Special Issue "The Sustainable Composite Materials in Civil and Architectural Engineering"

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Engineering and Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2021.

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Yeou-Fong Li
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Dept. of Civil Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan ROC
Interests: constitutive modeling of materials; structural inspection, evaluation, and retrofitting; the application of FRP composite materials in civil engineering; solid mechanics
Prof. Dr. Walter Chen
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, No. 1, Sec. 3, Chung-Hsiao E. Road, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
Interests: stability of root-reinforced slopes; geotechnical engineering; soil erosion modeling
Special Issues and Collections in MDPI journals
Prof. Ta-Wui Cheng
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Mineral Resources Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan ROC. Add: 1, Sec. 3, Chung-Hsiao E. Rd., Taipei 10608, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Interests: geopolymer; mineral processing; recycling; waste treatment; functional materials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The world is facing uncertain times with the current spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope you are safe and well. During this difficult time, everyone is vulnerable, and one cannot help but wonder what may be coming ahead. The deadly virus not only means our personal safety is at risk but so is our species' sustainable future. Times like this remind us of what we could have done to protect the environment and our own health. Therefore, why not start by working on a Special Issue of "The Sustainable Composite Materials in Civil and Architectural Engineering"? In this Special Issue, we would like to solicit your innovative ideas and work on the design, analysis, retrofit, inspection, and repair of all types of infrastructures and engineering structures ranging from hospital quarantine tents to historical and heritage structures, as well as from root-reinforced soil slopes to geosynthetic-reinforced soil structures using sustainable composite materials. The composite material is not limited to a specific type such as fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) and may include recyclable or natural/biological materials. In addition, your study could focus on any aspect of the sustainable composite materials in civil and architectural engineering, such as carbon emission, life-cycle analysis, cost analysis, experimental verification, reinforcement, and disaster mitigation. The submitted manuscripts will be peer reviewed, and those accepted will be published promptly in the open-access journal Sustainability.

Prof. Yeou-Fong Li
Prof. Walter Chen
Prof. Ta-Wui Cheng
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All papers will be peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability 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 1900 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

  • Biotechnical ground covers
  • Carbon footprint
  • Case studies
  • Circular economy
  • Fiber-reinforced concrete
  • FRP composite materials
  • Geopolymer composite materials
  • Geosynthetic-reinforced soil slopes and structures
  • Infrastructure
  • Life-cycle assessment
  • Recycling
  • Rehabiliation
  • Retrofit
  • Root-reinforced soil slopes
  • Soil bioengineering stabilization
  • Sustainability
  • 3D-printed concrete and composite materials
  • Vegetated retaining structures

