Nanocomposite Modified Cement and Concrete

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanocomposite Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 September 2026 | Viewed by 3694

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, China
Interests: nano-modified cement-based materials; photocatalytic cement-based materials; solid waste-based building materials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanomodified cementitious materials exhibit unique structural and functional properties that have garnered significant attention in recent years. Notably, these advanced materials are increasingly being utilized in innovative technologies and applications, particularly in construction and environmental engineering. We invite authors to contribute original research articles exploring the fundamental and applied aspects of nanomodified cementitious materials, including the effects of nanoscale additives on mechanical strength, durability, self-healing, photocatalytic properties, and resistance to environmental degradation. Topics of interest include the incorporation of nanoparticles, nanofibers, and nanocomposites, as well as their impact on microstructure, hydration processes, and multifunctional performance. Both theoretical and experimental contributions are welcome. The aim of this issue is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current advancements in the development and application of nanomodified cementitious materials, highlighting their potential to revolutionize the construction industry and address pressing environmental challenges. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Nanomodified cementitious materials and nanocomposites;
  • Mechanical and durability enhancement through nanotechnology;
  • Self-healing and self-cleaning cement-based materials;
  • Photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties of cementitious systems;
  • Hydration processes and microstructural evolution in nanomaterials;
  • Functionalized nanoparticles and their applications in construction;
  • Sustainable and multifunctional cementitious materials for advanced engineering.

Dr. Dan Wang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • nanoparticles
  • nanofibers
  • nanocomposites
  • cementitious materials
  • construction materials

