Article
Environmental Sciences
Levent Bostanci
Summary: The reuse of sustainable waste materials in cement-based mixtures is a key solution for the production of environmentally friendly construction materials. This study focused on the utilization of waste rubber (WR) as a cement additive in hybrid slag mortar mixtures to develop an eco-friendly mortar. The experimental results showed that the incorporation of a low content of WR led to a significant pore modification effect, resulting in increased number of pores with smaller sizes. Additionally, there were strong linear relationships between the strengths and the effective pore contents.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Ehsan Rostami-Tapeh-Esmaeil, Sahar Shojaei, Denis Rodrigue
Summary: Uniform and graded polyolefin elastomer (POE) foams were prepared using a single-step technology, and the effects of molding temperature on the foams' morphology, mechanical properties, and thermal conductivity were investigated. The results showed that the foam's properties can be easily controlled by the cellular structure, and graded samples are more interesting for thermal insulation applications.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Rabeb Ayed, Salwa Bouadila, Safa Skouri, Laura Boquera, Luisa F. Cabeza, Mariem Lazaar
Summary: By enhancing the thermal properties of cement-based building materials with textile fibers, energy consumption and CO2 emissions related to space conditioning in buildings can be reduced. This study produced lightweight coating mortars by partially replacing sand with textile waste and characterized the mechanical and thermal properties of the reinforced cementitious composites. The results showed that the thermal conductivity decreased with increasing proportion of reinforcing material. The application of these thermally improved mortars as coating mortars appears to be a relevant solution to enhance the thermal performance of buildings.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Sevket Onur Kalkan, Lutfullah Gunduz
Summary: It has been found that the use of silica aerogel in cement-based materials improves the thermal insulation properties. This study investigated the effects of silica aerogel particles on the various properties of lightweight cement-based composite mortar (LCCM), including flowability, density, porosity, water absorption, compressive strength, thermal conductivity, specific heat, thermal diffusivity, and heat storage capability. The results show that silica aerogel has a significant impact on the properties of LCCMs, with both positive and negative effects. Overall, it has a high potential for enhancing the thermal performance of LCCMs.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chen Ding, Kaixi Xue, Hongzhi Cui, Ziqing Xu, Haibin Yang, Xiaohua Bao, Guangsheng Yi
Summary: Due to the tight energy supply, thermal insulation mortar is widely used in the exterior wall insulation layer of buildings in various countries. However, there is limited research on the key properties of thermal insulation mortar, such as fire resistance and economic feasibility. This study aims to develop a high-performance fireproof insulation mortar by using silica fume as an admixture. The results show that the addition of silica fume can significantly improve the bond strength and compressive strength of the mortar, as well as enhance its fire resistance.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Magda Posani, Rosario Veiga, Vasco Peixoto de Freitas
Summary: This research provides recommendations for the selection of hygric-compatible thermal rendering systems for historic buildings in temperate climates, aiming to avoid moisture-related problems and ensure adequate drying.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Othmane Horma, Mouatassim Charai, Sara El Hassani, Aboubakr El Hammouti, Ahmed Mezrhab
Summary: The use of biomass waste and plant fibers as aggregates in traditional binders offers a promising solution for reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions in the construction sector. This study investigated the potential use of Spent Tea in bio-sourced cement-based mortars and found that the content of Spent Tea significantly affected the performance of the cement. The results also revealed the suitable range of Spent Tea content for different purposes.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Driss Taoukil, Younes El Meski, Mohammed Lhassane Lahlaouti, Rabah Djedjig, Abdelmajid El Bouardi
