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Advanced Green Building Materials: Synthesis, Characterization and Sustainable Development Technologies

A Special Issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944) belonging to the section "Construction and Building Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2026) | Viewed by 9958

Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 50, 60-627 Poznan, Poland
Interests: green building materials; cement; biological waste; convolutional neural network model; spectral analysis; technology of construction works
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Building Materials Technology, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, The AGH University, 30-059 Cracow, Poland
Interests: building materials; self-healing concretes; cement chemistry; special cements; low-energy cements; calcium aluminate cement; expansive cements; non-shrinking cements; emission-free cements; smart building materials; biocorrosion of building materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 50, 60-627 Poznan, Poland
Interests: molecular interactions; cementitious materials; biological material–construction material interactions; spectroscopy; structural studies; smart building materials; artificial neural networks
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, 31-155 Cracow, Poland
Interests: technology of construction works; construction management; construction cost management; applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in construction management; building information modelling (BIM)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The construction industry is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices that reduce its environmental footprint. As a part of this shift, the use of sustainable technologies in green building materials plays a critical role in addressing both environmental and economic challenges. The impact of adopting such materials extends beyond just building performance; it offers solutions for energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, and resource conservation.

The environmental benefits of green building materials are multifaceted. First, the use of renewable and low-impact materials, such as certified wood, hemp-based insulation, and low-carbon concrete, significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. These innovations help conserve natural resources and limit the energy required in production. The development of low-emission cements, for example, including those with reduced synthesis temperatures and optimized mineral compositions, minimizes energy consumption and decreases carbon dioxide emissions at multiple stages of the construction process.

Incorporating sustainable materials also drive advancements in recycling, which is essential in reducing waste in the construction industry. This includes the reuse of building materials like bricks and glass, as well as the innovative integration of components from other industries. For instance, wind turbine blades, once discarded, are being repurposed into new construction materials, contributing to the circular economy and reducing the volume of industrial waste.

Beyond the environmental aspect, the economic benefits of these innovations are substantial. Sustainable building practices stimulate industries related to waste management, recycling, and renewable energy, creating new economic opportunities. Additionally, by focusing on durable, long-lasting materials, the overall lifecycle cost of buildings is reduced. These materials not only meet immediate construction needs but also contribute to the longevity and sustainability of the built environment, ensuring long-term economic feasibility.

Energy efficiency is a key focus in green construction. Technologies such as photovoltaic panels, along with advanced insulation materials like mineral wool and hemp, are at the forefront of improving building performance. These innovations lead to energy savings, reducing the overall carbon footprint of buildings while improving their operational efficiency. Moreover, the use of materials with low volatile organic compound (VOC) content ensures better indoor air quality, which is vital for occupant health and well-being.

This Special Issue calls for contributions that explore both theoretical and practical approaches to sustainable building materials and technologies. We invite research that delves into the development and application of green materials, showcasing case studies, experimental work, and new technologies that advance sustainability in construction. Of particular interest are studies that focus on material innovations, carbon footprint reduction, energy-efficient building practices, and the recycling of industrial by-products for use in construction.

Key topics of this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Innovative uses of renewable materials in construction, such as certified timber and hemp insulation;
  • Development and application of low-carbon cement and concrete technologies;
  • Integration of recycled industrial materials (e.g., wind turbine blades, etc.) into new building components;
  • Energy-efficient building materials and technologies (e.g., photovoltaic panels, advanced insulation, etc.);
  • Reduction in CO2 emissions through sustainable material use;
  • Health-focused construction materials, including low-VOC options;
  • Case studies demonstrating the economic viability of sustainable building technologies.

By aligning with sustainable building practices, the construction industry can significantly reduce its environmental impact while maintaining economic and societal benefits. This Special Issue aims to highlight the innovations that drive this transition, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for the built environment.

Dr. Karol Durczak
Dr. Michał Pyzalski
Prof. Dr. Agnieszka Sujak
Dr. Michał Juszczyk
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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-anonymized 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.

