Skip to content

Investigation of Additive Incorporation on Rheological, Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of 3D Printable Alkali-Activated Materials (2021-02)

10.1016/j.matdes.2021.109574

 Chougan Mehdi,  Ghaffar Seyed,  Sikora Paweł,  Chung Sang-Yeop,  Rucińska Teresa,  Stephan Dietmar,  Albar Abdulrahman, Swash Mohammad
Journal Article - Materials & Design, Vol. 202

Abstract

This study investigates theaddition ofPoly-vinyl Alcohol (PVA) fibres and attapulgite nanoclay to alkali-activated materials (AAMs) with the aim of enhancing the mechanical performance and optimizing the printability and buildability ofAAMs. The fresh properties of six mix formulations, including flowability, slump values, rheology, shape retention, and extrusionwindow,were evaluated. The best performingmixes, that exhibited optimal fresh properties, were 3D printed, and their mechanical performance, microstructure, and buildability were investigated. The addition of 1 wt.-% attapulgite nanoclay (i.e. A-1) showed the desirable fresh properties required for 3D printing, aswell as providing sufficient mechanical reinforcement to the samples. The 3DprintedA-1 samples showed an improved flexural and compressive strength by 43% and 20%, respectively, compared to both the casted and printed control mixes. Moreover, microstructure analysis, including SEM, Rapidair measurement, and micro-CT, provided evidence of the compatibility by showing the lowest pores anisotropy and mixture homogeneity, between attapulgite and AAMs.

22 References

  1. Albar Abdulrahman, Chougan Mehdi, Kheetan Mazen, Swash Mohammad et al. (2020-04)
    Effective Extrusion-Based 3D Printing System Design for Cementitious-Based Materials
  2. Alghamdi Hussam, Nair Sooraj, Neithalath Narayanan (2019-02)
    Insights into Material-Design, Extrusion Rheology, and Properties of 3D Printable Alkali-Activated Fly-Ash-Based Binders
  3. Arunothayan Arun, Nematollahi Behzad, Ranade Ravi, Bong Shin et al. (2020-10)
    Development of 3D Printable Ultra-High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete for Digital Construction
  4. Buswell Richard, Silva Wilson, Jones Scott, Dirrenberger Justin (2018-06)
    3D Printing Using Concrete-Extrusion:
    A Roadmap for Research
  5. Chougan Mehdi, Ghaffar Seyed, Jahanzat Mohammad, Albar Abdulrahman et al. (2020-04)
    The Influence of Nano-Additives in Strengthening Mechanical Performance of 3D Printed Multi-Binder Geopolymer Composites
  6. Figueiredo Stefan, Rodríguez Claudia, Ahmed Zeeshan, Bos Derk et al. (2020-05)
