Skip to content

Importance and Potential of Cellulosic Materials and Derivatives in Extrusion-Based 3D Concrete Printing (2021-04)

Prospects and Challenges

10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.123281

 Salman Nazar,  Ma Guowei,  Ijaz Nauman,  Wang Li
Journal Article - Construction and Building Materials, Vol. 291

Abstract

Three-dimensional concrete printing (3DCP) is an emerging digital construction technique, thwarted by critical issues related to its material design and preparation. These problems demand innovative and sustainable solutions. Cellulosic materials (CMs) are the most bountiful natural polymers and are superb starting materials for the large-scale manufacturing of sustainable chemicals and derivatives. This article presents innovative ideas for the viable use of CMs and derivatives in extrusion-based 3DCP (E-3DCP). In the light of a detailed literature review, the CMs and derivatives were critically analyzed based on their attributes, and potential combinations along with their limitations, possible side effects, and incompatibilities with other raw materials and admixtures currently used in E-3DCP. The potential efficacy of CMs and derivatives in E-3DCP may have been overlooked. Accordingly, a structured classification of CMs and derivatives is proposed for E-3DCP. CMs and derivatives offer sustainable ways to be used as fine aggregates, reinforcements, and cement replacements. Besides, these also offer practicable internal curing and alternative shrinkage mitigation applications. Furthermore, these could be used in numerous multiple combinations with other materials to derive complementary benefits. Importantly, CMs and derivatives could significantly improve cost-effectiveness through mix design optimization choices, and their use in lightweight E-3DCP structures. Finally, recommendations are drawn as benchmarks for future research and development. Therefore, an increased yet optimized use of CMs and derivatives could lead to revolutionary applications of E-3DCP.

