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Open research questions in Concrete and Cement Materials Research

299 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 1,521 Concrete and Cement Materials Research papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • The low chemical reactivity of WBA limits its use in producing AAM with improved mechanical properties. The addition of binary precursors can increase the greenhouse gas emissions and energy demands of AAM products. The study identifies the need to balance the mechanical and environmental performance of WBA-based AAM.

    Influence of Binary Precursors on Wood Biomass Ash-Based Alkali-Activated Materials: A Comparative Study · 2026 · DOI

  • The study only considered a specific type of wood biomass ash, - The study only used a specific type of aluminosilicate-rich binary precursors, - The environmental impact analysis was limited to a cradle-to-gate lifecycle assessment

    Influence of Binary Precursors on Wood Biomass Ash-Based Alkali-Activated Materials: A Comparative Study · 2026 · DOI

  • The study only considered a specific type of geopolymer, - The study only used a limited number of solid activators, - The study did not investigate the long-term durability of the geopolymer samples

    One-part slag-mullite geopolymer: role of solid activators on connected porosity and mechanical properties · 2026 · DOI

  • Investigating the effect of different solid activators on the properties of geopolymers, - Studying the long-term durability of geopolymer samples, - Examining the potential applications of geopolymers in various industries

    One-part slag-mullite geopolymer: role of solid activators on connected porosity and mechanical properties · 2026 · DOI

  • The study does not provide information on the long-term effects of the S/S process. The study only considers a specific type of OC and its e ciency in absorbing PAHs. The study does not provide information on the cost-effectiveness of the S/S process using OC. The study only considers a limited number of PAHs. The study does not provide information on the potential environmental impacts of the S/S process

    Cement-Based Solidification/Stabilization of Soil Contaminated by Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Using Organophilic Clay · 2026 · DOI

  • Investigating the long-term effects of the S/S process on PAH-contaminated soil. Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of the S/S process using OC. Examining the potential environmental impacts of the S/S process. Investigating the e ciency of other types of OC in absorbing PAHs. Studying the effects of the S/S process on different types of contaminated soil

    Cement-Based Solidification/Stabilization of Soil Contaminated by Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Using Organophilic Clay · 2026 · DOI

  • The difficulty of achieving adequate activation of desulfurized gypsum. The challenge of understanding the complex interactions between calcined lithium slag, copper tailings, and tungsten tailings. The need to optimize the experimental design for quantitative criteria.

    Effect of calcined lithium slag, copper tailings and tungsten tailings on the properties and microstructure of hybrid cements · 2026 · DOI

  • Investigate the effects of varying DG dosages on the mechanical properties of hybrid cements. Explore the long-term durability of hybrid cements containing calcined lithium slag, copper tailings, and tungsten tailings. Investigate the potential applications of hybrid cements in different construction projects.

    Effect of calcined lithium slag, copper tailings and tungsten tailings on the properties and microstructure of hybrid cements · 2026 · DOI

  • The study only considered a specific type of UHPC mixture, - The experimental domain was limited to 18 mixtures, - The study did not investigate the long-term performance of the UHPC mixtures

    Compressive strength and environmental assessment of UHPC matrices incorporating electric arc furnace slag and off specification fly ash · 2026 · DOI

  • Investigating the long-term performance of UHPC mixtures with EAFS and OSFA, - Exploring the use of other supplementary materials in UHPC mixtures, - Optimizing the mixture design for improved strength and flowability

    Compressive strength and environmental assessment of UHPC matrices incorporating electric arc furnace slag and off specification fly ash · 2026 · DOI

  • The development of sustainable binder systems, such as geopolymer mortars, which can replace traditional cement-based mortars. The lack of understanding on the influence of activator molarity and FA replacement on the microstructure and mechanical performance of ambient-cured geopolymer mortars. The need for a comprehensive study on the potential of ambient-cured geopolymer mortars as a sustainable alternative.

    Ambient-cured alkali-activated geopolymer mortars: influence of activator molarity and fly ash replacement on microstructure and mechanical performance · 2026 · DOI

  • The decline in the availability of traditional SCMs has shifted attention toward other natural alternatives, especially clays. There is a need for an efficient activation method for illite-rich natural clays.

    Mechanochemical-calcination of mixed layer and pure kaolinite/illite clays for use as supplementary cementitious materials: reactivity and strength · 2026 · DOI

  • The current utilization rate of phosphogypsum in China is low. The use of phosphogypsum in construction materials is limited due to its soluble impurities. There is a need for sustainable and environmentally friendly building materials.

    Alkali-activated phosphogypsum-slag binders for non-fired brick: performance and microstructural insights · 2026 · DOI

  • The lack of proper recycling technologies for ceramic waste poses a major challenge. The increasing volume of industrial waste poses a major environmental challenge. There is a need to explore alternative materials to replace natural aggregates in concrete production.

