Low-Carbon Cementitious Composite Incorporated with Biochar and Recycled Fines Suitable for 3D Printing Applications (2024-10)¶

In manufacturing, 3D printing technology enables the creation of complex geometric structures without traditional formwork I n recent years, we have observed significant advancements in concrete technology coupled with the automation of production processes. One of the most extensively studied innovations is the integration of 3D printing with cementbased materials. The printing technology is already being utilized on an industrial scale [1]. Known as additive [2]. The application of 3D concrete printing (3DPC) in construction necessitates the adaptation of conventional concrete mixes to meet new technological requirements. Critical parameters include rheological properties, which affect the pumpability and extrudability of the material, setting time (which allows for rapid construction), and the fluidity and consistency of the mix (the material must be sufficiently plastic for pumping while maintaining enough rigidity to hold its shape without formwork) [3,4]. Adapting concrete mixes to the specific demands of 3DPC technology presents a complex and more challenging problem than modifying traditional concrete formulations. The construction sector is currently focusing not only on the advancement of technology itself but also on reducing its environmental impact. 3D printing mixes are characterized by a high binder and fine particle content, leading to a significant carbon footprint [5]. Despite the reduced material usage, structures produced through additive manufacturing are far from achieving carbon neutrality. To lower the carbon footprint of these materials, the most commonly employed strategies involve substituting portions of the binder or aggregate with waste materials. Research in this area, primarily focused on traditional concretes, has been conducted by Restuccia et al. [6], who employed biochar; Roa et al. [7], who incorporated demolition waste; Khushnood et al. [8], who utilized nanomaterials derived from peanut and hazelnut shells, and Beibei Xiong et al. [9], who used recycled PET aggregate. The impact of mineral additives on concrete properties has been the subject of scientific analysis for many years, but in the context of 3D printing technology, not all established relationships for traditional concretes are confirmed by current research, highlighting the need for further studies and optimization of these solutions [10]. Incorporating biochar as a component in concrete enables the production of low or even zero-emission materials, representing a significant step towards achieving carbon neutrality in construction. This is particularly important given that over 4 billion tons of concrete are produced annually [11], with concrete components producing up to 7% of global CO2 emissions [12]. Current studies suggest that adding 2% by weight of biochar accelerates the cement hydration process due to the internal curing effect [13]. Additionally, Gupta et al. [14] have reported using biochar to reduce the overall shrinkage of the concrete mix. However, with higher biochar content, a significant reduction in mechanical strength is observed, which is attributed to the increased porosity of the material [13]. Another approach to achieving more sustainable concrete involves using construction and demolition waste (CDW) to replace aggregate or cement. Currently, comprehensive studies in this area are lacking. The use of CDW fines in 3D printing has been analyzed by Zhang et al. [15], who demonstrated that incorporating CDW dust can delay the onset of drying shrinkage in 3D printed concrete (3DPC). When using recycled aggregate, it is crucial to consider its high water absorption, which can reach up to 18%, potentially affecting the consistency of the printed mix [16]. De Vlieger et al. [17] found that using recycled fine aggregate (RFA) can enhance buildability and increase yield stress, which are significant advantages of 3D printing technology. This article compares the effects of two promising methods for reducing the carbon footprint of 3D printing concrete mixes on their properties. The study analyzes the partial replacement of cement with biochar and recycled fines. It examines the impact of both materials on the rheological properties and the hydration process during the early age of the 3D printing mix.