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.

Keywords

  • sustainable building materials
  • green construction
  • low-carbon cement
  • energy-efficient building technologies
  • renewable construction materials
  • recycling in construction
  • carbon footprint reduction
  • eco-friendly insulation
  • circular economy in construction
  • low-emission construction materials
  • sustainable building technologies
  • indoor air quality improvement

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Editorial

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7 pages, 227 KB  
Editorial
Advanced Green Building Materials: From Resource Circularity to Low-Carbon Performance
by Michał Juszczyk, Karol Durczak, Agnieszka Sujak and Michał Pyzalski
Materials 2026, 19(20), 4283; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19204283 - 10 Oct 2026
Viewed by 99
Abstract
The construction sector remains one of the most resource- and carbon-intensive components of the global economy [...] Full article

Research

Jump to: Editorial

26 pages, 14676 KB  
Article
Effect of Calcination Temperature on the Reactivity of Lithium Slag Powder as a Supplementary Cementitious Material
by Yoo Jung Hwang and Young-Cheol Choi
Materials 2026, 19(16), 3546; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19163546 - 21 Aug 2026
Viewed by 398
Abstract
Lithium slag powder (LSP), a by-product of lithium extraction, has attracted increasing interest as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) due to its aluminosilicate-rich composition and growing availability. However, its limited intrinsic reactivity constrains direct use in cementitious systems. This study systematically investigates the [...] Read more.
Lithium slag powder (LSP), a by-product of lithium extraction, has attracted increasing interest as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) due to its aluminosilicate-rich composition and growing availability. However, its limited intrinsic reactivity constrains direct use in cementitious systems. This study systematically investigates the effect of calcination temperature on the physicochemical properties, pozzolanic reactivity, and cement hydration performance of LSP. LSP was thermally treated at 300–900 °C, and structural and morphological changes were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The reactivity of calcined LSP was quantitatively assessed through isothermal calorimetry (R3 test), thermogravimetric and derivative thermogravimetric analysis. Chapelle testing, leaching tests, and compressive strength measurements of cement mortars. Controlled calcination was found to enhance the intrinsic reactivity and pozzolanic activity of LSP, resulting in improved long-term mechanical performance. The findings provide mechanistic insights and practical guidance for the sustainable use of lithium slag as an SCM in cement-based materials. Full article
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21 pages, 3922 KB  
Article
Optimization of Multi-Component Cement Mortar Using a Taguchi Orthogonal Array Design
by Saruul Shinebayar, Yipei Chen, Jin Kim and Jung-Geun Han
Materials 2026, 19(15), 3269; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19153269 - 2 Aug 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 445
Abstract
Developing low-carbon cement-based materials is a critical strategy for reducing the carbon footprint of the construction sector. This study optimized multi-component cement mortars incorporating natural zeolite (NZ), fly ash (FA), blast furnace slag (BFS), and calcium hydroxide (CH) using an L9 Taguchi orthogonal [...] Read more.
Developing low-carbon cement-based materials is a critical strategy for reducing the carbon footprint of the construction sector. This study optimized multi-component cement mortars incorporating natural zeolite (NZ), fly ash (FA), blast furnace slag (BFS), and calcium hydroxide (CH) using an L9 Taguchi orthogonal array and range analysis. Mechanical and physical properties, microstructural characteristics, statistical modeling and environmental impact were evaluated. The optimized mixture, OPT1 (10% NZ, 10% FA, 40% BFS, and 2% CH), achieved compressive strengths of 34.97 MPa and 62.67 MPa at 7 and 28 days, respectively, exceeding the control mortar by 8.4% at 28 days. The results indicated that supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) reduced early-age strength due to the dilution effect; however, their pozzolanic and latent hydraulic reactions enhanced later-age strength development. OPT1 also demonstrated improved mechanical efficiency, reduced Global Warming Potential (GWP) by 35%, and achieved an eco-efficiency index (EEI) value of 124.6, which was 1.6 times that of the control mixture. These findings highlight the potential of the proposed system for high-performance and eco-efficient low-carbon cement mortars. Full article