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

Article
An Experimental Study on Mechanical Behaviors of Carbon Fiber and Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis Recycled Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6829; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126829 - 17 Jun 2021
Viewed by 429
Abstract
In the last decade, waste carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) products have not been properly recycled and reused, and they sometimes cause environmental problems. In this paper, the microwave-assisted pyrolysis (MAP) technology was utilized to remove the resin from the CFRP bicycle frame, which [...] Read more.
In the last decade, waste carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) products have not been properly recycled and reused, and they sometimes cause environmental problems. In this paper, the microwave-assisted pyrolysis (MAP) technology was utilized to remove the resin from the CFRP bicycle frame, which was recycled into carbon fiber. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) and single filament tensile test were used to observe and compare the difference between recycled carbon fiber and normal carbon fiber. The mechanical performances of carbon fiber-reinforced concrete (CFRC) were investigated with static and dynamic tests under three different fiber/cement weight proportions (5‰, 10‰, and 15‰). Three different kinds of carbon fiber were used in this study, normal carbon fiber, carbon fiber without coupling agent, and recycled carbon fiber. The experimental program was tested according to ASTM C39-01, ASTM C293, and ACI 544.2R standards for compression, flexural, and impact test, respectively. From the experimental results, addition of 10‰ of carbon fiber into the concrete exhibited maximum compressive and flexural strength. The impact performance of recycled carbon fiber improved the highest impact number compared with normal carbon fiber under different impact energy. Full article
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Article
A Study on Radiation Cooling Effect on Asphalt Concrete Pavement Using Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag to Replace Partial Aggregates
Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3708; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073708 - 26 Mar 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 390
Abstract
In this study, aggregates in asphalt concrete were partially replaced by basic oxygen furnace slag (BOFS) in proportions of 45 wt.%, 55 wt.%, and 75 wt.%. The thermal performances of the specimens are discussed based on the thermal conductivity, emissivity, and the indoor [...] Read more.
In this study, aggregates in asphalt concrete were partially replaced by basic oxygen furnace slag (BOFS) in proportions of 45 wt.%, 55 wt.%, and 75 wt.%. The thermal performances of the specimens are discussed based on the thermal conductivity, emissivity, and the indoor and outdoor temperature measurements. Consequently, 75 wt.% of the specimen’s aggregates were replaced by BOFS, which had a high emissivity of 0.86 across the sky window. In the indoor and outdoor tests, the temperature change was recorded to estimate the thermal performance of specimens. According to the quantitative calculation, when the substitution of BOFS was higher than 55 wt.%, the specimens had a better radiation cooling ability. Among these specimens, the specimen with the BOFS substitution of 75 wt.% absorbed the most heat inside the body, contributing to less heat remaining in the environment. Furthermore, because Newton’s cooling energy accounted for about 90% of the stored energy within 7 h, the heat dissipation after the seventh hour was primarily radiation cooling, corresponding to the emission across the urban boundary layer. As for the mechanical properties, the stability value, indirect tensile strength, and British pendulum number (BPN) were in line with the specifications under the proper BOFS substitution. In conclusion, BOFS has great applicability in pavements due to its thermal performance and mechanical properties. It not only achieves the goal of urban heat island mitigation by radiation cooling, but also reflects the concept of resource sustainability. Full article
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Article
Influence of Carbonization Process on the Mechanical Properties of Nano-MgO Modified Cement Soil
Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3558; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063558 - 23 Mar 2021
Viewed by 404
Abstract
In order to explore the modification effect of carbonization time on nano-MgO-modified cement soil, unconfined compressive strength tests of nano-MgO-modified cement soil with carbonization times of 0 h, 6 h, 1 d, 2 d and 4 d were carried out. A method for [...] Read more.
In order to explore the modification effect of carbonization time on nano-MgO-modified cement soil, unconfined compressive strength tests of nano-MgO-modified cement soil with carbonization times of 0 h, 6 h, 1 d, 2 d and 4 d were carried out. A method for normalizing the stress–strain curve was proposed, and the influence of nano-MgO content and carbonization time was investigated from the three aspects of compressive strength, peak strain and energy dissipation. The test results show the following: (1) The compressive strength of the modified cement soil can be significantly improved by adding 1.0% nano-MgO and after 1 d carbonization. (2) Under the same nano-MgO content, the peak strain of the modified cement soil after 2 d carbonization reaches the maximum, which can significantly increase its ductility. However, the nano-MgO content has little influence on the peak strain of the modified cement soil. (3) Under the same nano-MgO content, the energy dissipation rate of the modified cement soil after 1 d carbonization reaches the maximum, which can better resist the damage of external load. Full article
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Article
Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Graphene Nanoplatelets-Reinforced Epoxy Nanocomposites: Comparison of Different Dispersal Mechanisms
Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 1788; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13041788 - 07 Feb 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 574
Abstract
The preparation of polymer-based nanocomposites requires considerable time (i.e., the dispersal of nanomaterials into a polymer matrix), resulting in difficulties associated with their commercial use. In this study, two simple and efficient dispersion methods, namely planetary centrifugal mixing and three-roll milling, were used [...] Read more.
The preparation of polymer-based nanocomposites requires considerable time (i.e., the dispersal of nanomaterials into a polymer matrix), resulting in difficulties associated with their commercial use. In this study, two simple and efficient dispersion methods, namely planetary centrifugal mixing and three-roll milling, were used to enable the graphene nanoplatelets to disperse uniformly throughout an epoxy solution (i.e., 0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 wt.%) and allow the subsequent preparation of graphene nanoplatelets/epoxy nanocomposites. Measurements of mechanical properties of these nanocomposites, including ultimate tensile strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus, were used to evaluate these dispersal methods. Dispersing graphene nanoplatelets into the epoxy resin by planetary centrifugal mixing not only required a shorter process time but also resulted in a more uniform dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets than that by three-roll milling. In addition, compared with traditional dispersal methods, planetary centrifugal mixing was a more efficient dispersal method for the preparation of epoxy-based nanocomposites. Full article
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Article