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility of using Moroccan diatomite as a replacement for sand in mortars. It demonstrates that diatomite incorporation improves thermal insulation potential in mortar, despite a slight decrease in compressive and flexural strengths. The findings suggest that diatomite can be successfully used as insulating concrete.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Daniel Ferrandez, Manuel alvarez, Pablo Saiz, Alicia Zaragoza
Summary: This research explores the use of construction and demolition waste (CDW) in plaster mortars to create more sustainable building materials. It finds that plaster mortars made with recycled aggregates have higher mechanical resistance, while the incorporation of crushed mineral wool residues improves flexural strength. Furthermore, adding expanded polystyrene residues can reduce density, improve water absorption resistance, and decrease thermal conductivity.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ming -Gin Lee, Yishuo Huang, Yeng-Fong Shih, Wei-Chien Wang, Yung-Chih Wang, You-Xiang Wang, Hsien-Wen Chang
Summary: This study used recycled diatomite to partially replace cement in concrete and conducted various tests to evaluate its properties. The results showed that the amount of replacement diatomite increased water demand and setting time, as well as weight loss and shrinkage rates during freeze-thaw cycles. However, it decreased water absorption and thermal conductivity. In terms of compressive strength, 10% diatomite substitution had higher strength at 28 days, while 20% diatomite substitution had higher strength at 90 days. The findings suggest that blends with 20% waste diatomite from the brewing industry have the most potential in terms of mechanical and thermal insulation performance.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Amanda P. Siciliano, Xinpeng Zhao, Rebecca Fedderwitz, Kishore Ramakrishnan, Jiaqi Dai, Amy Gong, J. Y. Zhu, Jan Kosny, Liangbing Hu
Summary: In this paper, a strategy for wood chip reuse is proposed by converting them into bio-based building insulation foam. By introducing additional small pores within the wood chips through a high-temperature chemical treatment process, their thermal conductivity is effectively lowered, and they are used in combination with a binding agent to produce a porous insulation foam. The porous insulation foam exhibits low thermal conductivity and high compressive strength, demonstrating the potential of repurposing wood waste into an effective building material that addresses waste management and sustainable construction challenges.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lunzhi Li, Jinghui Gao, Lisheng Zhong, Kai Zhang, Xiaohan Zhao
Summary: Non-crosslinked polyolefin blends have been considered as an alternative material to crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) cable insulation due to their low power consumption and good recyclability. However, the electrical and thermal aging properties of these materials still require extensive research. In this study, the electrical treeing and thermal aging phenomena of the non-crosslinked blends were compared with those of XLPE. The results show that the non-crosslinked blends exhibited smaller treeing dimensions, lower electrical tree growth rates, and less mechanical property degradation under the same aging time. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis and microstructure observation revealed that the non-crosslinked blends have higher melting temperature, thicker lamellae, and higher crystallinity with a uniform and fine spherulite structure, which contribute to their good anti-aging performance. This study demonstrates that the non-crosslinked blends have better electrical and thermal aging resistance than XLPE, providing a performance guarantee for their further application in non-crosslinked cable systems.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Sensen Li, Bei Zhang, Dapeng Yang, He Wang, Yang Liu, Huguang He, Hualin Fan
Summary: Filling expanded polystyrene (EPS) mortar can effectively improve the mechanical properties of pultruded sandwich panel (PSP), leading to higher ultimate bearing capacity and increased equivalent shear modulus. As the density of EPS mortar increases, the failure mode of EPS mortar-filled PSP changes accordingly.
