Early-Age Performance of 3D Printed Carbon-Nano-Fiber and Carbon Micro-Fiber Cement Composites (2020-01)¶

3D printed cement composites with and without carbon nanofiber (CNF) and microfiber (CF) reinforcement within the cement ink were evaluated at seven days and compared with their traditionally cast counterparts. A liquid lubrication layer at the extrusion nozzle was noted. The reinforcement type influenced the formation of the extruded filament, with underextrusion seen during 3D printing with the CNF cement ink while sudden discontinuation of extrusion was experienced during 3D printing with the CF cement ink. No noticeable interfacial region between printed filaments was observed in the 3D printed cement composites, with the exception of air cavities between printed filaments of the composite fabricated with the CNF cement ink. Lower compressive strengths were seen in the direction orthogonal to the print path for the 3D printed composites compared with the cast composites. The addition of CFs within the cement ink reduced this strength difference and led to strain softening in the post peak behavior.