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Preparation and Properties of New Cementitious 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 October 2025 | Viewed by 8154

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Mohammad Saberian

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
Interests: construction materials; sustainability; road; concrete
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cement is the second most used material on Earth after water. The cement industry is one of the major producers of greenhouse gas emissions and is responsible for at least 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, due to the rapid population growth, the construction of infrastructures is booming significantly. To keep up with this demand, the cement and construction industries continuously mine valuable materials resources. Therefore, to reserve scarce natural resources and cut down on carbon emissions, new cementitious materials and binders have been recently developed and evaluated for various applications. This Special Issue focuses on novel and fundamental research that paves the way toward developing new cementitious materials and binders.

Dr. Mohammad Saberian
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • cementitious materials
  • green binders
  • geopolymers and polymers
  • zero cement composites
  • properties of cementitious materials
  • enzyme
  • nanomaterials

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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28 pages, 1939 KiB  
Article
Durable Mortar Mixes Using 50% of Activated Volcanic Ash as A Binder
by Andrés Játiva, Andreu Corominas and Miren Etxeberria
Materials 2025, 18(8), 1777; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18081777 - 13 Apr 2025
Viewed by 285
Abstract
Volcanic ash (VA) is an abundant resource in many world regions that can be used as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM). However, its low reactivity limits its applications as a replacement for Portland cement. In this study, the improvement of its reactivity was [...] Read more.
Volcanic ash (VA) is an abundant resource in many world regions that can be used as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM). However, its low reactivity limits its applications as a replacement for Portland cement. In this study, the improvement of its reactivity was evaluated through the calcination of VA (CVA) at 700 °C, alkali activation with Na2SiO3, CaCl2, and Na2CO3, as well as its combination with other SCMs (lime, fly ash, and blast-furnace slags). Additionally, the effect of curing was analysed under different regimes: standard moist curing and heat curing. The use of alkaline activators, especially 2% Na2SiO3 and 1% CaCl2, along with thermal curing (70 °C for 3 days) in mortars containing 50% VA, resulted in compressive strengths at 28 days, significantly higher than those obtained for mortars with non-activated VA or those cured under moist conditions. Furthermore, the addition of 10% fly ash (FA) and 5% slag (EC) to the mortars also led to the largest improvements in compressive strength. In addition, mortars cured at 70 °C exhibited lower shrinkage and improved resistance to acid attacks, particularly in those manufactured with CVA and 1% CaCl2. This study concludes that it is possible to optimise the design of mortars with 50% VA in replacement of ordinary cement based on activation and curing methods. These methods improve early-age strength, reduce shrinkage and water absorption, and enhance acid resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Properties of New Cementitious Materials (2nd Edition))
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31 pages, 19288 KiB  
Article
Mechanical and Microstructural Performance of UHPC with Recycled Aggregates Modified by Basalt Fiber and Nanoalumina at High Temperatures
by Hong Jiang, Liang Luo, Yuan Hou and Yifei Yang
Materials 2025, 18(5), 1072; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18051072 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 472
Abstract
This study investigates the mechanical properties and microstructure of basalt fiber (BF) and nanoalumina (NA)-modified ultra-high-performance concrete with recycled aggregates (UHPC-RA) under high-temperature conditions. The effects of different replacement rates of recycled aggregates (RAs), BF content, and NA content on the compressive strength, [...] Read more.
