Green and Low-Carbon Buildings: Materials, Technology and Processes and Techniques

A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412). This special issue belongs to the section "Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 July 2025 | Viewed by 7282

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Green and low-carbon buildings including materials, technology and methods are a research hotspot, and it is an important direction of social sustainable development. However, plenty of high-energy consumption, high-pollution and hazardous materials are used in our daily life. How to reduce the usage of energy consumption materials and develop novel green and low-carbon materials is a challenge. Fortunately, more and more researchers are aware of the above problems. Many novel, green and low-carbon materials, technology and methods have been proposed.

This Special Issue should help to overcome these problems. It provides an opportunity to create a compendium of novel, green and low-carbon buildings. It is focused on green and low-carbon building materials, technology and processes and techniques.

We cordially invite you to submit your contribution to this Special Issue on topics including but are not limited to the following:

  • Green and low-carbon buildings;
  • Novel coating and film materials;
  • High-performance coating materials and technologies;
  • Surface characterization and testing techniques of materials;
  • Cement and concrete;
  • Structure design;
  • Cementitious low-carbon materials;
  • Special green and low-carbon technology including preparation and applications;
  • Energy consumption numeration;
  • Novel low-energy consumption and methods;
  • Durability of concrete structures;
  • Construction methods and technology.

Prof. Dr. Peng Liu
Dr. Lingkun Chen
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-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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

  • green materials
  • low-carbon materials
  • coating and film materials
  • civil engineering
  • cement and concrete
  • structural performance

