Development of alternative cementitious binders for 3D printing applications: a critical review of progress, advantages and challenges

Peng, Y. and Unluer, C. (2023) Development of alternative cementitious binders for 3D printing applications: a critical review of progress, advantages and challenges. Composites Part B: Engineering, 252, 110492. (doi: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2022.110492)

Abstract

3D printing is a promising technology of great significance in several industries including construction. In line with the urgent need to reduce the environmental impacts of the built environment, traditional binders such as Portland cement are being substituted by suitable alternative binders. This paper systematically reviews the recent advances in the use of key alternative binders such as geopolymers/alkali-activated systems, aluminate cements, MgO-based cements, gypsum-based materials, and limestone-calcined clay-based cementitious materials in the context of 3D printing. A detailed discussion on the progress of research in the use of such alternative binders in the development of 3D-printed components is presented, highlighting the main advances made in recent years, challenges faced and potential solutions to enable the large-scale application of these products. A comprehensive evaluation of the key properties controlling the performance of 3D-printed components prepared with different mixture proportions and curing conditions is also included. The information and recommendations provided in this review aim to pave the way for the direction of future research in this area, with the goal of providing guidance on designing 3D-printed composites with the desired sustainability, cost and flexibility.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was funded by The Royal Society (project ref: ICA\R1\201310) and China Scholarship Council (grant number: 202006370082).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Unluer, Dr Cise
• Authors: Peng, Y., and Unluer, C.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Infrastructure and Environment
• Journal Name: Composites Part B: Engineering
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 1359-8368
• ISSN (Online): 1879-1069
• Published Online: 28 December 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Composites Part B: Engineering 252: 110492
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
310985		The integration of permanent storage of CO2 and industrial wastes in construction materials: Towards a sustainable built environment with reduced carbon emissions	Cise Unluer	The Royal Society (ROYSOC)	ICA\R1\201310	ENG - Infrastructure & Environment