This study investigates the mechanical properties and microstructure of basalt fiber (BF) and nanoalumina (NA)-modified ultra-high-performance concrete with recycled aggregates (UHPC-RA) under high-temperature conditions. The effects of different replacement rates of recycled aggregates (RAs), BF content, and NA content on the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and elastic modulus were evaluated at ambient temperatures and after exposure to 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C. The results show that mechanical properties decrease with temperature rise, but specimens containing BF exhibited improved crack resistance and better high-temperature integrity. The incorporation of NA enhanced the thermal stability and heat resistance of the concrete. Digital image correlation (DIC) was used to monitor real-time surface deformation, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed improved microstructure with reduced porosity and cracks. This study demonstrates that the combination of BF and NA significantly enhances the high-temperature performance of UHPC-RA, which holds promising potential for applications in environments subjected to elevated temperatures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Properties of New Cementitious Materials (2nd Edition))
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18 pages, 6461 KiB  
Article
Microscopic Mechanical Properties and Physicochemical Changes of Cement Paste Exposed to Elevated Temperatures and Subsequent Rehydration
by Lei Xu, Xiaochuan Hu, Ruifeng Tang, Xin Zhang, Yan Xia, Bo Ran, Jinlong Liu, Shiyu Zhuang and Weichen Tian
Materials 2025, 18(5), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18051050 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 426
Abstract
The effect of elevated temperatures and subsequent rehydration on the microscopic mechanical properties and physicochemical changes of cement pastes was investigated. Cement pastes with different grades (CEM I 42.5, CEM I 52.5) and different water-to-cement ratios (0.3, 0.4) were exposed to target temperatures [...] Read more.
The effect of elevated temperatures and subsequent rehydration on the microscopic mechanical properties and physicochemical changes of cement pastes was investigated. Cement pastes with different grades (CEM I 42.5, CEM I 52.5) and different water-to-cement ratios (0.3, 0.4) were exposed to target temperatures of 300 °C, 600 °C, and 900 °C, followed by rehydration. Several characterization techniques, including the Vickers microhardness test, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, and 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, were employed to assess changes in the microscopic mechanical and physicochemical properties of the cement pastes resulting from the heating and rehydration treatments. The results indicate that the cement pastes with higher grades and a higher water-to-cement ratio exhibit better resistance to high temperatures. The heating process alters the water distribution and structure of C-S-H gel, leading to the collapse of its interlayer structure and an increase in gel porosity. Elevated temperatures (300 °C and 600 °C), followed by rehydration, enhance the Vickers microhardness of the cement pastes. However, excessively high temperatures (900 °C) weaken the micro-mechanical properties and may cause damage. Cement pastes heated to 600 °C show a more significant recovery in micro-mechanical properties compared to those heated at 300 °C, which is attributed to the rehydration of a new amorphous nesosilicate phase formed at 600 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Properties of New Cementitious Materials (2nd Edition))
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25 pages, 4545 KiB  
Article
Rheological, Fresh State, and Strength Characteristics of Alkali-Activated Mortars Incorporating MgO and Carbon Nanoparticles
by Mohammad Ali Hossain and Khandaker M. A. Hossain
Materials 2024, 17(23), 5931; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17235931 - 4 Dec 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1257
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the fresh state, rheological, and mechanical properties of alkali-activated mortars (AAMs) developed by incorporating magnesium oxide (MgO) and nanomaterials. A total of 24 AAM mixes with varying content of MgO, multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), and reduced [...] Read more.
