Cement-Based Wave-Absorbing Materials: A Bibliometric-Informed Critical Review

Cement-based wave-absorbing materials have attracted rapidly growing attention because they integrate electromagnetic (EM) protection with load-bearing capacity, durability, and fire resistance. However, existing bibliometric studies remain largely descriptive and rarely link publication patterns to mechanistic advances, design strategies, or engineering bottlenecks. This study aims to map the knowledge landscape of cement-based wave-absorbing materials and identify research gaps. It further links bibliometric patterns to engineering bottlenecks. A total of 292 Web of Science Core Collection records were analyzed. Publication output increased exponentially (R2 = 0.92), with three stages: embryonic exploration (2015–2018), steady growth (2019–2022), and rapid expansion (2023–31 July2025). China led with 175 papers (60.0%), but international collaboration remained fragmented (network density = 0.0521). Keyword co-occurrence and burst analyses revealed a transition from admixture and matrix modification to carbon/magnetic filler engineering, porous and multilayer architectures, 3D printing, hydration products, and microstructure regulation. Drawing on a critical synthesis of representative studies, this review proposes three knowledge gaps: (i) weak coupling between EM-loss mechanisms and advanced forming processes; (ii) insufficient attention to low-frequency performance and long-term durability; and (iii) limited international standardization. Representative performance data show that porous foams can achieve an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) up to 14.8 GHz but often with compressive strength <10 MPa, whereas pyramidal architectures can maintain >40 MPa with broadband absorption. Future research should prioritize AI-guided inverse design, cement-specific additive manufacturing, durability-oriented standardization, and sustainable material cycles. This bibliometric-informed critical review provides a data-driven roadmap for translating laboratory absorbers into engineering applications.