Interaction of plant particles / fibres and alkali activated materials: Critical review, unsolved problems and future direction of research.

Interactions between plant fibres or particles and alkali-activated materials are complex and critically influence composite performance, with key mechanisms still not fully understood.

• Why it matters: Understanding these interactions is essential for developing sustainable construction materials that reduce reliance on Portland cement and utilize renewable resources, addressing environmental and material performance gaps.
• What they did: The review analyzed existing literature and proposed a kinetic scheme illustrating the overlapping timelines of AAM synthesis and lignocellulosic degradation, highlighting their interdependence.
• The result: This framework advances knowledge of the fundamental processes in AAM/plant particle composites, guiding future research and improving the design of environmentally friendly, high-performance construction materials.