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 1840 KiB  
Article
Crystalline Coating and Its Influence on Chloride Ion Diffusion Resistance of Carbonated Concrete
by Martin Mottl, Jiří Pazderka and Pavel Reiterman
Coatings 2025, 15(2), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15020163 - 2 Feb 2025
Viewed by 246
Abstract
Carbonation and chloride ingress are the most important damaging mechanisms for steel-reinforced concrete. The combination of these two corrosion processes accelerates the destruction of concrete, leads to extensive structural repairs, negatively impacts durability, and significantly reduces the service life of the structure. One [...] Read more.
Carbonation and chloride ingress are the most important damaging mechanisms for steel-reinforced concrete. The combination of these two corrosion processes accelerates the destruction of concrete, leads to extensive structural repairs, negatively impacts durability, and significantly reduces the service life of the structure. One possible and effective way to reduce chloride diffusion through the concrete pore system is through the use of crystalline materials. An experimental study focused on the ability of an applied crystalline coating to increase the chloride resistance of carbonated concrete is presented in this paper. Carbonated concrete specimens treated with a crystalline coating were exposed to a sodium chloride solution for various periods of time, and a water-soluble chloride ion content analysis was performed on powder samples taken from the tested specimens. Chloride profiles presenting the chloride ion concentrations at selected depths are presented for multiple types of concrete at various ages to show the effect of crystalline technology on the chloride resistance of concrete. The results of this study confirm the impact of carbonation on chloride ion ingress through concrete and show that crystalline coatings can improve the chloride resistance of concrete. Using crystalline coatings on carbonated concrete can, from a long-term perspective, significantly reduce the chloride ion content in concrete placed in an aggressive environment. The crystalline coatings were functional even after 28 days, when the concentration of chloride ions was below the critical concentration. The crystalline coating was able to reduce the concentration of chloride ions by 68% under the surface of the concrete and by 65% at depths of 20–25 mm after 180 days of immersion, compared to the untreated concrete. Crystalline coatings reduce the depth of critical chloride ion concentration, effectively protect the concrete reinforcement against corrosion and extend the service life of the structure. Full article
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27 pages, 15561 KiB  
Article
Carbon-Negative Nano-TiO2-Modified Photocatalytic Cementitious Composites: Removal of Airborne Pollutants (NOx and O3) and Its Impact on CO2 Footprint
by Maciej Kalinowski, Karol Chilmon and Wioletta Jackiewicz-Rek
Coatings 2024, 14(12), 1607; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14121607 - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1386
Abstract
This study explores the development and performance of photocatalytic cementitious composites modified with nano-TiO2 to address urban air quality and sustainability challenges. Nine mortar series were prepared, incorporating binders with varying carbon footprints and mass contents across different series. The interplay between [...] Read more.
This study explores the development and performance of photocatalytic cementitious composites modified with nano-TiO2 to address urban air quality and sustainability challenges. Nine mortar series were prepared, incorporating binders with varying carbon footprints and mass contents across different series. The interplay between the fundamental (abrasion resistance) and functional (air purification efficiency) properties of the composites’ surfaces and interfaces was investigated. The photocatalytic removal of airborne pollutants, specifically nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ozone (O3), was evaluated under simulated environmental conditions. The variations in binder composition influenced the composites’ overall initial carbon footprint and air purification efficiency. The assessment revealed a possible net decrease in carbon emissions over the life cycle of the composite due to the removal of ozone (greenhouse gas) and its precursor—NOx, highlighting the potential of photocatalytic cementitious composites for dual environmental benefits in an urban environment, emphasizing the critical role of surface and interface engineering in achieving carbon-negative composites. Full article
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13 pages, 2408 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Materials Used in the Concrete Industry, from the Point of View of Corrosion Behavior
by Marius Gabriel Petrescu, Razvan George Ripeanu, Eugen Laudacescu, Maria Tanase, Adrian Niță and Andrei Burlacu
Coatings 2024, 14(7), 800; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14070800 - 27 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1754
Abstract
Industrial applications in the concrete industry face significant challenges in selecting appropriate metallic materials, as these choices can enhance equipment lifespan and reduce costs. This study examines the corrosion behavior of various metallic materials, offering valuable insights for their selection in corrosive environments. [...] Read more.
Industrial applications in the concrete industry face significant challenges in selecting appropriate metallic materials, as these choices can enhance equipment lifespan and reduce costs. This study examines the corrosion behavior of various metallic materials, offering valuable insights for their selection in corrosive environments. The findings indicate that material testing can provide cost-effective solutions for concrete industry equipment. Notably, replacing cast iron used in concrete mixing blades with specific steels is advantageous for corrective or accidental maintenance, lowering spare parts costs, and short-term use, steels P265GH and AISI 4140 exhibiting corrosion resistance similar to cast iron. Additionally, for mineral aggregate dryers, selecting adequate steel can significantly reduce operating and maintenance costs while increasing equipment durability. The results show that substituting steel S235 with steel P265GH can decrease the corrosion rate by nearly 65%. Full article
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28 pages, 10839 KiB  
Article
Heat of Hydration Analysis and Temperature Field Distribution Study for Super-Long Mass Concrete
by Sanling Zhang, Peng Liu, Lei Liu, Jingxiang Huang, Xiang Cheng, Ying Chen, Lei Chen, Sasa He, Ning Zhang and Zhiwu Yu
Coatings 2024, 14(3), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14030369 - 20 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2188
Abstract
In this study, the combination of ordinary cement concrete (OCC) and shrinkage-compensating concrete (SCC) was utilized to pour super-long mass concrete. The temperature and strain of the concrete were continuously monitored and managed actively after pouring. The investigation focused on the temporal and [...] Read more.
In this study, the combination of ordinary cement concrete (OCC) and shrinkage-compensating concrete (SCC) was utilized to pour super-long mass concrete. The temperature and strain of the concrete were continuously monitored and managed actively after pouring. The investigation focused on the temporal and spatial distribution patterns of the temperature field, the temperature difference between the core and surface, and the strain evolution. Based on the constructed hydration exothermic model of layered poured concrete, the effects of the SCC, molding temperature, and surface heat transfer coefficient on the temperature field were analyzed. The results show that the temperature of super-long mass concrete rises quickly but falls slowly. SCC exhibits higher total hydration heat than OCC. The temperature field is symmetric along the length but asymmetric along the thickness due to varying efficiency of heat dissipation between the upper and lower parts of the concrete. After final setting of the concrete, the strain varies opposite to the temperature and peaks at −278 με. A few short cracks are observed on the end of the upper surface. Moreover, the numerical simulation results are in good agreement with the measured results. Increasing the molding temperature and surface wind speed increases the temperature difference between the core and surface. Conversely, increasing the thickness of the insulation layer is an effective way to curtail this difference. Thermal stress analysis is carried out and shows that lowering the molding temperature of SCC and increasing the thickness of insulation material can effectively reduce thermal stress. Full article
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18 pages, 4920 KiB  
Article
Long-Distance Freezing Design and Construction Based on Monitoring Analysis of Subway Connection Aisle
by Yin Xu, Qiang Liu, Weiting Zhi, Guangqiang Shao and Peng Liu
Coatings 2024, 14(3), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14030355 - 18 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1180
Abstract
In the context of a main road area with significant traffic flow, posing challenges to constructing the freezing station on the ground, an innovative proposal suggests situating the freezing station at the station. This approach aims to facilitate construction at the same time [...] Read more.
In the context of a main road area with significant traffic flow, posing challenges to constructing the freezing station on the ground, an innovative proposal suggests situating the freezing station at the station. This approach aims to facilitate construction at the same time for the connection aisle, tunneling, and track laying, thereby reducing the construction period; however, this will lead to a corresponding increase in the freezing pipeline distance. The theoretical analysis, numerical analysis, and integration with engineering practices were employed to examine the essential aspects and key technologies in the long-distance freezing design and construction, including the freezing hole construction, thermal insulation method of brine pipelines and tunnel segments, and technique program to retain the brine pressure and flow discharge, as well as the method to reduce the interplay of cross-construction. The validity of the construction program for the long-distance frozen excavation was finally evaluated based on onsite monitoring and theoretical analysis. The results show that the temperature of the brine in both the delivery and return pipelines first decreases linearly and then stabilizes gradually with freezing time, and the temperature difference is between 1 °C and 1.5 °C at the later freezing period. The temperature variation of the frozen wall is similar to that of brine in the delivery and return pipelines, and there is a good correlation between them. After the frozen wall encloses, the internal pressure of the frozen wall increases quickly, which can be effectively reduced to prevent wall cracking and breakage by regulating the pressure relief holes. The above theoretical analysis result shows that the average temperature of the frozen wall should be less than −9.7 °C when the designed thickness of the frozen wall is 2.2 m. The monitoring data indicates that the average temperature of the frozen wall reaches −13.9 °C, which satisfies the design requirement. The design and construction technology of long-distance freezing enhance the construction of the subway connection aisle. The novel method deviates from the conventional practice of establishing freezing stations within tunnels and offers valuable insight and guidance for comparable projects. Full article
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