Nano Science and Technology in Concrete Composites

Concrete is a composite formed by the mixing and subsequent hardening of binders and aggregates. The binders include cement and asphalt as well as polymers, while aggregates include fine aggregates and/or coarse aggregates. Due to the advantages of readily available raw materials, simple processing, and low cost, concrete has become the most widely used man-made engineering material, representing one of the most obvious manifestations of humankind’s physical footprint on Earth. Concrete composites have transformed the world, but they face significant challenges in sustainable development due to inherent shortcomings, ever-expanding applications, and the actions of complex and severe service environments, as well as issues related to resource, energy, and environmental impacts stemming from their overuse. The development of nano science and technology has enabled a deeper understanding and control of material structures and properties at a smaller scale, offering new perspectives and approaches to promote the sustainable development of concrete composites.

Research on nano science and technology in concrete composites began around the year 2000, leading to the emergence of the first generation of nanotechnology-engineered concrete composites, which involved the modification of concrete composites with nanofillers. With substantial research efforts and advancements in nano-composite technologies, nanoscience in concrete composites has greatly progressed over the past decade, giving rise to the new generation of nanotechnology-engineered concrete composites. This generation primarily addresses challenges associated with the dispersion of nanofillers and the difficulty of large-scale production that were inherent in the first generation, achieving significant improvements in the composite effects and efficiency of nanofillers. Thus, the integration of nano science and technology in concrete composites represents an endless frontier in the field of concrete composites. This Research Topic aims to compile the latest advancements in theoretical research and engineering applications of nano science and technology in concrete composites. The objective is to provide new perspectives and viewpoints, fostering the further development, refinement, and application of nano science and technology in concrete composites. Additionally, this Research Topic aspires to contribute support for the emergence of new-generation nanotechnology-engineered concrete composites.

We cordially invite you to submit your Original Research or Review articles for consideration and possible publication in this Research Topic. The scope of this Research Topic focuses on both nano science and technology in concrete composites, with emphasis on the fundamentals of nanoscience in concrete composites, as well as the practices of nanotechnology in concrete composites. Potential topics for submissions include but are not limited to:

• Nanoscale characteristics and binding essence in concrete composites

• Relationships between nanoscale characteristics and properties

• Design method and principles of nanotechnology-engineered concrete composites

• Novel fabrication and processing methods of nanotechnology-engineered concrete composites

• Advanced test and characterization techniques of nanotechnology-engineered concrete composites

• Numerical simulation for nanotechnology-engineered concrete composites

• Performances (e.g., mechanical, durability and (multi)functional/smart) and optimization of nanotechnology-engineered concrete composites

• New types and innovative applications of nanotechnology-engineered concrete composites

• Integration of advanced technologies and nanotechnology-engineered concrete composites

• Sustainability assessment and risk assessment of nanotechnology-engineered concrete composites