67 References

  1. Bos Freek, Wolfs Robert, Ahmed Zeeshan, Salet Theo (2016-08)
    Additive Manufacturing of Concrete in Construction:
    Potentials and Challenges of 3D Concrete Printing
  2. Buswell Richard, Silva Wilson, Jones Scott, Dirrenberger Justin (2018-06)
    3D Printing Using Concrete-Extrusion:
    A Roadmap for Research
  3. Cesaretti Giovanni, Dini Enrico, Kestelier Xavier, Colla Valentina et al. (2013-08)
    Building Components for an Outpost on the Lunar Soil by Means of a Novel 3D Printing Technology
  4. Chen Yu, Figueiredo Stefan, Yalçınkaya Çağlar, Çopuroğlu Oğuzhan et al. (2019-04)
    The Effect of Viscosity-Modifying Admixture on the Extrudability of Limestone and Calcined-Clay-Based Cementitious Material for Extrusion-Based 3D Concrete Printing
  5. Chen Yu, Li Zhenming, Figueiredo Stefan, Çopuroğlu Oğuzhan et al. (2019-04)
    Limestone and Calcined-Clay-Based Sustainable Cementitious Materials for 3D Concrete Printing:
    A Fundamental Study of Extrudability and Early-Age Strength Development
  6. Chen Yu, Veer Frederic, Çopuroğlu Oğuzhan, Schlangen Erik (2018-09)
    Feasibility of Using Low CO2 Concrete Alternatives in Extrusion-Based 3D Concrete Printing
  7. Claßen Martin, Ungermann Jan, Sharma Rahul (2020-05)
    Additive Manufacturing of Reinforced Concrete:
    Development of a 3D Printing Technology for Cementitious Composites with Metallic Reinforcement
  8. Delgado Camacho Daniel, Clayton Patricia, Brien William, Seepersad Carolyn et al. (2018-02)
    Applications of Additive Manufacturing in the Construction Industry:
    A Forward-Looking Review
  9. Ding Zhu, Wang Xiaodong, Sanjayan Jay, Zou Patrick et al. (2018-11)
    A Feasibility Study on HPMC-Improved Sulphoaluminate Cement for 3D Printing
  10. Falliano Devid, Domenico Dario, Ricciardi Giuseppe, Gugliandolo Ernesto (2020-04)
    3D Printable Lightweight Foamed Concrete and Comparison with Classical Foamed Concrete in Terms of Fresh State Properties and Mechanical Strength
  11. Hager Izabela, Golonka Anna, Putanowicz Roman (2016-08)
    3D Printing of Buildings and Building Components as the Future of Sustainable Construction?
  12. Hosseini Ehsan, Zakertabrizi Mohammad, Korayem Asghar, Xu Guanzhong (2019-03)
    A Novel Method to Enhance the Inter-Layer Bonding of 3D Printing Concrete:
    An Experimental and Computational Investigation
  13. Kazemian Ali, Yuan Xiao, Cochran Evan, Khoshnevis Behrokh (2017-04)
    Cementitious Materials for Construction-Scale 3D Printing:
    Laboratory Testing of Fresh Printing Mixture
  14. Ketel Sabrina, Falzone Gabriel, Wang Bu, Washburn Newell et al. (2018-04)
    A Printability Index for Linking Slurry Rheology to the Geometrical Attributes of 3D Printed Components
  15. Khalil Noura, Aouad Georges, Cheikh Khadija, Rémond Sébastien (2017-09)
    Use of Calcium-Sulfoaluminate-Cements for Setting-Control of 3D Printing Mortars
  16. Kruger Jacques, Zeranka Stephan, Zijl Gideon (2019-07)
    An Ab-Inito Approach for Thixotropy Characterisation of Nano-Particle-Infused 3D Printable Concrete
  17. Kruger Jacques, Zeranka Stephan, Zijl Gideon (2019-09)
    Quantifying Constructability Performance of 3D Concrete Printing via Rheology-Based Analytical Models
  18. Le Thanh, Austin Simon, Lim Sungwoo, Buswell Richard et al. (2012-01)
    Hardened Properties of High-Performance Printing Concrete
  19. Le Thanh, Austin Simon, Lim Sungwoo, Buswell Richard et al. (2012-01)
    Mix-Design and Fresh Properties for High-Performance Printing Concrete
  20. Li Zhijian, Wang Li, Ma Guowei (2020-01)
    Mechanical Improvement of Continuous Steel-Micro-Cable-Reinforced Geopolymer Composites for 3D Printing Subjected to Different Loading Conditions
  21. Lim Sungwoo, Buswell Richard, Le Thanh, Austin Simon et al. (2011-07)
    Developments in Construction-Scale Additive Manufacturing Processes
  22. Lim Sungwoo, Buswell Richard, Le Thanh, Wackrow Rene et al. (2011-07)
    Development of a Viable Concrete Printing Process
  23. Lowke Dirk, Dini Enrico, Perrot Arnaud, Weger Daniel et al. (2018-07)
    Particle-Bed 3D Printing in Concrete Construction:
    Possibilities and Challenges
  24. Lu Bing, Weng Yiwei, Li Mingyang, Qian Ye et al. (2019-02)
    A Systematical Review of 3D Printable Cementitious Materials
  25. Ma Guowei, Li Zhijian, Wang Li (2017-12)
    Printable Properties of Cementitious Material Containing Copper-Tailings for Extrusion-Based 3D Printing
  26. Ma Guowei, Salman Nazar, Wang Li, Wang Fang (2020-02)
    A Novel Additive Mortar Leveraging Internal Curing for Enhancing Inter-Layer Bonding of Cementitious Composite for 3D Printing
  27. Malaeb Zeina, Sakka Fatima, Hamzeh Farook (2019-02)
    3D Concrete Printing:
    Machine Design, Mix Proportioning, and Mix Comparison Between Different Machine Setups
  28. Marchon Delphine, Kawashima Shiho, Bessaies-Bey Hela, Mantellato Sara et al. (2018-05)
    Hydration- and Rheology-Control of Concrete for Digital Fabrication:
    Potential Admixtures and Cement-Chemistry
  29. Marchment Taylor, Sanjayan Jay, Xia Ming (2019-03)
    Method of Enhancing Inter-Layer Bond Strength in Construction-Scale 3D Printing with Mortar by Effective Bond Area Amplification
  30. Mechtcherine Viktor, Bos Freek, Perrot Arnaud, Silva Wilson et al. (2020-03)
    Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing with Cement-Based Materials:
    Production Steps, Processes, and Their Underlying Physics
