Civil Engineering Materials

Metal nanoclusters (NCs), composed of a metal core and organic ligands, are promising materials for light-emitting diodes (LEDs) due to their high electrical conductivity, strong photoluminescence, and good processability. However, issues like unbalanced carrier transport, inefficient energy transfer, and poor film formation limit their performance. To address this, a multiple host system using an exciplex with electron transport material OXD-7 was employed to enhance energy transfer, film smoothness, and carrier balance. This approach significantly improved device performance, achieving a maximum brightness of 4932 cd/m² and a peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 5.29% in the NC-based LED.

Inland waterway transport (IWT) is generally considered to be an environmentally friendly alternative to road transport and might also bring cost benefits. Nevertheless, the modal share of IWT remains limited, which is partly due to the necessary pre- and post-haulage to transport goods to and from the port. This paper presents an innovative concept aimed at reducing these operational barriers for the transport of powdered building materials. We introduce a mobile loading unit that can directly pump the product from the loading location into the vessel over a limited distance, thereby ending the need for pre-haulage with trucks. Our results show that the modal shift, enabled by the mobile loading unit, can result in cost reductions up to 30% and CO 2 emissions can be halved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editorial titled "Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures." It discusses the importance of accurately evaluating and predicting the mechanical behavior of civil materials and structures in order to improve infrastructure durability and maintenance management. The document highlights a special issue that includes twenty research papers and one systematic review on various topics related to civil engineering materials, such as the use of solid wastes, material properties, and mechanical behavior. The aim of the special issue is to share innovative research and application methods in order to further develop civil engineering technology. The authors of the editorial express their gratitude to the authors, peer reviewers, and staff involved in the special issue. [Extracted from the article]

Polymer fiber rubber-reinforced concrete (PFRRC) combines the energy absorption of rubber concrete with the crack resistance of polymer fibers to enhance strength and durability. It shows up to 66% higher flexural strength and 10 times greater impact resistance than ordinary concrete. PFRRC also improves durability, reducing chloride penetration and enhancing freeze–thaw resistance. Though challenges remain in optimizing fiber ratios and rubber–polymer interactions, PFRRC offers strong potential for sustainable, resilient infrastructure—especially in roads, seismic zones, and protective structures.

This study develops an eco-friendly borehole protection material with high strength, permeability, and controllable setting time to improve gas extraction stability. Using human hair residue hydrolyzed into a composite protein foaming agent and pulverized coal as a sustainable admixture, the optimized foam concrete exhibits strong compressive strength and permeability. The proposed synergistic protection technology combines in-hole screen pipe protection with grouting reinforcement, enhancing borehole stability and preventing collapse. Field tests confirm the material’s performance and construction feasibility, demonstrating improved gas extraction efficiency through coordinated internal and external borehole protection.