Mechanical and Rheological Properties of 3D Printable Cement Composites

Abstract

Additive manufacturing is a recent revolution in the construction field since cementitious materials became printable. This extrusion technique has enabled the construction of very complex geometry with a reduction in costs, time and labour interventions. This study aims to evaluate the possibility of reinforcing 3D printable cementitious composites with the use of nano and micro materials, particularly nano silica, micro silica and microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) which are known for their ability to enhance the fresh and hardened properties of cement-based composites. Rheology property test, flowability and mechanical properties are the types of tests performed to evaluate the fresh and hardened properties of mortar modified with the rested additives. The results show the addition of MFC of 0.4% (of total solid matter) can significantly enhance the mechanical property. In addition, the presence of MFC (at 0.4% of total solid matter) can reduce the pressure required to extrude the mortar, enabling a steady state extrusion. It was also found that 1% nano silica addition significantly improves the mechanical properties and minimizes segregation in the failure surface.

On the possibility of using waste disposable gloves as recycled fibers in sustainable 3D concrete printing using different additives

“…Regarding three-dimensional concrete printing (3DCP), many studies recently concentrated on using new mixtures to improve the sustainability of compendious composites 34 , 35 . 3DCP method considerably improved concrete sustainability by reducing construction cost in the construction industry, improving the feasibility of designing various construction forms, reducing the number of moulds needed for construction, managing the number of materials consumed to reduce material waste, and the number of workers needed 36 , 37 . However, as shown in Fig.…”

“…To achieve this specific mixture, non-economic and unsustainable production and consumption of some special materials are required, which results in an important concern regarding the sustainability of the 3DCP method, such as using a high content of microfibers (at least 2.0%) in ultra-high ductility concrete (UHDC) and different types and dosages of chemical admixtures. Working on novel mixture composition plays a major role in controlling this issue in the 3DCP method 36 , 38 . Accordingly, previous studies have been continuously working in recent years to use waste and recycled materials in the 3DCP method 35 , 39 , 40 .…”