ARCHIVES OF CIVIL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Nadia Lakreb, Umut Sen, Abdelhakim Beddiar, Redouane Zitoune, Catarina Nobre, M. Gloria Gomes, Helena Pereira
Summary: The partial replacement of cement with waste cork granules in mortars reduces CO2 emissions and cork waste, and improves some material properties. The addition of cork particles decreases the density of the mortars and reduces their bending and compressive strengths. Scanning electron microscopy analysis shows good adhesion between cork particles and cement. The thermal conductivity of the mortars is significantly reduced with the replacement of cement with cork, indicating improved thermal insulation properties.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Feng Yu, Ying Chen, Yuan Fang, Pengcheng Xu, Bo Xu, Quanwei Liu
Summary: This study prepares an expanded polystyrene foam (EPSF)-ceramsites composite thermal insulation mortar (ECTIM) with ceramsite and EPSF particles as insulation aggregates. The effects of fiber content, fiber length, and fiber types on the crack resistance of ECTIM were analyzed. It was found that the incorporation of fibers significantly improved the crack resistance and delayed the cracking of the mortar. Based on the experimental research, the stress mechanism of mortar cracking and the anti-cracking mechanism of ECTIM were revealed. A formula for calculating the maximum crack width of ECTIM was proposed. The importance of this study is rated 9 out of 10.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Valentina Roviello, Aurelio Bifulco, Abner Colella, Fabio Iucolano, Domenico Caputo, Antonio Aronne, Barbara Liguori
Summary: Graffiti vandalism is a harmful phenomenon for buildings and cultural heritage, and new non-invasive chemical approaches are being explored to combat this issue. This study tested two commercial anti-graffiti products on natural building materials and found that the nanotechnological product Ector was more effective, although its permanent nature limits its applicability to cultural heritage. The less effective Nord Resine could be used in cultural heritage protection due to its sacrificial properties.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Luigi Coppola, Silvia Beretta, Maria Chiara Bignozzi, Fabio Bolzoni, Andrea Brenna, Marina Cabrini, Sebastiano Candamano, Domenico Caputo, Maddalena Carsana, Raffaele Cioffi, Denny Coffetti, Francesco Colangelo, Fortunato Crea, Sabino De Gisi, Maria Vittoria Diamanti, Claudio Ferone, Patrizia Frontera, Matteo Maria Gastaldi, Claudia Labianca, Federica Lollini, Sergio Lorenzi, Stefania Manzi, Milena Marroccoli, Michele Notarnicola, Marco Ormellese, Tommaso Pastore, MariaPia Pedeferri, Andrea Petrella, Elena Redaelli, Giuseppina Roviello, Antonio Telesca, Francesco Todaro
Summary: This paper discusses the strategies for producing sustainable and durable reinforced concrete structures in different environments, focusing on design methodologies, unconventional corrosion-resistant reinforcements, alternative binders, and various solutions for concrete protection and prevention against corrosion. Scientific literature analysis reveals that the sustainability of building materials can only be achieved through the implementation of multiple strategies aimed at reducing environmental impact, improving durability, and enhancing performance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Giovanna Montesano, Piergiulio Cappelletti, Domenico Caputo, Barbara Liguori, Assunta Campanile, Concetta Rispoli
Summary: This paper assesses the characteristics of zeolitic tuff samples from different districts in western USA, specifically looking at their petrographic, mineralogical, chemical, and technological features. The results show that tuff samples containing phillipsite have higher pozzolanic activity and reactivity with CaO, making them suitable for the preparation of blended cements. This has the potential to greatly reduce CO2 emissions by 70-90%.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
A. Campanile, B. Liguori, C. Ferone, D. Caputo, P. Aprea
Summary: In this study, a design for a monolithic softener obtained by geopolymer gel conversion is proposed. The softener uses a geopolymeric macroporous matrix functionalized with a co-crystallization of zeolite A and X in mixture. It achieves a softening capacity of 90% and 54% for Ca2+ and Mg2+ respectively within 24 hours. The material also exhibits a Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) value of 4.43 meq g(-1) and has been characterized for its density, porosity, and mechanical resistance. The use of this monolithic softener can improve the performance and sustainability of hardness removal from tap water.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ilenia Farina, Ivan Moccia, Cinzia Salzano, Narinder Singh, Payam Sadrolodabaee, Francesco Colangelo