This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the fresh state, rheological, and mechanical properties of alkali-activated mortars (AAMs) developed by incorporating magnesium oxide (MgO) and nanomaterials. A total of 24 AAM mixes with varying content of MgO, multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were developed following the one-part dry mix technique using powder-based activators/reagents. The effects of the types/combinations of source materials (binary or ternary)/reagents, MgO (0 to 5%), MWCNT (0 to 0.6%), and rGO (0 to 0.6%) were evaluated in terms of the mini-slump flow, setting times, viscosity, yield stress, compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and microstructural properties. The results showed that the addition of finer MgO/nano-fillers produced a higher viscosity and yield stress accompanied by a lower slump flow and setting times. The addition of 5% MgO resulted in the lowest slump flow of 80 mm, 2–2.5 times higher viscosity, and the reduction in the initial and final setting times of about 21% and 16%, respectively. Mixes with MWCNT showed about 5–10% higher viscosity whereas for mixes with rGO, the values were noted to be 8% higher, on average, than the mixes with no MWCNT or rGO. All the developed AAMs exhibited shear-thinning behavior. The 28-day compressive strength of the AAMs ranged from 37 MPa to 49 MPa with 5% MgO and up to a 0.3% MWCNT/rGO addition increased the compressive strength. Correlations among the fresh state, rheological, and mechanical properties such as the viscosity, slump flow, setting time, compressive strength, and UPV are also described. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Properties of New Cementitious Materials (2nd Edition))
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20 pages, 6682 KiB  
Article
Utilization of Sintered Sludge Ash with Different Mechanical–Thermal Activation Parameters as a Supplementary Cementitious Material: Mechanical Properties and Life Cycle Assessment of Cement-Based Paste
by Tong Lv, Jinrui Zhang, Maoxi Zhao, Jiapeng Yang, Dongshuai Hou and Biqin Dong
Materials 2024, 17(16), 4101; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17164101 - 19 Aug 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1098
Abstract
The proposal of sintered sludge cement (SSC) paste aligns with the low-carbon development goals of building materials. However, there is a lack of scientific guidance for the preparation of sintered sludge ash (SSA). Herein, this study systematically investigates the influence mechanism of mechanical–thermal [...] Read more.
The proposal of sintered sludge cement (SSC) paste aligns with the low-carbon development goals of building materials. However, there is a lack of scientific guidance for the preparation of sintered sludge ash (SSA). Herein, this study systematically investigates the influence mechanism of mechanical–thermal activation parameters of SSA on the mechanical properties and life cycle assessment (LCA) of SSC paste, and conducts a comprehensive evaluation using a radar chart and the TOPSIS method. The results show that with the increase in calcination temperature and duration, the compressive and flexural strengths of the SSC paste are improved, especially at 600 °C and above, increasing by 57.92% and 62.52%, respectively. The longer calcination time at 1000 °C results in a decrease in its mechanical properties. The addition of SSA significantly reduces the LCA indicators of cement paste. Specifically, 30% SSA only contributes 8.1% to the global warming potential. Compared to calcination, the LCA indicators have less sensitivity to ball milling, and prolonging the time hardly increases them. Based on performance and environmental impact, the optimal SSA is obtained by calcining at 800 °C for 2 h and ball milling for 10 min. This study can provide theoretical guidance for efficient building material utilization of dredged sludge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Properties of New Cementitious Materials (2nd Edition))
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32 pages, 22137 KiB  
Article
Thermal Reactivation of Hydrated Cement Paste: Properties and Impact on Cement Hydration
by Asghar Gholizadeh-Vayghan, Guillermo Meza Hernandez, Felicite Kingne Kingne, Jun Gu, Nicole Dilissen, Michael El Kadi, Tine Tysmans, Jef Vleugels, Hubert Rahier and Ruben Snellings
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2659; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112659 - 31 May 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1194
Abstract
In this research, the properties and cementitious performance of thermally activated cement pastes (referred to as DCPs) are investigated. Hydrated pastes prepared from Portland cement and slag blended cement were subjected to different thermal treatments: 350 °C for 2 h, 550 °C for [...] Read more.
