Recent Developments in Functional Materials Combining Glass, Plastics, and Cement Technologies
Keywords:
Glass–plastic–cement composites, functional materials, polymer-modified cement, recycled materials, nanomaterials, additive manufacturing, sustainability,Abstract
Functional materials integrating glass, plastics (polymers), and cement-based systems have attracted significant research attention in recent years due to their superior multifunctional performance, sustainability potential, and wide-ranging industrial applicability. These hybrid systems synergistically combine the optical clarity, chemical durability, and thermal stability of glass with the lightweight flexibility, toughness, and processability of polymers, along with the high compressive strength and structural rigidity of cementitious matrices. Such integration enables the development of advanced composites with tailored mechanical, thermal, and functional properties that outperform conventional single-phase materials.
This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the design, synthesis, processing techniques, and performance optimization of glass–plastic–cement composites. It highlights key innovations such as nanomaterial incorporation for microstructural refinement, polymer modification for improved toughness and crack resistance, and the utilization of recycled glass and plastic waste for sustainable material development. Furthermore, emerging manufacturing approaches, including additive manufacturing (3D printing) and digital material engineering, are discussed as transformative tools for fabricating complex, high-performance composite structures.
