The rapid advancements in engineering and material sciences reflect the ever-growing demand for innovative solutions to address contemporary challenges in sustainability, efficiency, and resource utilization.
This special edition encapsulates research results across three areas of materials science: functional materials, green and high-performance building materials, and mineral mining and processing. The collected articles reflect the dynamic interplay between material innovation, environmental stewardship, and industrial applications.
The first chapter, "Functional Materials", delves into the development and application of materials with tailored properties for specific applications. It presents the study of the effect of silicon-based surfactant on properties of polyurethane foam filled with aluminium hydroxide in its synthesis and investigation of magnetic properties of magnetite nanoparticles prepared using the coprecipitation method.
The second chapter, "Mineral Mining and Processing", is focused on fractionation studies to increase the nickel grade of saprolite ores from the Wolo Mine Area, Kolaka Regency of Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia.
The final chapter is dedicated to the shift towards sustainable construction practices. The properties and production techniques of some green building materials that maintain structural integrity while minimising ecological footprints are analysed here. It should be noted that topics such as recycled composites, energy-efficient solutions, and innovative green material engineering in construction underscore the critical role these approaches play in creating a sustainable environment.
This special edition serves as a useful resource for researchers and engineers committed to shaping a sustainable and technologically advanced future.

Preface

Chapter 1: Functional Materials

Effect of Silicon-Based Surfactant on Compression Strength, Morphology, and Flammability of the Aluminium Hydroxide-Filled Rigid Polyurethane Foam 3

Studies of Fe_3O_4 Nanoparticles Prepared by Co-Precipitation Method of FeSO_4 and FeCl_3 Solution 13

Chapter 2: Mineral Mining and Processing

Fractionation Studies to Increase the Ni Grade of Saprolite Ores from the Wolo Mine Area, Kolaka Regency of Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia 23

Chapter 3: Green and High-Performance Building Materials

Preparation and Properties of Iron Tailings-Fly Ash Based Geopolymers 35

Experimental Study of the Bearing Capacity of Hybrid Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Pipes 53

Qualitative Assessment of a Construction Building 63

An Experimental Investigation on Geopolymer Bricks Using Quarry Dust as Fine Aggregate 73

An Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of Concrete by Partial Replacement of Cement with Rice Husk Ash and Silica Fume 81

An Experimental Investigation on Partial Replacement of Cement by Zeolite in M25 Concrete 87

Experimental Study on Properties of Concrete with Coconut Shells and Fly Ash 95

Experimental Study on Elastic Properties of M20 Grade Concrete as a Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregates with Plastic Waste 103

Preliminary Investigations on Strength Properties of Concrete Using Addition of Alccofine 111

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