Summary: This study investigates the recycling opportunities for industrial byproducts in innovative concrete manufacturing processes. The use of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash as a main component in artificially manufactured aggregates shows potential for producing lightweight concrete with good thermal performance. Substituting a percentage of recycled aggregates with recycled polyethylene terephthalate can further improve thermal conductivity. This type of concrete could have positive economic and environmental impacts by reducing the use of cement and lowering CO2 emissions.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Assunta Campanile, Barbara Liguori, Claudio Ferone, Domenico Caputo, Lara Gigli, Paolo Aprea
Summary: A FAU-X-rich porous monolith was prepared using an unconventional two-stage method involving foamed geopolymeric precursor production and subsequent hydrothermal conversion. The influence of conversion process parameters on FAU-X crystallization was investigated, and the highest yield was obtained at 60°C with a 0.5 M NaOH solution. Crystallization kinetics of FAU-X within the geopolymer precursor were studied using synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction quantitative phase analysis (SR-XRD-QPA). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed the presence of well-defined octahedral crystals after 3 days of hydrothermal treatment.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Luigi Coppola, Tiziano Bellezze, Alberto Belli, Alessandra Bianco, Elisa Blasi, Miriam Cappello, Domenico Caputo, Mehdi Chougan, Denny Coffetti, Bartolomeo Coppola, Valeria Corinaldesi, Alberto D'Amore, Valeria Daniele, Luciano Di Maio, Luca Di Palma, Jacopo Donnini, Giuseppe Ferrara, Sara Filippi, Matteo Gastaldi, Nicola Generosi, Chiara Giosue, Loredana Incarnato, Francesca Lamastra, Barbara Liguori, Ludovico Macera, Qaisar Maqbool, Maria Cristina Mascolo, Letterio Mavilia, Alida Mazzoli, Franco Medici, Alessandra Mobili, Giampiero Montesperelli, Giorgio Pia, Elena Redaelli, Maria Letizia Ruello, Paola Scarfato, Giuliana Taglieri, Francesca Tittarelli, Jean-Marc Tulliani, Antonino Valenza
Summary: The improvement of concrete structures' durability is crucial for enhancing the sustainability of buildings and infrastructures. Monitoring systems are necessary to detect material deterioration, including the penetration of aggressive substances into concrete and the corrosion of carbon-steel reinforcement, in order to ensure a prolonged service life. Proper data collection enables the planning of suitable restoration works using traditional or innovative techniques and materials. This study focuses on building heritage and presents the latest findings for the conservation and restoration of reinforced concrete structures and masonry buildings.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Francesco Todaro, Francesco Colangelo, Sabino De Gisi, Ilenia Farina, Claudio Ferone, Claudia Labianca, Andrea Petrella, Raffaele Cioffi, Michele Notarnicola
Summary: This research proposes a cement-free cold granulation process for the remediation of contaminated marine sediments and the production of low-cost aggregates for civil engineering. The use of industrial by-products, coal fly ash and Blast Furnace Slag, as geopolymer precursors in the granulation process was investigated. The results showed that sediments treated with a specific mix design had optimal metal leachability and meet the technical requirements for pavement construction. Cold granulation was found to be a sustainable solution for recycling contaminated sediments and industrial by-products into lightweight artificial aggregates.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ilaria Capasso, Abner Colella, Fabio Iucolano
Summary: In order to protect the integrity of historical heritage and its impact on society, innovative materials and methods have been used in stone conservation. This study examines the interaction between three inorganic silica-based consolidating compounds and a valuable calcareous rock, Vicenza stone. Comprehensive characterization of treated and untreated stone samples was achieved through chemical-physical and morphological investigations.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ilaria Capasso, Gigliola D'Angelo, Marina Fumo, Mercedes del Rio Merino, Domenico Caputo, Barbara Liguori
Summary: This study investigates the use of waste materials to manufacture geocomposites suitable for the restoration of historical heritage. The geocomposites made from brick waste exhibit a more compact structure and better mechanical performance compared to those made from tuff waste, making them compatible with existing building materials and traditional repairing products.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Narinder Singh, Francesco Colangelo, Ilenia Farina
Summary: This review article discusses the system materials for concrete 2D printing and various aspects related to sustainable construction. The article highlights the potential of 3D printing in reducing waste generation and compares the cost and effectiveness of conventional and non-conventional construction methods. It also explores the application of 3D printing in the building sector and discusses the challenges and future prospects of this technology.