    Mechanical Behavior of Printed Strain-Hardening Cementitious Composites
  7. Ghaffar Seyed, Corker Jorge, Fan Mizi (2018-05)
    Additive Manufacturing Technology and Its Implementation in Construction as an Eco-Innovative Solution
  8. Ghaffar Seyed, Mullett Paul (2018-09)
    Commentary:
    3D Printing Set to Transform the Construction Industry
  9. Le Thanh, Austin Simon, Lim Sungwoo, Buswell Richard et al. (2012-01)
    Mix-Design and Fresh Properties for High-Performance Printing Concrete
  10. Ma Guowei, Li Zhijian, Wang Li, Wang Fang et al. (2019-01)
    Mechanical Anisotropy of Aligned Fiber-Reinforced Composite for Extrusion-Based 3D Printing
  11. Nematollahi Behzad, Vijay Praful, Sanjayan Jay, Nazari Ali et al. (2018-11)
    Effect of Polypropylene Fiber Addition on Properties of Geopolymers Made by 3D Printing for Digital Construction
  12. Nematollahi Behzad, Xia Ming, Vijay Praful, Sanjayan Jay (2019-02)
    Properties of Extrusion-Based 3D Printable Geopolymers for Digital Construction Applications
  13. Panda Biranchi, Paul Suvash, Lim Jian, Tay Yi et al. (2017-08)
    Additive Manufacturing of Geopolymer for Sustainable Built Environment
  14. Panda Biranchi, Paul Suvash, Tan Ming (2017-07)
    Anisotropic Mechanical Performance of 3D Printed Fiber-Reinforced Sustainable Construction-Material
  15. Panda Biranchi, Ruan Shaoqin, Unluer Cise, Tan Ming (2018-11)
    Improving the 3D Printability of High-Volume Fly-Ash Mixtures via the Use of Nano-Attapulgite-Clay
  16. Panda Biranchi, Ruan Shaoqin, Unluer Cise, Tan Ming (2020-01)
    Investigation of the Properties of Alkali-Activated Slag Mixes Involving the Use of Nano-Clay and Nucleation-Seeds for 3D Printing
  17. Panda Biranchi, Tan Ming (2018-03)
    Experimental Study on Mix Proportion and Fresh Properties of Fly-Ash-Based Geopolymer for 3D Concrete Printing
  18. Panda Biranchi, Unluer Cise, Tan Ming (2019-08)
    Extrusion and Rheology Characterization of Geopolymer Nanocomposites Used in 3D Printing
  19. Roussel Nicolas (2018-05)
    Rheological Requirements for Printable Concretes
  20. Soltan Daniel, Li Victor (2018-03)
    A Self-Reinforced Cementitious Composite for Building-Scale 3D Printing
  21. Tay Yi, Qian Ye, Tan Ming (2019-05)
    Printability-Region for 3D Concrete Printing Using Slump- and Slump-Flow-Test
  22. Zhu Binrong, Pan Jinlong, Nematollahi Behzad, Zhou Zhenxin et al. (2019-07)
    Development of 3D Printable Engineered Cementitious Composites with Ultra-High Tensile Ductility for Digital Construction

