEN (determination of heavy metals in cured concrete eluate), and UCS (uniaxial compressive strength of cured concrete). The results showed that the chemical characteristics of FT, as well as the chemical and mechanical properties of hardened concrete, allow the efficient use of these tailings in concrete mixes, which significantly utilizes FT, reduces the generation of mining waste, and contributes to the reduction of the negative impact on the environment and achieving sustainable development in mining. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reaction Mechanism and Properties of Cement-Based Materials (2nd Edition))
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19 pages, 5279 KiB  
Article
Methods for Quantitative Determination of Iron Sulfides in Rocks
by Zhixin Wang, Shaoping Wang, Wei Li, Bing Cao, Xiaojun Huang, Xin Chuai, Xinyu Zhang and Min Deng
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2647; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112647 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 310
Abstract
When iron sulfides are used as aggregate in concrete production, it easily oxidizes to form harmful substances such as sulfates. This results in acid corrosion and internal sulfate attack (ISA), significantly reducing concrete durability. To date, the quantification methods for iron sulfides in [...] Read more.
When iron sulfides are used as aggregate in concrete production, it easily oxidizes to form harmful substances such as sulfates. This results in acid corrosion and internal sulfate attack (ISA), significantly reducing concrete durability. To date, the quantification methods for iron sulfides in aggregates remain inaccurate, often neglecting pyrrhotite (a type of iron sulfide). No standardized methods or threshold values for the sulfide content in aggregates have been established, nor have technical guidelines for the application of sulfide-containing aggregates, limiting their use. This study proposes an on-site quantification procedure for determining the pyrite and pyrrhotite content in tailings using a selective chemical dissolution process. An orthogonal experiment was designed to determine the optimal dissolution conditions by considering four factors: particle size, reaction temperature, acid concentration, and reaction time. The pyrrhotite quantification method showed a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 3.60% (<5%) and a mean relative error of 3.19% (<5%), while the pyrite quantification method showed an RSD of 3.11% (<5%) with a mean relative error of 4.70% (<5%). The results were further optimized under engineering conditions to reduce costs and enable on-site quantification without relying on complex precision instruments. The quantitative results of pyrite in mineral samples were verified by the XRD internal standard method, and the error was less than 0.6%. This approach ensures the effective monitoring and management of sulfide content in concrete aggregates, promoting the practical application of sulfur-bearing aggregates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reaction Mechanism and Properties of Cement-Based Materials (2nd Edition))
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16 pages, 4378 KiB  
Article
Utilization of Low-Grade Limestone and Solid Waste for the Preparation of High-Belite Portland Cement
by Jiapeng Duan, Yu Zhang, Suwei Xia, Zian Geng and Wenbo Xin
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2641; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112641 - 4 Jun 2025
Viewed by 357
Abstract
In this study, high-belite Portland cement clinker was successfully prepared by using low-grade limestone and solid-waste calcium carbide slag and steel slag, achieving resource utilization while reducing CO2 emissions caused by raw materials decomposition in the cement industry. Using X-ray diffraction, microscopic [...] Read more.
In this study, high-belite Portland cement clinker was successfully prepared by using low-grade limestone and solid-waste calcium carbide slag and steel slag, achieving resource utilization while reducing CO2 emissions caused by raw materials decomposition in the cement industry. Using X-ray diffraction, microscopic images, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry, the physicochemical reaction process, phase composition, and microscopy of clinker were studied. The results indicated that the high-belite Portland cement clinker can be successfully produced at 1340 °C for 1 h with a belite content of 58.6% and an alite content of 24.2% when the composition of raw material was suitable. Meanwhile, the content of high-reactive-phase α-C2S can reach 1.4%. Via microscopic viewing, C2S and C3S were interphase distributed and well developed. In this study, the CO2 emission of the prepared high-belite Portland cement clinker was 54.67% lower than that of ordinary Portland cement clinker. All the above results confirm that high-belite Portland cement clinker can be produced using low-grade limestone and solid wastes, which can significantly reduce CO2 emission during Portland clinker production and promote an innovative approach to the cement industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reaction Mechanism and Properties of Cement-Based Materials (2nd Edition))
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17 pages, 4161 KiB  
Article
Influence of Raw Material Fineness on Clinker Burnability and Cement Performance
by Shanshi Chen, Xinjian Yue and Yongmin Zhou
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2453; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112453 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 479
Abstract
The particle size of raw materials is crucial for clinker formation, ultimately affecting cement performance. However, the specific effects of the fineness of individual raw materials on clinker burnability remain insufficiently understood. In this study, the fineness of limestone, shale, and iron-bearing materials [...] Read more.