In this research, the properties and cementitious performance of thermally activated cement pastes (referred to as DCPs) are investigated. Hydrated pastes prepared from Portland cement and slag blended cement were subjected to different thermal treatments: 350 °C for 2 h, 550 °C for 2 h, 550 °C for 24 h and 750 °C for 2 h. The properties and the reactivity as SCM of the DCPs were characterised as well as their effect on the mechanical performance and hydration of new blended cements incorporating the DCPs as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). It was observed that the temperature and duration of the thermal treatment increased the grindability and BET specific surface area of the DCP, as well as the formation of C2S phases and the reactivity as SCM. In contrast, the mechanical strength results for the blended cements indicated that thermal treatment at 350 °C for 2 h provided better performance. The hydration study results showed that highly reactive DCP interfered with the early hydration of the main clinker phases in Portland cement, leading to early setting and slow strength gain. The effect on blended cement hydration was most marked for binary Portland cement–DCP blends. In contrast, in the case of ternary slag cement–DCP blends the use of reactive DCP as SCM enabled to significantly increase early age strength. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Properties of New Cementitious Materials (2nd Edition))
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Review

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25 pages, 2152 KiB  
Review
Turning Waste into Greener Cementitious Building Material: Treatment Methods for Biomass Ashes—A Review
by Fatih Bülbül and Luc Courard
Materials 2025, 18(4), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18040834 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 666
Abstract
The production of biomass ash (BA) is expected to increase in the future, as biomass is generally considered a carbon-neutral fuel. BA potentially concentrates heavy metals and trace elements at high levels. With the growing production of BA, its disposal in landfills or [...] Read more.
The production of biomass ash (BA) is expected to increase in the future, as biomass is generally considered a carbon-neutral fuel. BA potentially concentrates heavy metals and trace elements at high levels. With the growing production of BA, its disposal in landfills or recycling must be addressed through solid waste policies and within the framework of a circular economy. Utilizing BA as a cement substitute solves disposal issues while offering environmental benefits aligned with the circular economy. However, the varying physical and chemical properties of BA, influenced by factors such as biomass type and combustion technique, necessitate more effective utilization strategies. Consequently, researchers are developing various treatment methods to ensure that BA meet the necessary requirements and do not pose problems such as heavy metal or chlorine leaching. These treatments facilitate the production of concrete with higher compressive strength at greater cement replacement levels, supporting greener construction practices. This review consolidates existing BA data and treatment methods, focusing on their impacts and efficiency. It also explores combined treatments and potential new approaches. By providing a foundation for future research and practical applications, this study aims to improve treatment techniques, helping the industry mitigate environmental risks and advance carbon-neutral construction solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Properties of New Cementitious Materials (2nd Edition))
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26 pages, 20853 KiB  
Review
The Utilization of Carbonated Steel Slag as a Supplementary Cementitious Material in Cement
by Xinyue Liu, Pengfei Wu, Xiaoming Liu, Zengqi Zhang and Xianbin Ai
Materials 2024, 17(18), 4574; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17184574 - 18 Sep 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1746
Abstract
Carbon emission reduction and steel slag (SS) treatment are challenges in the steel industry. The accelerated carbonation of SS and carbonated steel slag (CSS) as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in cement can achieve both large-scale utilization of SS and CO2 emission [...] Read more.
Carbon emission reduction and steel slag (SS) treatment are challenges in the steel industry. The accelerated carbonation of SS and carbonated steel slag (CSS) as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in cement can achieve both large-scale utilization of SS and CO2 emission reduction, which is conducive to low-carbon sustainable development. This paper presents the utilization status of CSS. The accelerated carbonation route and its effects on the properties of CSS are described. The carbonation reaction of SS leads to a decrease in the average density, an increase in the specific surface area, a refinement of the pore structure, and the precipitation of different forms of calcium carbonate on the CSS surface. Carbonation can increase the specific surface area of CSS by about 24–80%. The literature review revealed that the CO2 uptake of CSS is 2–27 g/100 g SS. The effects of using CSS as an SCM in cement on the mechanical properties, workability, volume stability, durability, environmental performance, hydration kinetics, and microstructure of the materials are also analyzed and evaluated. Under certain conditions, CSS has a positive effect on cement hydration, which can improve the mechanical properties, workability, bulk stability, and sulfate resistance of SS cement mortar. Meanwhile, SS carbonation inhibits the leaching of heavy metal ions from the solid matrix. The application of CSS mainly focuses on material strength, with less attention being given to durability and environmental performance. The challenges and prospects for the large-scale utilization of CSS in the cement and concrete industry are described. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Properties of New Cementitious Materials (2nd Edition))
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