Background
Geomaterials are fundamental to construction, civil engineering and environmental applications, encompassing natural materials such as rocks, aggregates, clays and soils, as well as manufactured materials derived from natural resources and secondary raw materials. Advances in materials science, geology and chemistry have progressively improved our ability to understand and tailor their composition, mineralogy, microstructure and performance. At the same time, the environmental impacts associated with raw material extraction, energy-intensive processing, construction activities and waste generation are driving the development of more sustainable alternatives. Current research is therefore increasingly focused on resource efficiency, waste valorization, circular economy approaches and lower-impact manufacturing routes, while maintaining the technical performance required for practical applications. These developments position geomaterials at the intersection of materials science, geology, chemistry, civil engineering and environmental engineering. The symposium, which serves as a specialized session of the 7th International Conference on Materials Chemistry and Environmental Engineering (CONF-MCEE 2027), will focus on geomaterials and chemistry.
Goal/Rationale
The development of sustainable geomaterials requires an integrated understanding of raw materials, processing, composition, mineralogy, microstructure and engineering performance. A major challenge is to reduce dependence on virgin resources and energy-intensive manufacturing while maintaining or improving the mechanical, physical, chemical and durability properties required for real applications. Recent advances in waste valorization, low-carbon binders, alkali-activated and geopolymeric materials, recycled and lightweight aggregates, engineered porous materials and mineral-based technologies for environmental applications are opening new pathways towards more sustainable solutions. However, translating these advances into practical applications requires interdisciplinary approaches and a better assessment of durability, environmental performance, resource efficiency and scalability. The symposium aims to provide a multidisciplinary forum for exchanging recent advances, discussing emerging challenges and identifying opportunities for the development and implementation of technically effective and environmentally sustainable geomaterials.
Scope
Contributions are welcome on the development, characterization, processing and application of sustainable geomaterials for construction and environmental engineering. Topics may include, but are not limited to: natural and engineered aggregates; lightweight and porous aggregates; clays and clay-based materials; ceramics and glass; cementitious and low-carbon binders; alkali-activated materials and geopolymers; zeolites and other mineral-based materials; recycled and waste-derived geomaterials; and hybrid or multifunctional systems. Contributions addressing the valorization of industrial, agricultural and construction wastes, alternative raw materials, material processing and manufacturing, mineralogical, chemical, physical and microstructural characterization, mechanical behavior, durability and environmental performance are particularly encouraged. Environmental applications such as adsorption, pollutant immobilization, water treatment and reactive barriers are also within the scope. Life-cycle assessment, environmental impact evaluation, modelling, scale-up and pilot- or field-scale applications are welcome, together with both experimental and theoretical approaches.
Sustainable Geomaterials and Materials Chemistry for