The particle size of raw materials is crucial for clinker formation, ultimately affecting cement performance. However, the specific effects of the fineness of individual raw materials on clinker burnability remain insufficiently understood. In this study, the fineness of limestone, shale, and iron-bearing materials was systematically varied to explore its influence on raw meal burnability and the resulting cement properties. Raw materials were prepared with controlled residue levels (5–20%) retained on an 80 μm sieve. Their impact was evaluated based on free lime content (f-CaO), clinker phase composition, cement strength development, and hydration behavior. Among the variables studied, limestone fineness was found to be the predominant factor affecting f-CaO levels, confirming its dominant role in governing clinker burnability. In contrast, fineness adjustments of aluminosilicate and iron-bearing components produced comparatively minor effects. Despite variations in raw meal fineness, clinkers produced with sieve residues between 10% and 15% exhibited consistent phase compositions, primarily comprising tricalcium silicate (C3S), dicalcium silicate (C2S), tricalcium aluminate (C3A), and tetracalcium aluminoferrite (C4AF). Furthermore, cement pastes derived from these clinkers demonstrated similar setting times, mechanical strengths, and hydration product assemblages. These results highlight the robustness of cement performance with respect to moderate variations in raw material fineness, particularly when limestone fineness is adequately controlled. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reaction Mechanism and Properties of Cement-Based Materials (2nd Edition))
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15 pages, 4312 KiB  
Article
Insights into Hydration Kinetics of Cement Pastes Evaluated by Low-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: Effects of Super-Absorbent Polymer as Internal Curing Agent and Calcium Oxide as Expansive Agent
by Meixin Liu, Yuan Hu, Jing Li, Xiaolin Liu, Huiwen Sun, Yunfei Di, Xia Wu and Junyi Zhang
Materials 2025, 18(4), 836; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18040836 - 14 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 616
Abstract
Understanding the hydration kinetics of cement paste is essential for adjusting the early-age performance of concrete. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) has emerged as an innovative technique to evaluate cement hydration progress by analyzing the evolution of transverse relaxation time (T2 [...] Read more.
Understanding the hydration kinetics of cement paste is essential for adjusting the early-age performance of concrete. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) has emerged as an innovative technique to evaluate cement hydration progress by analyzing the evolution of transverse relaxation time (T2) signals. This study provides insights into the influence of a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) as an internal curing agent and calcium oxide (CaO) as an expansive agent (EA) on LF-NMR spectroscopy of cement paste for the first time. The chemical compositions of the cement and CaO-based EA were determined by X-ray fluorescence, while the morphological characterizations of the cement, SAP and CaO-based EA materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Based on the extreme points in the first-order derivatives of the T2 signal maximum amplitude curve, the hydration progress was analyzed and identified with four stages in detail. The results showed that the use of the SAP with a higher content retarded the hydration kinetics more evidently at a very early age, thus prolonging the duration of the induction and acceleration stages. The use of the CaO-based EA shortened the induction, acceleration and deceleration stages, which verified its promotion of hydration kinetics in the presence of the SAP. The combination of 3 wt% SAP and 2 wt% CaO consumed more water content synergistically in the first 100 h by hydration reactions. These findings revealed the roles of SAP and CaO-based EA (commonly adopted for low-shrinkage concrete) in adjusting hydration parameters and the microstructure evolution of cement-based materials, which would further offer fundamental knowledge for the early-age cracking control of concrete structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reaction Mechanism and Properties of Cement-Based Materials (2nd Edition))
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20 pages, 5523 KiB  
Article
Redispersible Acrylic Ester Polymers: Effect of Polymer Property Changes Due to Polymerization Method Modification and Functional Additives on the Performance of Polymer Cement Mortar
by Jeong-Bae Lee
Materials 2024, 17(22), 5534; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17225534 - 13 Nov 2024
Viewed by 864
Abstract
This paper presents an experimental study aimed at improving the performance of polymer cement mortar by evaluating the properties of acrylic ester redispersible polymers, synthesized using a change in polymerization method from emulsion monomer to monomer dropwise addition methods, along with the use [...] Read more.
