Novel Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) Enhanced by Superhydrophobic and Self-Luminescent Features

Ahmad Rizwan Mumtaz, Natalija Bede Odorčić, Núria Garro, Samo Lubej, Andrej Ivanič, Antonio Comite, Marcello Pagliero and Gregor Kravanja ()
Additional contact information
Ahmad Rizwan Mumtaz: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation and Architecture, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Natalija Bede Odorčić: Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
Núria Garro: Institute of Materials Science, Universidad de Valencia, 46980 Valencia, Spain
Samo Lubej: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation and Architecture, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Andrej Ivanič: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation and Architecture, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Antonio Comite: Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Genoa, Via Dodecaneso 31, 16146 Genoa, Italy
Marcello Pagliero: Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Genoa, Via Dodecaneso 31, 16146 Genoa, Italy
Gregor Kravanja: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation and Architecture, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 3, 1-21

Abstract: This study explores the potential of using basalt reinforced UHPC by incorporating simultaneously self-cleaning and self-luminescent features, paving the way for sustainable advancements in civil engineering. New green formulations of UHPC were developed by integrating supplementary cementitious materials and optimizing water to the binder ratio, followed by using basalt fibers to enhance strength and ductility. The fabricated samples with high particle-packing density exhibit sufficient workability and compressive strength up to 136 MPa, and, when incorporating basalt fibers, a notable reduction in brittleness. The inner microstructure of basalt fibers was observed to be smooth, homogeneously distributed, and well adhered to the UHPC matrix. To ensure the desired long-lasting visual appearance of decorative UHPC and reduce future maintenance costs, a time-effective strategy for creating a light-emitting biomimetic surface design was introduced. The samples exhibit high surface roughness, characterized by micro to nano-scale voids, displaying superhydrophobicity with contact angles reaching up to 155.45°. This is accompanied by roll-off angles decreasing to 7.1°, highlighting their self-cleaning features. The self-luminescence feature showcased intense initial light emission, offering a potential energy-efficient nighttime lighting solution.

Keywords: UHPC; basalt fibers; mechanical properties; morphology; superhydrophobic; self-luminescence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/3/1068/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/3/1068/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:3:p:1068-:d:1326955

Access Statistics for this article

Sustainability is currently edited by Ms. Alexandra Wu

More articles in Sustainability from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().