João M. Pereira (a) https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7892-9176
Miguel Azenha (a) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1374-9427
Paulo B. Lourenço (a) https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8459-0199

a University of Minho, ISISE, ARISE, Department of Civil Engineering, Guimarães, Portugal

ABSTRACT

This review article discusses recent advances in lime-containing mortars and plasters through
selected results emerging from the SUBLime network. The paper first frames the renewed relevance of
lime-based materials in the context of decarbonisation, circularity, durability, and compatibility with both
contemporary and heritage masonry. It then outlines the intersectoral and interdisciplinary methodology
adopted within SUBLime, which combined multi-scale characterisation, transport and mechanical testing,
imaging, and modelling across material, component, and application scales. The review subsequently
examines three major lines of development in functional lime mortars: self-healing, including both
autogenous and microbial-assisted routes; enhanced resistance to dissolution-related degradation and
low-efflorescence design through control of pore structure and crystallization behaviour; and surface
performance, ranging from photocatalytic self-cleaning to biomimetic wettability control. A second part
addresses sustainability-oriented advances, including the incorporation of recycled fine aggregates,
enhanced carbonation through reactive binders and catalytic acceleration, and life-cycle assessment tools
that move from baseline inventories to scenario-based decarbonisation pathways. Taken together, the
reviewed work shows that lime-containing mortars should no longer be regarded only as traditional
materials, but as adaptable mineral systems whose performance depends on coupled transport, reaction,
microstructure, and application-scale behaviour. The main lesson from SUBLime is that the next
generation of sustainable lime-based masonry systems will depend on integrated design, combining
material formulation, functionalisation, validation, and life cycle approaches. At the same time, several
challenges remain open, including lime-specific test methods, longer-term validation in real-scale
applications, and the translation of promising laboratory concepts into robust construction solutions.
Keywords: Lime-containing mortars; lime-based plasters; self-healing; enhanced carbonation; circular
economy; life-cycle assessment