Photo credit: NTU Singapore
Scientists at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore (NTU Singapore) say they have developed an innovative 3D printed concrete that is not only stronger and more flexible than previous versions, but also much better for the environment.
Their method targets the enormous environmental pollution caused by global concrete production, which extensively uses cement as a binder. The World Economic Forum reported that cement manufacturing produced 1.6 billion metric tons (1.76 billion U.S. tons) of carbon in 2022 – 8% of global carbon pollution.
The NTU Singapore team further developed their own previous 3D printed concrete techniques by injecting carbon and steam from the byproducts of industrial processes into their concrete mix while printing the structure. The injected carbon turned into a solid form that remained trapped in the concrete material. At the same time, the steam increased carbon absorption in the concrete mix, which improved the properties of the materials.
According to a press release, the new method increased carbon capture by an impressive 38% in laboratory tests. The benefits of previous 3D printed concrete attempts weren't just limited to carbon capture. Researchers pointed to a 50% increase in printability, meaning the concrete can be shaped and printed more efficiently. According to the scientists, the newly formed concrete could also support 36.8% more weight and flex 45.3% more before breaking.
“Our newly developed 3D concrete printing system offers a carbon-reducing alternative by not only improving the mechanical properties of concrete, but also helping to reduce the sector’s environmental impact,” said study principal investigator Professor Tan Ming Jen. “It shows the possibility of using the CO2 produced by power plants or other industries for 3D concrete printing.”
NTU Singapore researchers join a number of similar efforts to help sequester carbon in concrete and reduce its impact on the environment. A startup called CarbonCure Technologies is also working on a “green concrete” solution with financial support from Microsoft and Amazon. Other initiatives include an Australian team using coffee grounds to strengthen concrete and an English team using olivine to sequester carbon. Meanwhile, researchers at the University of Virginia are exploring a plant-based additive for concrete that could be 3D printed.
The hope is that these greener concrete production methods can become established in the long term and reduce carbon pollution that is heating the planet to record levels with dangerous consequences. The NTU Singapore group has high hopes that its method will have a major impact on pollution in the concrete industry.
“Our proposed system shows how capturing carbon dioxide and using it in 3D concrete printing could lead to stronger, greener buildings and advance construction technology,” said study co-author Dr. Daniel Tay.
The team hopes to get started quickly, as a US patent application is already in progress. Another initiative will be to improve the 3D printing process and potentially replace exhaust gases instead of pure carbon, the press release said.
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