71 Citations

  1. Luo Jianfen, Wang Qidong, Wang Lijia, Fang Mingyue (2026-03)
    A Review of the Rheological Properties of 3D-Printed Concrete:
    Raw Materials, Printing Parameters, and Evolution Mechanisms
  2. Tushar Fazlul, Hasan Mehedi, Hasan Kamrul, Mawa Jannatul et al. (2026-01)
    Factors Affecting Flowability and Rheological Behavior of 3D Printed Concrete:
    A Comprehensive Review
  3. Basith Mydeen Pitchai Mohamed Abdul (2025-12)
    Polymer-Enhanced Composites for 3D Concrete Printing:
    A Review of Materials, Processes, and Performance
  4. Hasan Md, Xu Jie, Uddin Md (2025-11)
    A Critical Review of 3D Printed Fiber-Based Geopolymer Concrete:
    Fresh Properties, Mechanical Performance, and Current Limitations
  5. Elhag Ahmed, Mabrouk Abdelkader, Ghazouani Nejib, Nasir Umara (2025-09)
    Advances in Sustainable 3D-Printed Geopolymer Concrete:
    Materials, Performance, and Environmental Impact in Next Generation Green Construction
  6. Li Fuhai, Xiao Sai, Yang Bo, Li Kepu et al. (2025-09)
    Mechanical Properties and Anisotropy of 3D-Printed Concrete Modified with Multiscale Materials Based on Optimized Printing Process Design
  7. Zhou Yuecheng, Xiao Sai, Li Haonian, Wang Chong et al. (2025-08)
    Study on the Rheological Properties and Printability of Multi-Scale Material Modified Mortar for 3D Printing
  8. Si Wen, Carr Liam, Zia Asad, Khan Mehran et al. (2025-08)
    Advancing 3D Printable Concrete with Nanoclays:
    Rheological and Mechanical Insights for Construction Applications
  9. Noaimat Yazeed, Chougan Mehdi, Sambucci Matteo, Valente Marco et al. (2025-06)
    Optimising Limestone Calcined Clay Cement Containing Excavated Low-Grade Waste Clay for 3D Printing Applications
  10. Jaji Mustapha, Babafemi Adewumi, Zijl Gideon (2025-05)
    Mechanical Performance of Extrusion-Based Two-Part 3D-Printed Geopolymer Concrete:
    A Review of Advances in Laboratory and Real-Scale Construction Projects
  11. Kandagaddala Revanth, Boddepalli Uday, Nanthagopalan Prakash (2025-05)
    Novel Rheological Test Procedure for Printability Characterization of 3D Printable Mortar
  12. Tanyildizi Harun, Seloglu Maksut, Bakri Abdullah Mohd, Razak Rafiza et al. (2025-04)
    The Rheological and Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Geopolymers:
    A Review
  13. Nassrullah Ghaith, Ali Mohd, Rub Rashid, Cho Cung-Suk et al. (2025-03)
    Optimizing Cement-Based Material Formulation for 3D Printing:
    Integrating Carbon Nanotubes and Silica Fume
  14. Aktürk Büşra, Ertuğrul Onur, Özen Ömer, Oktay Didem et al. (2025-03)
    Influence of Nano-Silica and R-MgO on Rheological Properties, 3D Printability, and Mechanical Properties of One-Part Sodium Carbonate-Activated Slag-Based Mixes
  15. Gurunandan M., Nedunuri Aparna, Tanwar Jayant, Nanthagopalan Prakash et al. (2025-02)
    Development of 3D-Printable Alkali-Activated GGBFS and Fly-Ash-Binder-Based Mortars with Concrete-Demolition-Waste as Aggregates
  16. Hassan Amer, Alomayri Thamer, Noaman Mohammed, Zhang Chunwei (2025-01)
    3D Printed Concrete for Sustainable Construction:
    A Review of Mechanical Properties and Environmental Impact
  17. Khan Mirza, Ahmed Aayzaz, Ali Tariq, Qureshi Muhammad et al. (2024-12)
    Comprehensive Review of 3D Printed Concrete, Life Cycle Assessment, AI and ML Models:
    Materials, Engineered Properties and Techniques for Additive Manufacturing
  18. Ali Mohd, Rub Rashid, Banat Fawzi, Kim Tae-Yeon (2024-11)
    Enhancing the Printing Quality and Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Cement Composites with Date-Syrup-Based Graphene-Coated-Sand Hybrid