Flame Retardance and Char Analysis of an Eco-Friendly Polyurethane Hyperbranched Hybrid Using the Sol–Gel Method
Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020486 - 06 Jan 2021
Viewed by 425
Abstract
This study used the sol–gel method to synthesize a non-halogenated, hyperbranched flame retardant containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon (HBNPSi), which was then added to a polyurethane (PU) matrix to form an organic–inorganic hybrid material. Using 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy [...] Read more.
This study used the sol–gel method to synthesize a non-halogenated, hyperbranched flame retardant containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon (HBNPSi), which was then added to a polyurethane (PU) matrix to form an organic–inorganic hybrid material. Using 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy of P- and Si-mapping, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, this study determined the organic and inorganic dispersity, morphology, and flame retardance mechanism of the hybrid material. The condensation density of the hybrid material PU/HBNPSi was found to be 74.4%. High condensation density indicates a dense network structure of the material. The P- and Si-mapping showed that adding inorganic additives in quantities of either 20% or 40% results in homogeneous dispersion of the inorganic fillers in the polymer matrix without agglomeration, indicating that the organic and inorganic phases had excellent compatibility. In the burning test, adding HBNPSi to PU made the material pass the UL-94 test at the V2 level, unlike the pristine PU, which did not meet the standard. The results demonstrate that after non-halogenated flame retardant was added to PU, the material’s flammability and dripping were lower, thereby proving that flame retardants containing elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon exert an excellent flame-retardant synergistic effect. Full article
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Article
Utilization of Silicon Carbide Sludge as Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer Materials
Sustainability 2020, 12(18), 7333; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187333 - 07 Sep 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 542
Abstract
The recycling of SiC sludge material is crucial for resource reutilization and environmental protection. In the current study, the effect of the mass ratio between the Na2SiO3 and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions (NS/SS ratio) and the effect of SiC sludge [...] Read more.
The recycling of SiC sludge material is crucial for resource reutilization and environmental protection. In the current study, the effect of the mass ratio between the Na2SiO3 and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions (NS/SS ratio) and the effect of SiC sludge on metakaolin geopolymers was comprehensively investigated to determine the underlying performance of the geopolymerization system. During thermal evolution, the second exothermic peak of 1.6NS10SCS (NS/SS ratio: 1.6, 10% SiC sludge) showed a heat evolution value of 990.6 W/g, which was the highest among other geopolymers. Additionally, the 1.6NS10SCS sample after 28 days of curing showed the highest flexural strength (6.42 MPa), compared to that of the others, and the DTA/TG (differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetry) results showed that the weight loss percentage increased to 14.62% from 400 to 750 °C. For the 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance deconvolution, 1.6NS10SCS exhibited high fractions of Q4(3Al) (33.63%), Q4(2Al) (23.92%), and Q4(1Al) (9.70%). Thus, the geopolymer with the optimal SiC-sludge replacement level and NS/SS ratio contained more macropores and geopolymer gels, which benefit structural development. The experimental results indicated that SiC-sludge can potentially serve as a partial replacement for metakaolin and exhibited favorable mechanic characteristics. Full article
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Article
Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness and Conductivity of PTFE/Ag/MWCNT Conductive Fabrics Using the Screen Printing Method
Sustainability 2020, 12(15), 5899; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12155899 - 22 Jul 2020
Viewed by 618
Abstract
The management of the electromagnetic interference (EMI) of thin, light, and inexpensive materials is important for consumer electronics and human health. This paper describes the development of conductive films that contain a silver (Ag) flake powder and multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) hybrid grid [...] Read more.
The management of the electromagnetic interference (EMI) of thin, light, and inexpensive materials is important for consumer electronics and human health. This paper describes the development of conductive films that contain a silver (Ag) flake powder and multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) hybrid grid on a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film for applications that require electromagnetic shielding (EMS) and a conductive film. The Ag and MWCNT hybrid grid was constructed with a wire diameter and spacing of 0.5 mm. The results indicated that the proposed conductive films with 0.4 wt% MWCNTs had higher electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMSE) and electrical conductivity than those with other MWCNT loading amounts. The results also showed that the film with 0.4 wt% MWCNT loading had a high 62.4 dB EMSE in the 1800 MHz frequency and 1.81 × 104 S/cm electrical conductivity. This combination improved stretchability, with 10% elongation at a 29% resistivity change rate. Conductive films with Ag/MWCNT electronic printing or lamination technologies could be used for EMI shielding and electrically conductive applications. Full article
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Article
Geopolymer Technologies for Stabilization of Basic Oxygen Furnace Slags and Sustainable Application as Construction Materials
Sustainability 2020, 12(12), 5002; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12125002 - 18 Jun 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 612
Abstract
The basic oxygen furnace slag is a major waste by-product generated from steel-producing plants. It possesses excellent characteristics and can be used as a natural aggregate. Chemically, the basic oxygen furnace slag encloses free CaO and free MgO, which is the main reason [...] Read more.
The basic oxygen furnace slag is a major waste by-product generated from steel-producing plants. It possesses excellent characteristics and can be used as a natural aggregate. Chemically, the basic oxygen furnace slag encloses free CaO and free MgO, which is the main reason for the expansion crisis since these free oxides of alkaline earth metals react with water to form their hydroxide yields. The objective of the present research study is to stabilize the basic oxygen furnace slag by using innovative geopolymer technology, as their matrix contains a vast quantity of free silicon, which can react with free CaO and free MgO to form stable silicate compounds resulting in the prevention of the basic oxygen furnace slag expansion predicament. Lab-scale and ready-mixed plant pilot-scale experimental findings revealed that the compressive strength of fine basic oxygen furnace slag-based geopolymer mortar can achieve a compressive strength of 30–40 MPa after 28 days, and increased compressive strength, as well as the expansion, can be controlled less than 0.5% after ASTM C151 autoclave testing. Several pilot-scale cubic meters basic oxygen furnace slag-based geopolymer concrete blocks were developed in a ready-mixed plant. The compressive strength and autoclave expansion test results demonstrated that geopolymer technology does not merely stabilize the basic oxygen furnace slag production issue totally, but also turns the slags into value-added products. Full article
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