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21 pages, 5080 KB  
Article
Net Carbon Sink Potential of Porous Vegetated Concrete: A Life-Cycle Assessment
by Hongquan Ren, Lingling Lu, Bing Tang and Tianbin Li
Materials 2026, 19(11), 2237; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19112237 - 25 May 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 372
Abstract
Porous vegetated concrete has been widely used in highway slope protection because it provides both engineering stability and ecological restoration benefits. However, its life-cycle carbon emissions and long-term carbon sequestration performance have not been systematically quantified within a unified evaluation framework. In this [...] Read more.
Porous vegetated concrete has been widely used in highway slope protection because it provides both engineering stability and ecological restoration benefits. However, its life-cycle carbon emissions and long-term carbon sequestration performance have not been systematically quantified within a unified evaluation framework. In this study, 1 m3 of porous vegetated concrete was adopted as the functional unit, and a life-cycle assessment framework integrating carbon emissions and carbon sequestration was established. The results show that the material production stage is the dominant source of life-cycle carbon emissions, with cement consumption being the primary controlling factor. Under the system boundary and carbon sequestration assumptions adopted in this study, cumulative carbon sequestration over a 50-year service period was estimated to be approximately 470–475 kgCO2eq. This exceeded the corresponding life-cycle carbon emissions of 73–124 kgCO2eq and resulted in a net carbon sink potential of approximately 351–397 kgCO2eq. Based on equal weighting of 28-day shear strength and material production-stage carbon emissions, the efficacy coefficient method identified M2 as the preferred mix proportion for balancing mechanical performance and low-carbon objectives within the selected evaluation framework. Monte Carlo simulation confirmed the statistical stability of the estimated mean carbon emissions during the material production stage. Sensitivity analysis further showed that cement-related emissions and the vegetation carbon sequestration factor were the two most influential parameters affecting life-cycle carbon performance. Overall, this study provides a quantitative basis for evaluating the net carbon sink potential of porous vegetated concrete and offers decision support for low-carbon mix design in highway slope ecological protection engineering. Full article
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22 pages, 11764 KB  
Article
Influence of Particle Size Distribution on Rheology Behavior of Slurry and Flow Characteristics of Long-Distance Transportation
by Xin Chen, Zhongtao Jiang, Junhui Zhang and Zeyu Li
Materials 2026, 19(9), 1881; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19091881 - 2 May 2026
Viewed by 806
Abstract
The particle size distribution of backfill aggregate is a key factor affecting the performance of the -long-distance pipeline transport of backfill slurry. However, the understanding of its impact on slurry flow behavior, transportation resistance, and particle distribution mechanisms remains incomplete and calls for [...] Read more.
The particle size distribution of backfill aggregate is a key factor affecting the performance of the -long-distance pipeline transport of backfill slurry. However, the understanding of its impact on slurry flow behavior, transportation resistance, and particle distribution mechanisms remains incomplete and calls for further investigation. This study first obtained the rheological parameters of slurry and their variation laws under the influence of particle size distribution through rheological experiments. Subsequently, CFD numerical simulations are used to investigate the flow characteristics of slurry under long-distance transportation conditions. The findings demonstrate that a reduction in the mixed aggregate particle size leads to a significant increase in both the yield stress and plastic viscosity of the backfill slurry. The conveying distance shows a positive correlation with the slurry transportation resistance. Furthermore, the slurry exhibits plug flow behavior in both the horizontal and vertical pipe sections, whereas this plug flow pattern is no longer observed in the bend section. The tailings particles exhibit a distinct stratified distribution within the pipeline. In the horizontal pipe section, the graded tailings predominantly settle at the bottom, whereas the fine tailings remain suspended near the top. In contrast, in the vertical pipe section, the graded tailings tend to accumulate in the central zone of the pipe, while the fine tailings are dispersed along the pipe wall. As the content of graded tailings increases from 30% to 50%, both the zones with increased and decreased particle volume fractions expand, while the steady flow zone correspondingly shrinks. Meanwhile, the volume fraction of graded tailings at the bottom of the pipe rises significantly from 0.12 to 0.61. This research provides important theoretical support for the optimized matching and rational application of tailings particle size distribution in the design of long-distance pipeline transportation systems for mine backfill. Full article