  19. Ding Yahong, Tong Jiaqi, Zhang Meixiang, Guo Shuqi et al. (2024-11)
    Effect of Aggregate Gradation on the Properties of 3D Printed Recycled Coarse Aggregate Concrete
  20. Kaszyńska Maria, Skibicki Szymon (2024-11)
    Sustainable Development Approach for 3D Concrete Printing
  21. Jin Peng, Hasany Masoud, Kohestanian Mohammad, Mehrali Mehdi (2024-10)
    Micro/Nano Additives in 3D Printing Concrete:
    Opportunities, Challenges, and Potential Outlook in Construction Applications
  22. Gao Jianhao, Wang Chaofeng, Li Jiaqi, Chu S. (2024-09)
    Data-Driven Rheological-Model for 3D Printable Concrete
  23. Ler Kee-Hong, Ma Chau-Khun, Chin Chee-Long, Ibrahim Izni et al. (2024-08)
    Porosity and Durability Tests on 3D Printing Concrete:
    A Review
  24. Asaf Ofer, Bentur Arnon, Larianovsky Pavel, Sprecher Aaron (2024-07)
    Granular Materials for 3D Printing of Construction Components and Structures
  25. Barve Prasad, Bahrami Alireza, Shah Santosh (2024-07)
    A Comprehensive Review on Effects of Material-Composition, Mix-Design, and Mixing-Regimes on Rheology of 3D Printed Geopolymer Concrete
  26. Ghaffar Seyed, Noaimat Yazeed, Chougan Mehdi, Kheetan Mazen (2024-06)
    Emerging Resources for the Development of Low-Carbon Cementitious Composites for 3D Printing Applications
  27. Krishna R., Rehman Asif, Mishra Jyotirmoy, Saha Suman et al. (2024-06)
    Additive Manufacturing of Geopolymer Composites for Sustainable Construction:
    Critical Factors, Advancements, Challenges, and Future Directions
  28. Razzaghian Ghadikolaee Mehrdad, Pan Zhu, Cerro-Prada Elena, Korayem Asghar (2024-06)
    Fresh and Hardened Properties of 3D Printing Mortar Modified by Halloysite-Nanotube
  29. Ali Mohd, Nassrullah Ghaith, Al-Rub Rashid, Khaswaneh Bashar et al. (2024-03)
    Influence of Carbon-Nano-Tubes on Printing Quality and Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Cementitious Materials
  30. Skibicki Szymon, Szewczyk Piotr, Majewska Julia, Sibera Daniel et al. (2024-03)
    The Effect of Inter-Layer Adhesion on Stress-Distribution in 3D Printed Beam Elements
  31. Moraes Maria, Nagata Ester, Duran Afonso, Rossignolo João (2024-02)
    Alkali-Activated Materials Applied in 3D Printing Construction:
    A Review
  32. Silva Maicon, Silva Lívia, Toralles Berenice, Cardoso Flávia et al. (2024-02)
    Building a Sustainable Future:
    The Role of Additive Manufacturing in Civil Construction
  33. Khan Shoukat, İlcan Hüseyin, Imram Ramsha, Aminipour Ehsan et al. (2024-01)
    The Impact of Nozzle-Diameter and Printing Speed on Geopolymer-Based 3D Printed Concrete Structures:
    Numerical Modeling and Experimental Validation
  34. Prihar Arjun, Garlock Maria, Najmeddine Aimane, Moini Mohamadreza (2024-01)
    Mechanical Performance of Sinusoidally Architected Concrete Enabled by Robotic Additive Manufacturing
  35. Pavlin Majda, Horvat Barbara, Cerc Korošec Romana, Capuder Rok et al. (2024-01)
    Characterisation of a 3D Printed Alkali-Activated Material Based on Waste-Mineral-Wool at Room and Elevated Temperatures
  36. Fahim Abdullah, Admassu Natnael, Dailey Garret, Moradllo Mehdi (2023-12)
    Application of Cellulose-Nano-Crystals in 3D Printed Alkali-Activated Cementitious Composites
  37. Shahmirzadi Mohsen, Gholampour Aliakbar, Kashani Alireza, Ngo Tuan (2023-10)
    Geopolymer Mortars for Use in Construction 3D Printing:
    Effect of LSS, Graphene-Oxide and Nano-Clay at Different Environmental Conditions
  38. Imram Ramsha, Rashid Ans, Khan Shoukat, İlcan Hüseyin et al. (2023-10)