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 6304 KB  
Article
Dispersion of Graphene Oxide: Evaluating Ionic Surfactants for Nanocomposite Cement Applications
by Sadixa Baral, Ramesh Raghavendra, Ken Thomas and Raja Das
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(10), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16100632 - 19 May 2026
Viewed by 227
Abstract
Graphene oxide (GO) has been widely investigated as a nanoreinforcement for cementitious composites; however, its effectiveness depends on stable dispersion within the highly alkaline, calcium-rich environment of fresh cement paste. This study evaluates the dispersion behaviour of GO in deionised (DI) water and [...] Read more.
Graphene oxide (GO) has been widely investigated as a nanoreinforcement for cementitious composites; however, its effectiveness depends on stable dispersion within the highly alkaline, calcium-rich environment of fresh cement paste. This study evaluates the dispersion behaviour of GO in deionised (DI) water and saturated calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) under controlled conditions and assesses the effectiveness of anionic and cationic surfactants in both environments. GO was synthesised using the modified Hummers method and verified by comprehensive physicochemical characterisation. Dispersion stability was assessed using UV-Vis spectroscopy at GO concentrations of 0.04–0.08 mg/mL in DI water, and the 0.08 mg/mL system was further studied in saturated Ca(OH)2 with and without sodium dodecylbenzene sulphonate (SDBS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) at a 1:1 mass ratio. Zeta potential and dynamic light scattering measurements were performed to understand the relation between the surface charge and agglomeration of GO. In DI water, GO retained close to 70% of its initial absorbance after 60 min, and both surfactants improved retention to above 90%. In saturated Ca(OH)2, retention fell to approximately 40%, and neither surfactant restored stability despite producing zeta values that would conventionally support stable dispersion. The findings indicate that GO aggregation in calcium ion (Ca2+)-rich alkaline environments is not governed by net surface charge alone, consistent with the established mechanism of Ca2+ chemical cross-linking with GO carboxyl groups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposite Modified Cement and Concrete)
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19 pages, 10325 KB  
Article
Study of PEG/Biochar Cementitious Cold-Bonded Aggregate for Thermal Energy Storage
by Rongji Li, Chong Zhang, Yuechao Zhao, Changliang Wu, Guangbin Duan and Xiuzhi Zhang
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(8), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16080492 - 21 Apr 2026
Viewed by 482
Abstract
The incorporation of phase change materials in concrete is a practical strategy that holds great promise for enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings and reducing CO2 emissions. However, the direct contact between phase change materials and cement interferes with the cement hydration [...] Read more.
The incorporation of phase change materials in concrete is a practical strategy that holds great promise for enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings and reducing CO2 emissions. However, the direct contact between phase change materials and cement interferes with the cement hydration reaction, leading to a significant reduction in the mechanical strength of cementitious composites. To encapsulate polyethylene glycol and prevent leakage, this study developed a shape-stabilized phase change aggregate via the cold-bonding method and the vacuum impregnation method. The nanoscale pore structure of the aggregate was regulated by adjusting the biochar content to enhance the phase-change material loading capacity. The phase change aggregate was characterized by indicators including crushing strength and water absorption. Meanwhile, its microstructure, the correlations between nano-sized hydration products, chemical compatibility, and phase change properties were analyzed. The fabricated phase change aggregate has a crushing strength of over 5 MPa, latent heat of 42.84 J/g, and phase change temperature of 29.17 °C while also exhibiting good mechanical properties and thermal energy storage performance. The compressive strength of phase change concrete can meet the strength requirements for structural building material. Moreover, phase change aggregate contributed to reduced CO2 emissions during service, with favorable economic and low-carbon benefits over its service life, demonstrating good performance in both economic efficiency and CO2 emission reduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposite Modified Cement and Concrete)
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22 pages, 6793 KB  
Article
Effect of Nano-Modified Recycled Wood Fibers on the Micro/Macro Properties of Rapid-Hardening Sulfoaluminate Cement-Based Composites
by Chunyu Ma, Liang Wang, Yujiao Li, Qiuyi Li, Gongbing Yue, Yuanxin Guo, Meinan Wang and Xiaolong Zhou
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(13), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15130993 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1018
Abstract
Recycled wood fiber (RWF) obtained through the multi-stage processing of waste wood serves as an eco-friendly green construction material, exhibiting lightweight, porous, and high toughness characteristics that demonstrate significant potential as a cementitious reinforcement, offering strategic advantages for environmental protection and resource recycling. [...] Read more.
Recycled wood fiber (RWF) obtained through the multi-stage processing of waste wood serves as an eco-friendly green construction material, exhibiting lightweight, porous, and high toughness characteristics that demonstrate significant potential as a cementitious reinforcement, offering strategic advantages for environmental protection and resource recycling. In this study, high-performance sulfoaluminate cement (SAC)-RWF composites prepared by modifying RWFs with nano-silica (NS) and a silane coupling agent (KH560) were developed and their effects on mechanical properties, shrinkage behavior, hydration characteristics, and microstructure of SAC-RWF composites were systematically investigated. Optimal performance was achieved at water–cement ratio of 0.5 with 20% RWF content, where the KH560-modified samples showed superior improvement, with 8.5% and 14.3% increases in 28 d flexural and compressive strength, respectively, compared to the control groups, outperforming the NS-modified samples (3.6% and 8.6% enhancements). Both modifiers improved durability, reducing water absorption by 6.72% (NS) and 7.1% (KH560) while decreasing drying shrinkage by 4.3% and 27.2%, respectively. The modified SAC composites maintained favorable thermal properties, with NS reducing thermal conductivity by 6.8% through density optimization, whereas the KH560-treated specimens retained low conductivity despite slight density increases. Micro-structural tests revealed accelerated hydration without new hydration product formation, with both modifiers enhancing cementitious matrix hydration product generation by distinct mechanisms—with NS acting through physical pore-filling, while KH560 established Si-O-C chemical bonds at paste interfaces. Although both modifications improved mechanical properties and durability, the KH560-modified SAC composite group demonstrated superior overall performance than the NS-modified group, providing a technical pathway for developing sustainable, high-performance recycled wood fiber cement-based materials with balanced functional properties for low-carbon construction applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposite Modified Cement and Concrete)
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19 pages, 5185 KB  
Article
Smart Cement-Based Materials Reinforced with CNT-Grafted CFs: Preparation and Performance Evaluation
by Xiaoyan Liu, Xiangwei Guo, Junqing Zuo, Aihua Liu, Haifeng Li, Feng Fu, Gangao Wang, Qianwen Hu and Surendra P. Shah
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(11), 823; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15110823 - 29 May 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1267
Abstract
Smart cement-based materials have the potential to monitor the health of structures. The performances of composites with various kinds of conductive fillers have been found to be sensitive and stable. However, poor dispersion of conductive fillers limits their application. This study adopted the [...] Read more.
Smart cement-based materials have the potential to monitor the health of structures. The performances of composites with various kinds of conductive fillers have been found to be sensitive and stable. However, poor dispersion of conductive fillers limits their application. This study adopted the coupling agent method to attach carbon nanotubes (CNTs) onto the surface of carbon fibers (CFs). The CNT-grafted CFs (CNT-CFs) were adopted as conductive fillers to develop a CNT-CF-incorporated cementitious composite (CNT-CF/CC). The feasibility of this approach was demonstrated through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The CNT-CF/CC exhibited excellent conductivity because of the introduction of CNTs compared with the CF-incorporated cementitious composite (CF/CC). The CNT-CF/CC reflected huge responses under different temperatures and moisture contents. Even under conditions of high humidity or elevated temperatures, the CNT-CF/CC demonstrated stable performance and exhibited a broad measurement range. The introduction of CNT-CFs also enhanced the mechanical properties of the composite, displaying superior piezoresistivity. The failure load for the CNT-CF/CC reached 25 kN and the maximum FCR was 24.77%. In the cyclic loading, the maximum FCR reached 20.03% when subjected to peak cyclic load at 45% of the failure load. The additional conductive pathways introduced by CNTs enhanced the conductivity and sensitivity of the composite. And the anchoring connection between CNT-CFs and the cement matrix has been identified as a primary factor enhancing the stability in performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposite Modified Cement and Concrete)
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