According to Science Daily, a research team led by engineers at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science is pioneering the exploration of how cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), a plant-based material, can enhance 3D printed concrete technology. The team’s findings will be published in the September 2024 issue of Cement and Concrete Composites.
“The improvements we saw on both printability and mechanical measures suggest that incorporating cellulose nanofibrils in commercial printable materials could lead to more resilient and eco-friendly construction practices sooner rather than later,” said Osman E. Ozbulut, a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
3D printed concrete buildings offer benefits such as quick, precise construction, potentially using recycled materials, reduced labor costs, and less waste. This method also allows for intricate designs that traditional construction struggles to achieve. However, printable material options are currently limited, and questions about their sustainability and durability persist.
“We’re dealing with contradictory objectives,” said Ozbulut. “The mixture has to flow well for smooth fabrication, but harden into a stable material with critical properties, such as good mechanical strength, interlayer bonding, and low thermal conductivity.”
Manufacturing on Demand
Cellulose nanofibrils, derived from wood pulp, are renewable and low impact. Known in the industry as CNF, this material shows strong potential as an additive to improve the rheology (flow properties) and mechanical strength of 3D printed composites.
Before the meticulous study conducted by the University of Virginia-led team in Ozbulut’s Resilient and Advanced Infrastructure Lab, the influence of CNF on conventional 3D printed composites was unclear. “Today, a lot of trial and error goes into designing mixtures,” said Ozbulut. “We’re addressing the need for more good science to better understand the effects of different additives to improve the performance of 3D printed structures.”
Experimenting with varying amounts of CNF additive, the team, led by Ozbulut and Ugur Kilic, a Ph.D. alumnus of UVA, found that adding at least 0.3% CNF significantly improved flow performance. Microscopic analysis of the hardened samples revealed better material bonding and structural integrity.
Further testing in Ozbulut’s lab showed that CNF-enhanced 3D printed components withstood pulling, bending, and compression.
You might also like:
Omantel partners with Innotech to 3D print artificial reefs in Oman: The 3D concrete printing technology enables the design and customization of reef structures, including complex features like crevices, caves, and ledges that enhance fish populations by providing shelter, and feeding grounds. The new initiative aims to increase fishery yields, promote sustainable fishing practices, promote marine biodiversity, and boost the local economy.
* This article is reprinted from 3D Printing Media Network. If you are involved in infringement, please contact us to delete it.
Author: Edward Wakefield
Leave A Comment