Properties and application of green materials as construction materials for circular economy and 3D printing

In contemporary society, the significance of repurposing existing structures, employing zero-carbon materials, and adopting innovative construction techniques is growing. Engineers must put forth solutions capable of diminishing pollution, lowering emissions, and minimizing the carbon footprint in new building projects. The management of wastes is becoming more challenging due to limited landfill for disposal. Landfilling has been shown to be unsustainable in that it takes up productive land which could be used for other purposes. It exposes the environment to pollution through leachates from the landfill sites and the dust particles associated with most landfills are both a nuisance to the surrounding communities and considered to be detrimental to human and animal health. Construction materials produced using such wastes can lower the cost of construction materials and limit environmental pollution. These green materials can be used as construction materials to support circular economy, geopolymerisation and 3D printing. However, there is a need to holistically characterise the green materials for sustainable construction. This research area is linked to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9, industry, innovation and infrastructure.



The production of industrial, agricultural, and domestic wastes will be on the rise annually based on the population increase. Hence, this will produce more damage to the environment if different utilization strategies are not investigated. In general, population growth, coupled with escalating urbanization, has directly increased the production of industrial, agricultural, and domestic waste. Therefore, the need to re-use and beneficiate the wastes into useful resources is high. Converting wastes to construction materials for the purpose of circular economy, geopolymerisation and 3D printing is expected to support economic growth through sustainable innovation, infrastructure provision, and commercialization.



This research topic is open to original research, case study and reviews articles related to (but not limited to) the following research areas:

• Properties of industrial, agricultural, and domestic wastes or by product for construction

• Green construction materials for circular economy

• Geopolymerisation of green construction materials

• Green construction materials for 3D printing

• Partial replacement of core construction materials with waste

• Modification of waste for sustainable construction.

• Statistical analysis and Modelling of sustainable green construction materials.

• Application of industrial, agricultural, and domestic wastes for construction

Keywords: Green materials Construction materials Circular economy Geopolymer 3D Printing

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