    Buildability-Analysis on Squared Profile Structure in 3D Concrete Printing
  39. Saadati Farzaneh, Kani Ebrahim (2023-09)
    Phosphorous Slag-Based Geopolymer Cement Incorporate with Mullite for 3D Printing Application
  40. Cuevas Villalobos Karla, Weinhold Joachim, Stephan Dietmar, Kim Ji-Su (2023-09)
    Effect of Printing-Patterns on Pore-Related Microstructural Characteristics and Properties of Materials for 3D Concrete Printing Using In-Situ and Ex-Situ Imaging-Techniques
  41. Federowicz Karol, Techman Mateusz, Skibicki Szymon, Chougan Mehdi et al. (2023-08)
    Development of 3D Printed Heavyweight Concrete Containing Magnetite-Aggregate
  42. Shilar Fatheali, Ganachari Sharanabasava, Patil Veerabhadragouda, Bhojaraja B. et al. (2023-08)
    A Review of 3D Printing of Geopolymer Composites for Structural and Functional Applications
  43. Chougan Mehdi, Kheetan Mazen, Ghaffar Seyed (2023-07)
    Additive Manufacturing and the Construction Industry
  44. Khan Shoukat, İlcan Hüseyin, Aminipour Ehsan, Şahin Oğuzhan et al. (2023-07)
    Buildability-Analysis on Effect of Structural Design in 3D Concrete Printing:
    An Experimental and Numerical Study
  45. Riaz Raja, Usman Muhammad, Ali Ammar, Majid Usama et al. (2023-06)
    Inclusive Characterization of 3D Printed Concrete in Additive Manufacturing:
    A Detailed Review
  46. Mortada Youssef, Masad Eyad, Kogbara Reginald, Mansoor Bilal et al. (2023-06)
    Development of Ca(OH)2-Based Geopolymer for Additive Manufacturing Using Construction Wastes and Nano-Materials
  47. Singh Narinder, Colangelo Francesco, Farina Ilenia (2023-06)
    Sustainable Non-Conventional Concrete 3D Printing:
    A Review
  48. Mujeeb Syed, Samudrala Manideep, Lanjewar Bhagyashri, Chippagiri Ravijanya et al. (2023-05)
    Development of Alkali-Activated 3D Printable Concrete:
    A Review
  49. Bhushan Jindal Bharat, Jangra Parveen (2023-05)
    3D Printed Concrete:
    A Comprehensive Review of Raw Material’s Properties, Synthesis, Performance, and Potential Field Applications
  50. Razzaghian Ghadikolaee Mehrdad, Cerro-Prada Elena, Pan Zhu, Korayem Asghar (2023-04)
    Nanomaterials as Promising Additives for High-Performance 3D Printed Concrete:
    A Critical Review
  51. Panda Biranchi, Tran Jonathan (2023-03)
    Material-Design, Additive Manufacturing, and Performance of Cement-Based Materials
  52. Uddin Md, Mahamoudou Faharidine, Deng Boyu, Elobaid Musa Moneef et al. (2023-03)
    Prediction of Rheological Parameters of 3D Printed Polypropylene-Fiber-Reinforced Concrete by Machine Learning
  53. Noaimat Yazeed, Ghaffar Seyed, Chougan Mehdi, Kheetan Mazen (2022-12)
    A Review of 3D Printing Low-Carbon Concrete with One-Part Geopolymer:
    Engineering, Environmental and Economic Feasibility
  54. Uddin Md (2022-12)
    Influence of 3D Printable Sustainable Concrete and Industrial Waste on Industry 5.0
  55. Zhou Longfei, Gou Mifeng, Zhang Haibo (2022-12)
    Investigation on the Applicability of Bauxite-Tailings as Fine Aggregate to Prepare 3D Printing Mortar
  56. Qaidi Shaker, Yahia Ammar, Tayeh B., Unis H. et al. (2022-10)
    3D Printed Geopolymer Composites:
    A Review
  57. Chougan Mehdi, Ghaffar Seyed, Nematollahi Behzad, Sikora Paweł et al. (2022-09)
    Effect of Natural and Calcined-Halloysite-Clay-Minerals as Low-Cost-Additives on the Performance of 3D Printed Alkali-Activated Materials
  58. Raza Muhammad, Zhong Ray (2022-08)
    A Sustainable Roadmap for Additive Manufacturing Using Geopolymers in Construction Industry
  59. Sikora Paweł, Techman Mateusz, Federowicz Karol, Khayatt Ahmed et al. (2022-07)