    Mechanical and durability features of concrete incorporating ceramic waste and electric arc furnace slag after elevated temperature exposure: life cycle assessment and microstructural analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a gap in the understanding of the role of methyl esters and stearic acid in anticorrosion coatings. Prior work has focused on the development of anticorrosion coatings, but there is a lack of studies on the specific role of these components.

    Anticorrosion coatings in cooling towers: the role of methyl esters and stearic acid · 2026 · DOI

  • The paper identifies a gap in the understanding of the effects of elevated curing temperatures on M3-C3S cement phase with and without gypsum. The study highlights the need for further research on the hydration mechanisms and microstructure of pure M3-alite. The research aims to address the lack of knowledge on the development of more environmentally friendly cementitious materials.

    Effects of elevated curing temperatures on synthesized M3-C3S cement phase with and without gypsum: hardened microstructure and phase composition · 2026 · DOI

  • The study only considered the mechanical properties of geopolymer cement. The study did not consider other types of cement or materials. The study was limited to a specific type of geopolymer (MWCNT-FGC). The study did not consider the long-term effects of hydrogen storage on the wellbore integrity. The study was based on experimental results and did not consider simulation or modeling.

    Application of nano-geopolymer on well integrity for potential underground hydrogen storage from the experimental study: a step toward net-zero carbon emissions · 2026 · DOI

  • Current storage techniques are expensive and have limited capacity. The integrity of the wellbore is a key challenge in long-term hydrogen storage. There is a need for a sustainable and efficient solution for underground hydrogen storage.

    Application of nano-geopolymer on well integrity for potential underground hydrogen storage from the experimental study: a step toward net-zero carbon emissions · 2026 · DOI

  • Incorporating SCMs or alternative low-carbon binders to reduce the environmental impact of OPC, - Developing cost-effective activator formulations to lower material costs and improve economic feasibility, - Enhancing matrix densification to reduce porosity and permeability, - Exploring other advanced cementitious systems beyond OPC, such as calcium aluminate cement (CAC)

    A multi-scale investigation of cement-based and alkali-activated ultra-high-performance concrete: from ambient and high-temperature performance to microstructural and environmental analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • The gap in the current research is the lack of systematic investigation of C-UHPC and A-UHPC. There is a need to evaluate the performance of these concretes under various conditions, including ambient and high-temperature tests. The study aims to address the inherent limitations of C-UHPC and A-UHPC.

    A multi-scale investigation of cement-based and alkali-activated ultra-high-performance concrete: from ambient and high-temperature performance to microstructural and environmental analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • Investigating the effects of different types and amounts of nanomaterials on sulfate durability and calcium leaching. Studying the long-term effects of nanomaterials on the durability of shotcrete. Examining the potential applications of nanomaterials in other types of cement-based materials.

    Potential exploit of the hydration-enhancing effect of nanomaterials on sulfate durability and calcium leaching mitigation of accelerated shotcrete · 2026 · DOI

  • The durability of shotcrete in underground environments is a significant concern. Current methods for improving durability have limitations. The use of nanomaterials to enhance hydration and mitigate sulfate attack and calcium leaching is a novel approach.

    Potential exploit of the hydration-enhancing effect of nanomaterials on sulfate durability and calcium leaching mitigation of accelerated shotcrete · 2026 · DOI

  • The 'carbon repetition' effect is a significant challenge in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from cement production. The early failure of cement-based concrete structures due to design errors, material deterioration, or environmental corrosion is a challenge that needs to be addressed. The study of the nanoscale microscopic effects of CNFs and MWCNTs on cement composites is a complex challenge that requires a combined approach of molecular dynamics simulations and experimental tests.

    Regulation of mechanical properties, microstructure, and CO2 emissions of cement-based composites using CNF/MWCNT nano-additives: a combined molecular dynamics and experimental study · 2026 · DOI

  • The 'carbon repetition' effect is often underestimated in infrastructure lifecycle assessments. There is a need to investigate the regulation of mechanical properties, microstructure, and CO2 emissions of cement-based composites using CNF/MWCNT nano-additives.

    Regulation of mechanical properties, microstructure, and CO2 emissions of cement-based composites using CNF/MWCNT nano-additives: a combined molecular dynamics and experimental study · 2026 · DOI

  • The incorporation of recycled AAC sand may lead to potential degradation of the geopolymer composites. The study identifies the need to mitigate the negative effects of recycled AAC content on the mechanical performance of the composites.

    Effect of recycled autoclaved aerated concrete aggregate particle size and content on the microstructural and engineering properties of fly ash and silica fume based geopolymer composites · 2026 · DOI

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299 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 1,521 Concrete and Cement Materials Research papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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