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18 pages, 10400 KB  
Article
Nanomaterial Composite Compatibilized Rubber–Plastic Elastomer–Asphalt Interface Mechanism and Performance Evaluation
by Tangxin Xie, Zhongming He, Jue Li, Chao Huang, Pengxu Wang and Qiao Zhao
Materials 2026, 19(9), 1857; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19091857 - 30 Apr 2026
Viewed by 605
Abstract
Conventional rubber–plastic modified asphalt often suffers from poor compatibility and thermal storage stability, which limits its engineering application. To address this issue, this study proposes a prefabricated nano-reinforced rubber–plastic thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) modification strategy. The specific objective was to comparatively investigate how different [...] Read more.
Conventional rubber–plastic modified asphalt often suffers from poor compatibility and thermal storage stability, which limits its engineering application. To address this issue, this study proposes a prefabricated nano-reinforced rubber–plastic thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) modification strategy. The specific objective was to comparatively investigate how different waste plastic matrices (HDPE, LDPE, and PP) and two representative nano-oxides (ZnO and TiO2) affect the interfacial evolution, storage stability, rutting resistance, fatigue durability, and low-temperature cracking resistance of modified asphalt. The prefabricated nano-reinforced TPE modifier was incorporated into the base asphalt, and its storage stability, interface evolution and multi-scale rheological properties were evaluated. The results show that all modified binders exhibited good thermal storage stability, with softening point differences below 2.5 °C. The enhancement mechanism was mainly governed by physical blending, swelling adsorption, and interfacial synergistic interactions rather than the formation of new chemical functional groups. A clear synergistic matching relationship between plastic type and nanoparticle type was identified. LDPE-based systems showed better phase compatibility and fatigue/low-temperature performance, whereas HDPE-based systems were more favorable with respect to improvement of high-temperature rutting resistance. In addition, ZnO contributed more significantly to storage stability, rutting resistance, and fatigue resistance, while TiO2 was more beneficial for low-temperature crack resistance. These findings provide new insight into the interfacial design of nano-reinforced rubber–plastic modified asphalt and offer guidance for performance-oriented and sustainable pavement materials. Full article
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16 pages, 1417 KB  
Article
Flammability and Thermal Properties of Rigid Polyurethane Foams Modified with Waste Biomass and Ash
by Anna Magiera, Monika Kuźnia, Rafał Stanik, Katarzyna Kaczorek-Chrobak, Maik Gude and Bartłomiej K. Papis
Materials 2025, 18(19), 4570; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18194570 - 1 Oct 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2026
Abstract
The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials has driven interest in utilizing waste biomass within polymer composites. Rigid polyurethane foams, widely valued for thermal insulation, exhibit a significant flammability issue. This study investigates the impact of incorporating various waste biomass materials, including brewers’ [...] Read more.
The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials has driven interest in utilizing waste biomass within polymer composites. Rigid polyurethane foams, widely valued for thermal insulation, exhibit a significant flammability issue. This study investigates the impact of incorporating various waste biomass materials, including brewers’ spent grain, coffee grounds, and soybean husk and their combustion ashes on the selected properties of rigid polyurethane foams. The primary objective is to assess the potential of these eco-friendly additives as replacements for traditional raw materials, aiming to enhance fire resistance and thermal stability and thereby promoting circular economy principles in the construction sector. Composite foam samples were fabricated using a mixing and casting technique, incorporating 5% wt. of fillers into the polymer matrix. Thermal stability and flammability were evaluated using cone calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The findings indicated that while biomass inclusion did not significantly improve char formation, the addition of ash substantially increased char yield, a critical factor in fire suppression. Although biomass and ash may influence flammability, they do not inherently bolster the intrinsic thermal stability of the polyurethane matrix itself. Full article
