Carbon-Coated Sand in Cement Composites for Smart and Multifunctional Construction Materials: A Comprehensive Review

Smart and multifunctional cementitious composites have garnered significant interest due to their enhanced properties, including electrical and thermal conductivity, energy storage, self-healing, self-sensing, and chemical resistance, alongside their conventional structural functions. These advancements contribute to sustainability, energy efficiency, and improved structural performance. This review examines the potential of carbon-coated sand (CCS) as a novel additive in cement composites, emphasizing its ability to enhance mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, thermal stability, and other multifunctional characteristics. By integrating conductive and durable properties, CCS enables the development of self-sensing, self-healing, and energy-efficient cementitious materials. A comprehensive analysis of its synthesis, properties, and applications is presented, highlighting its role in improving durability and sustainability. Additionally, the challenges and future directions of incorporating carbon-coated sand into cementitious composites are explored. By bridging material science and civil engineering, this review aims to drive innovation in next-generation smart cement composites.