This paper presents an experimental study aimed at improving the performance of polymer cement mortar by evaluating the properties of acrylic ester redispersible polymers, synthesized using a change in polymerization method from emulsion monomer to monomer dropwise addition methods, along with the use of a functional additive in the form of a foaming agent. To achieve the research objectives, a polymer with a glass transition temperature of −11 °C was synthesized by fixing the monomer ratio, particle-size distribution, and glass transition temperature, and the physical properties of the polymer cement mortar were assessed. The results showed that polymers synthesized using the modified polymerization method increased elongation at break and possessed a 35% smaller average particle size. The use of the foaming agent also resulted in enhanced tensile strength. The polymer cement mortars made with these respective polymers demonstrated improvements in compressive strength 11~25%, flexural strength 53~77%, bond strength 78~113%, volumetric changes 65~88%, and water absorption 30~70%. These findings suggest that changes in the polymerization method and the incorporation of functional additives influence the average particle size and air entrainment control properties of the polymers, thereby positively impacting the performance of the cement hydrates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reaction Mechanism and Properties of Cement-Based Materials (2nd Edition))
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15 pages, 4090 KiB  
Article
Performance Research and Engineering Application of Fiber-Reinforced Lightweight Aggregate Concrete
by Feifei Jiang, Wencong Deng, Qi Wang, Jialei Wang and Zhongyang Mao
Materials 2024, 17(22), 5530; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17225530 - 13 Nov 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 907
Abstract
Low strength and low impact toughness are two of the main issues affecting the use of lightweight aggregate concrete in harsh cold environments. In this study, the strength of concrete was improved by adding high-strength fibers to bear tensile stress and organize crack [...] Read more.
Low strength and low impact toughness are two of the main issues affecting the use of lightweight aggregate concrete in harsh cold environments. In this study, the strength of concrete was improved by adding high-strength fibers to bear tensile stress and organize crack propagation. Four sets of comparative experiments were designed with freeze–thaw cycles of 0, 50, 100, and 150 to study the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced lightweight aggregate concrete under freeze–thaw conditions. A detailed study was conducted on the effects of freeze–thaw on the compressive strength, flexural strength, impact toughness, and microstructure of concrete with different fiber contents (3, 6, and 9 kg/m3). The results show that for ordinary lightweight aggregate concrete, under the freeze–thaw cycle, the internal pore water of the concrete froze and generated expansion stress, resulting in tensile cracks inside the concrete. The cracks gradually accumulated and expanded, ultimately leading to cracking and damage of concrete structures. After 150 cycles, the strength loss rate exceeded 25%. When adding a reasonable amount of fiber (6 kg/m3), the fiber took on the tensile stress and hindered the development of internal cracks, significantly enhancing the splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact toughness of lightweight aggregate concrete. And the failure pattern of concrete was significantly improved. At the beginning of the freeze–thaw cycle, the internal tensile stress was less than the fiber tensile strength and the fiber–matrix bonding strength, and the strength reduction rate of the concrete was slow. Relying on the friction absorption capacity between the fiber and the matrix, the fiber used its own deformation to resist the tensile stress. In the late stage of the freeze–thaw cycle, due to the destruction of the fiber–matrix transition zone structure, the bond strength decreased, the crack resistance and toughening effect decreased, and the strength of the concrete decreased rapidly. Moreover, the reduction in impact toughness was greater than the compressive strength and flexural strength under static load. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reaction Mechanism and Properties of Cement-Based Materials (2nd Edition))
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17 pages, 845 KiB  
Article
Influence of Grinding Aids on the Grinding Performance and Rheological Properties of Cementitious Systems
by Yahya Kaya, Hatice Gizem Şahin, Naz Mardani and Ali Mardani
Materials 2024, 17(21), 5328; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17215328 - 31 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1367
Abstract
The cement industry is of great importance in terms of raw materials consumed, energy consumed, and greenhouse gases emitted. Grinding aids (GA) are used to reduce energy consumption and costs, as well as to reduce the amount of CO2 released into the [...] Read more.