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18 pages, 5299 KB  
Article
Effects of Harmless Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Fly Ash on the Macroscopic Properties and Microstructure of Recycled Aggregate Concrete
by Bochen Song, Yefan Li and Wengang Zhang
Materials 2025, 18(8), 1866; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18081866 - 18 Apr 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1257
Abstract
With the increasing rate of urbanization and the annual rise in municipal domestic waste, the use of harmless municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (HMSWIFA) as a construction material has been gradually adopted and promoted. However, significant differences exist in how various characteristics [...] Read more.
With the increasing rate of urbanization and the annual rise in municipal domestic waste, the use of harmless municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (HMSWIFA) as a construction material has been gradually adopted and promoted. However, significant differences exist in how various characteristics of HMSWIFA affect the performance of recycled aggregate concrete (RCA). To analyze the effects of HMSWIFA content and particle size on the macroscopic properties and microstructure of RCA, this paper conducts compressive, flexural, frost resistance, and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) characterization on RCA with varying dosages and particle sizes of HMSWIFA as a cement replacement. The results indicate that HMSWIFA enhances the compressive strength (CS) and frost resistance of RCA. Experimental data reveal that HMSWIFA with a particle size of 600–900 μm exhibits the best modification effect at an admixture level of 10–15%: the 28-day CS increased by 1.90–3.60%, the mass loss after freezing and thawing decreased by 0.37–0.45%, and the increase in dynamic elastic modulus reached 16.09–16.44%. Notably, the flexural strength (FS) experienced a reduction of 1.81% at a high dosage of the optimal particle size. This study elucidates the coupling relationship of “particle size-admixture-performance” in HMSWIFA-modified recycled concrete, demonstrating that reasonable control of the particle size distribution of HMSWIFA can achieve a synergistic effect of mechanical enhancement and durability improvement. The research findings provide a valuable reference for the application of municipal waste incineration HMSWIFA in RCA, facilitating the recycling of waste resources to mitigate pollution and enhance energy efficiency. Full article
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15 pages, 9175 KB  
Article
Development and Characterization of Biodegradable, Binderless Fiberboards from Eggplant Straw Fibers
by Hailun Fan, Xiulun Wang, Tingting Wu, Jianzhong Sun and Jun Liu
Materials 2025, 18(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18010037 - 25 Dec 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2675
Abstract
Currently, wood-based panels are mainly made from wood and adhesives containing formaldehyde. With the growing demand for raw materials and increasing concern for human health, the use of residues from annual crops to manufacture binder-free biodegradable biomass boards has attracted increasing interest. The [...] Read more.
Currently, wood-based panels are mainly made from wood and adhesives containing formaldehyde. With the growing demand for raw materials and increasing concern for human health, the use of residues from annual crops to manufacture binder-free biodegradable biomass boards has attracted increasing interest. The aim of this study was to develop a biodegradable bio-board without any adhesives using eggplant straw fibers. The bio-boards were produced via simple mechanical refinement of eggplant straw fibers and were formed under pressures of 2.0 MPa, 3.5 MPa, 5.0 MPa, 6.5 MPa, and 8.0 MPa. The mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the manufactured bio-boards were evaluated. With increasing applied pressure, the bending rupture stress of the bio-boards increased from 27.69 MPa to 45.29 MPa, the tensile rupture stress varied from 12.45 MPa to 24.62 MPa, the water absorption decreased from 91.45% to 88.29%, and the contact angle increased from 89.67° to 90.45°. The bio-boards were subjected to morphological analysis (SEM) and porosity and crystallinity measurements (XRD), and the results indicated that the water absorption of the bio-boards was due to a combination of porosity and crystallinity. The results showed that eggplant straw is suitable for manufacturing bio-boards. Full article
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