Development of Sustainable Nanocomposite Construction Materials Using Industrial Waste for Low Carbon Infrastructure

Abstract

The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions due to extensive cement production, resource extraction, and energy intensive manufacturing processes. The urgent need for sustainable infrastructure development has accelerated research into alternative materials that reduce environmental impact while maintaining structural performance. This study investigates the development of sustainable nanocomposite construction materials using industrial waste for low carbon infrastructure applications. The research integrates supplementary cementitious materials derived from industrial waste such as fly ash, silica fume, ground granulated blast furnace slag, and nano silica to produce advanced nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical and durability properties. A conceptual model is proposed to examine the relationships between industrial waste utilization, nanomaterial integration, mechanical performance, durability enhancement, and carbon emission reduction. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected from 210 professionals including civil engineers, material scientists, and construction managers. Soft tools evaluate the structural model and test hypotheses through partial least squares structural equation modeling. Measurement model assessment confirmed reliability and validity through factor loadings, composite reliability, average variance extracted, and discriminant validity. Structural model results indicated significant positive relationships between industrial waste utilization and mechanical performance, nanomaterial integration and durability enhancement, and durability enhancement and carbon emission reduction. Mediation analysis demonstrated that mechanical performance and durability enhancement partially mediate the relationship between waste utilization and low carbon infrastructure outcomes. The findings reveal that incorporating industrial waste and nanomaterials significantly improves compressive strength, reduces permeability, enhances microstructural densification, and decreases lifecycle carbon emissions. The study contributes to sustainable construction theory by integrating circular economy principles with nanotechnology innovation. Practically, it provides evidence-based guidance for policymakers and engineers to promote industrial symbiosis and low carbon material development. The research supports the transition toward climate resilient and environmentally responsible infrastructure systems.