A Comprehensive Review of Advances in Magnesium-Based Cementitious Materials: Hydration, Properties, and Applications in Soil Stabilization

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements in magnesium-based cementitious materials (MBCMs), including magnesium oxychloride cementitious material (MOC), magnesium oxysulfate cementitious material (MOS), and magnesium phosphate cementitious material (MPC). The hydration processes and products, performance characteristics, and applications in soil stabilization are systematically discussed. Key findings reveal that MOC exhibits rapid strength development and excellent thermal stability, while MOS demonstrates improved water resistance and mechanical properties. MPC is highlighted for its effectiveness in the immobilization of heavy metals. The environmental impact of MBCMs is also evaluated, highlighting their potential for sustainable development in civil engineering applications. The primary issues and challenges for MBCMs in soil curing include the insufficient stability of hydration products and inadequate understanding of curing mechanisms, leading to variable material properties and difficulties in precisely controlling the curing effects in practical engineering. Additionally, the complex composition of MBCMs and the highly variable characteristics of natural soils result in significant differences in curing effectiveness under different conditions, restricting their application scope and posing risks to project costs and quality stability.