The cement industry is of great importance in terms of raw materials consumed, energy consumed, and greenhouse gases emitted. Grinding aids (GA) are used to reduce energy consumption and costs, as well as to reduce the amount of CO2 released into the environment. In this study, the effect of GA-polycarboxylate ether-based water-reducing admixture (PCE) compatibility on some fresh, rheological and hardened state properties of cementitious systems was investigated. In order to investigate the rheological properties and thixotropic behavior of the mixtures, a total of 51 cement paste mixtures were prepared, containing 4 different types (molasses, MEG, DEA and ethanol) and ratios (0.025, 0.05, 0.75 and 0.1) of GAs and 2 different ratios (0.08% and 0.16%) of PCE in addition to the control mixture. In addition, the effect of the used GAs on the grinding efficiency and compressive strength value was investigated. Additionally, the predictability of the type of GA, dosage and cure time using the Taguchi method was investigated. It was determined that the highest grinding performance was obtained in mixtures containing MEG. It was determined that in cement paste mixtures containing GAs, the dynamic yield stress and viscosity values generally decrease with the increase in PCE usage rate up to a certain value, and these values may increase if the PCE usage increases further. It was determined that such behavior is not present in cement paste mixtures containing GAs and that the structural build-up value of the mixtures generally increases with the increase in the PCE admixture usage rate. It was determined that the use of GAs had a positive effect on 28-day compressive strength. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reaction Mechanism and Properties of Cement-Based Materials (2nd Edition))
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20 pages, 7114 KiB  
Article
The Synergistic Effect of Limestone Powder and Rice Husk Ash on the Mechanical Properties of Cement-Based Materials
by Jialei Wang, Feifei Jiang, Juan Zhou and Zhongyang Mao
Materials 2024, 17(20), 5058; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205058 - 16 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1600
Abstract
Fully utilizing solid waste as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) while ensuring the mechanical properties of cement-based materials is one of the pathways for carbon reduction in the cement industry. Understanding the effects of the two solid wastes-limestone powder (LP) and rice husk ash [...] Read more.
Fully utilizing solid waste as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) while ensuring the mechanical properties of cement-based materials is one of the pathways for carbon reduction in the cement industry. Understanding the effects of the two solid wastes-limestone powder (LP) and rice husk ash (RHA) on the mechanical properties of cement-based materials is of great significance for their application in concrete. This study investigates the impact of LP and RHA on the strength of cement mortar at various ages and the microhardness of hardened cement paste. The results suggest that two materials have a certain synergistic effect on the mechanical properties of the cementitious materials. The addition of RHA effectively addresses the issues of slow strength development, insufficient late-stage strength of the cementitious material, and the low strength blended with a large amount of LP, while a suitable amount of LP can promote the strength increase in the cement-RHA system. Based on the comprehensive analysis of compressive strength and microhardness, the optimal solution for achieving high mechanical properties in composite cementitious materials is to use 10% each of LP and RHA, resulting in a 9.5% increase in 28 d strength compared to a pure cement system. The higher the content of LP, the greater the increase caused by 10% RHA in compressive strength of the composite system, which makes the strength growth rate of cementitious material mixed with 10% LP at 3–56 d 62.1%. When the LP content is 20% and 30%, the addition of 10% RHA increases the 28 d strength by 44.8% and 38.8%, respectively, with strength growth rates reaching 109.8% and 151.1% at 3–56 d. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reaction Mechanism and Properties of Cement-Based Materials (2nd Edition))
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Review

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34 pages, 8335 KiB  
Review
Research Progress and Application Prospects of Plant Fibers in Geopolymer Concrete: A Review
by Zijian Li, Jinjie Li, Weihua Lu and Yongxing Zhang
Materials 2025, 18(10), 2342; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18102342 - 17 May 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 501
Abstract
Plant fibers, characterized by their low density, renewable nature, and environmentally friendly characteristics, offer considerable potential as reinforcement materials in geopolymer composites. This review provides a critical and thorough examination of recent developments and emerging trends in plant fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete (PFRGC). The [...] Read more.
Plant fibers, characterized by their low density, renewable nature, and environmentally friendly characteristics, offer considerable potential as reinforcement materials in geopolymer composites. This review provides a critical and thorough examination of recent developments and emerging trends in plant fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete (PFRGC). The paper commences by detailing the inherent characteristics of plant fibers and the mechanisms governing their interfacial adhesion with the geopolymer matrix, with specific emphasis on the impact of fiber surface modification on interface properties. The review offers a comprehensive investigation of the mechanical properties of plant fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete, encompassing compressive strength, tensile strength, and toughness. Additionally, the paper examines the influence of plant fiber integration on the durability of geopolymer concrete, discussing improvements in freeze-thaw resistance, permeability, and carbonation resistance. In conclusion, this review highlights the prevailing challenges in the domain and provides insights into future developments of plant fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete. An analysis was performed utilizing papers from 2000 to 2025 indexed in prominent databases including Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect to enhance the review. Integrating plant fibers into developing technologies, such as 3D printing of geo-polymer matrices, signifies a promising avenue for structural applications. It advocates that future research efforts should focus on enhancing fiber modification techniques, exploring novel fiber materials, and doing thorough assessments of long-term performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reaction Mechanism and Properties of Cement-Based Materials (2nd Edition))
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