    Insight into the Microstructural and Durability Characteristics of 3D Printed Concrete:
    Cast versus Printed Specimens
  60. Prem Prabhat, Ravichandran Darssni, Kaliyavaradhan Senthil, Ambily Parukutty (2022-04)
    Comparative Evaluation of Rheological Models for 3D Printable Concrete
  61. Skibicki Szymon, Pułtorak Monika, Kaszyńska Maria, Hoffmann Marcin et al. (2022-04)
    The Effect of Using Recycled PET-Aggregates on Mechanical and Durability Properties of 3D Printed Mortar
  62. Bong Shin, Nematollahi Behzad, Xia Ming, Ghaffar Seyed et al. (2022-04)
    Properties of Additively Manufactured Geopolymer Incorporating Mineral-Wollastonite-Micro-Fibers
  63. Zhang Yu, Qiao Hongxia, Qian Rusheng, Xue Cuizhen et al. (2022-02)
    Relationship Between Water-Transport Behavior and Inter-Layer Voids of 3D Printed Concrete
  64. Cao Xiangpeng, Yu Shiheng, Cui Hongzhi (2022-02)
    Experimental Investigation on Inner- and Inter-Strip Reinforcements for 3D Printed Concrete via Automatic Staple Inserting Technique
  65. Dey Dhrutiman, Srinivas Dodda, Panda Biranchi, Suraneni Prannoy et al. (2022-02)
    Use of Industrial Waste-Materials for 3D Printing of Sustainable Concrete:
    A Review
  66. Chen Yuning, Jia Lutao, Liu Chao, Zhang Zedi et al. (2022-01)
    Mechanical Anisotropy Evolution of 3D Printed Alkali-Activated Materials with Different GGBFS-FA Combinations
  67. Skibicki Szymon, Jakubowska Patrycja, Kaszyńska Maria, Sibera Daniel et al. (2021-12)
    Early-Age Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Mortar with Spent Garnet
  68. Yue Hongfei, Hua Sudong, Qian Hao, Yao Xiao et al. (2021-12)
    Investigation on Applicability of Spherical Electric Arc-Furnace-Slag as Fine Aggregate in Superplasticizer-Free 3D Printed Concrete
  69. Skibicki Szymon, Techman Mateusz, Federowicz Karol, Olczyk Norbert et al. (2021-12)
    Experimental Study of Hardened Young's Modulus for 3D Printed Mortar
  70. Rehman Atta, Kim Jung-Hoon (2021-07)
    3D Concrete Printing:
    A Systematic Review of Rheology, Mix Designs, Mechanical, Microstructural, and Durability Characteristics
  71. Cuevas Villalobos Karla, Chougan Mehdi, Martin Falk, Ghaffar Seyed et al. (2021-05)
    3D Printable Lightweight Cementitious Composites with Incorporated Waste-Glass-Aggregates and Expanded Microspheres:
    Rheological, Thermal and Mechanical Properties

BibTeX
@article{chou_ghaf_siko_chun.2021.IoAIoRMaMPo3PAAM,
  author            = "Mehdi Chougan and Seyed Hamidreza Ghaffar and Paweł Sikora and Sang-Yeop Chung and Teresa Rucińska and Dietmar Stephan and Abdulrahman M. Albar and Mohammad Rafiq Swash",
  title             = "Investigation of Additive Incorporation on Rheological, Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of 3D Printable Alkali-Activated Materials",
  doi               = "10.1016/j.matdes.2021.109574",
  year              = "2021",
  journal           = "Materials & Design",
  volume            = "202",
}
Formatted Citation

M. Chougan, “Investigation of Additive Incorporation on Rheological, Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of 3D Printable Alkali-Activated Materials”, Materials & Design, vol. 202, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.matdes.2021.109574.

Chougan, Mehdi, Seyed Hamidreza Ghaffar, Paweł Sikora, Sang-Yeop Chung, Teresa Rucińska, Dietmar Stephan, Abdulrahman M. Albar, and Mohammad Rafiq Swash. “Investigation of Additive Incorporation on Rheological, Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of 3D Printable Alkali-Activated Materials”. Materials & Design 202 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2021.109574.