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Starting from the context of the principles of Sustainable Development and Circular Economy concepts, the paper presents a synthesis of research in the field of the development of materials of interest, such as cementitious composites or alkali-activated geopolymers. Based on the reviewed literature, the influence of compositional or technological factors on the physical-mechanical performance, self-healing capacity and biocidal capacity obtained was analyzed. The inclusion of TiO2 nanoparticles in the matrix increase the performances of cementitious composites, producing a self-cleaning capacity and an anti-microbial biocidal mechanism. As an alternative, the self-cleaning capacity can be achieved through geopolymerization, which provides a similar biocidal mechanism. The results of the research carried out indicate the real and growing interest for the development of these materials but also the existence of some elements still controversial or insufficiently analyzed, therefore concluding the need for further research in these areas. The scientific contribution of this study consists of bringing together two apparently distinct research directions in order to identify convergent points, to create a favorable framework for the development of an area of research little addressed so far, namely, the development of innovative building materials by combining improved performance with the possibility of reducing environmental impact, awareness and implementation of the concept of a Circular Economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, it is now known that industrial by-products rich in silicon (Si) and aluminum (Al) can be transformed by alkaline activation into so-called "green concrete", an efficient and sustainable material in the field of construction; the geopolymer material. In this work, geopolymer materials produced using fly ash and marble dust or blast furnace slag were studied to assess the influence of these substitutions on the performances of the final product. Geopolymer materials have been characterized by physico-mechanical methods, FTIR spectroscopy and microscopically. The analysis of the results indicates the reduction of the mechanical strength performance by substituting the fly ash as the raw material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the case of repairs and restoration of historical buildings, the difficulty lies in preserving their value. It is important that the used materials to be as similar as the original ones, both in terms of composition and of application mode. The purpose of this paper is to present a synthesis of current analysis of techniques and methods for the used building materials in the historical buildings rehabilitation. Therefore, a bibliographic study has been carried out regarding the causes and types of degradation, the evolution in time of construction and building materials and the current analysis methods on their characteristics and the compatibility with the original substrate, too. The results of the theoretical analysis have shown that the degradation of historical constructions can occur as a result of natural causes (chemical, physical, biological and mechanical) or traumatic (fires, earthquakes and wars), resulting in strength and stability reduction of the structure, the loss of historical value due to deterioration of the architectural details etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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