  31. Mechtcherine Viktor, Nerella Venkatesh, Will Frank, Näther Mathias et al. (2019-08)
    Large-Scale Digital Concrete Construction:
    CONPrint3D Concept for On-Site, Monolithic 3D Printing
  32. Menna Costantino, Mata-Falcón Jaime, Bos Freek, Vantyghem Gieljan et al. (2020-04)
    Opportunities and Challenges for Structural Engineering of Digitally Fabricated Concrete
  33. Moelich Gerrit, Kruger Jacques, Combrinck Riaan (2020-08)
    Plastic Shrinkage Cracking in 3D Printed Concrete
  34. Nematollahi Behzad, Xia Ming, Sanjayan Jay (2017-07)
    Current Progress of 3D Concrete Printing Technologies
  35. Nerella Venkatesh, Hempel Simone, Mechtcherine Viktor (2019-02)
    Effects of Layer-Interface Properties on Mechanical Performance of Concrete Elements Produced by Extrusion-Based 3D Printing
  36. Nerella Venkatesh, Näther Mathias, Iqbal Arsalan, Butler Marko et al. (2018-09)
    In-Line Quantification of Extrudability of Cementitious Materials for Digital Construction
  37. Ngo Tuan, Kashani Alireza, Imbalzano Gabriele, Nguyen Quynh et al. (2018-02)
    Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing):
    A Review of Materials, Methods, Applications and Challenges
  38. Panda Biranchi, Mohamed Nisar, Paul Suvash, Bhagath Singh Gangapatnam et al. (2019-07)
    The Effect of Material Fresh Properties and Process Parameters on Buildability and Inter-Layer Adhesion of 3D Printed Concrete
  39. Panda Biranchi, Paul Suvash, Mohamed Nisar, Tay Yi et al. (2017-09)
    Measurement of Tensile Bond Strength of 3D Printed Geopolymer Mortar
  40. 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
  41. Panda Biranchi, Tan Ming (2018-03)
    Experimental Study on Mix Proportion and Fresh Properties of Fly-Ash-Based Geopolymer for 3D Concrete Printing
  42. Panda Biranchi, Unluer Cise, Tan Ming (2019-08)
    Extrusion and Rheology Characterization of Geopolymer Nanocomposites Used in 3D Printing
  43. Paolini Alexander, Kollmannsberger Stefan, Rank Ernst (2019-10)
    Additive Manufacturing in Construction:
    A Review on Processes, Applications, and Digital Planning Methods
  44. Perrot Arnaud, Rangeard Damien, Courteille Eric (2018-04)
    3D Printing of Earth-Based Materials:
    Processing Aspects
  45. Perrot Arnaud, Rangeard Damien, Pierre Alexandre (2015-02)
    Structural Build-Up of Cement-Based Materials Used for 3D Printing-Extrusion-Techniques
  46. Roussel Nicolas (2018-05)
    Rheological Requirements for Printable Concretes
  47. Sanjayan Jay, Nematollahi Behzad (2019-02)
    3D Concrete Printing for Construction Applications
  48. Sanjayan Jay, Nematollahi Behzad, Xia Ming, Marchment Taylor (2018-04)
    Effect of Surface Moisture on Inter-Layer Strength of 3D Printed Concrete
  49. Schutter Geert, Lesage Karel, Mechtcherine Viktor, Nerella Venkatesh et al. (2018-08)
    Vision of 3D Printing with Concrete:
    Technical, Economic and Environmental Potentials
  50. Shakor Pshtiwan, Nejadi Shami, Gowripalan Nadarajah (2020-07)
    Effect of Heat-Curing and E6-Glass Fiber-Reinforcement Addition on Powder-Based 3DP Cement Mortar
  51. Shakor Pshtiwan, Nejadi Shami, Paul Gavin (2019-05)
    A Study into the Effect of Different Nozzles Shapes and Fiber-Reinforcement in 3D Printed Mortar
  52. Shakor Pshtiwan, Nejadi Shami, Paul Gavin, Malek Sardar (2019-01)
    Review of Emerging Additive Manufacturing Technologies in 3D Printing of Cementitious Materials in the Construction Industry
  53. Shakor Pshtiwan, Nejadi Shami, Paul Gavin, Sanjayan Jay (2019-12)
    Dimensional Accuracy, Flowability, Wettability, and Porosity in Inkjet 3DP for Gypsum and Cement Mortar Materials
  54. Shakor Pshtiwan, Nejadi Shami, Sutjipto Sheila, Paul Gavin et al. (2020-01)
    Effects of Deposition-Velocity in the Presence-Absence of E6-Glass-Fiber on Extrusion-Based 3D Printed Mortar
  55. Tay Yi, Panda Biranchi, Paul Suvash, Mohamed Nisar et al. (2017-05)
    3D Printing Trends in Building and Construction Industry:
    A Review
  56. Tay Yi, Qian Ye, Tan Ming (2019-05)
    Printability-Region for 3D Concrete Printing Using Slump- and Slump-Flow-Test
  57. Tay Yi, Ting Guan, Qian Ye, Panda Biranchi et al. (2018-07)
    Time-Gap-Effect on Bond Strength of 3D Printed Concrete
  58. Voney Vera, Odaglia Pietro, Brumaud Coralie, Dillenburger Benjamin et al. (2021-02)
    From Casting to 3D Printing Geopolymers:
    A Proof of Concept
  59. Wangler Timothy, Roussel Nicolas, Bos Freek, Salet Theo et al. (2019-06)
    Digital Concrete:
    A Review
  60. Weng Yiwei, Li Mingyang, Tan Ming, Qian Shunzhi (2018-01)
    Design 3D Printing Cementitious Materials via Fuller-Thompson-Theory and Marson-Percy-Model
  61. Wu Peng, Wang Jun, Wang Xiangyu (2016-04)
    A Critical Review of the Use of 3D Printing in the Construction Industry
  62. Zareiyan Babak, Khoshnevis Behrokh (2017-08)
    Effects of Interlocking on Inter-Layer Adhesion and Strength of Structures in 3D Printing of Concrete
  63. Zareiyan Babak, Khoshnevis Behrokh (2017-06)
    Inter-Layer Adhesion and Strength of Structures in Contour Crafting:
    Effects of Aggregate-Size, Extrusion-Rate, and Layer-Thickness
  64. Zhang Chao, Hou Zeyu, Chen Chun, Zhang Yamei et al. (2019-09)
    Design of 3D Printable Concrete Based on the Relationship Between Flowability of Cement-Paste and Optimum Aggregate-Content
  65. Zhang Jingchuan, Wang Jialiang, Dong Sufen, Yu Xun et al. (2019-07)
    A Review of the Current Progress and Application of 3D Printed Concrete
  66. Zhang Yu, Zhang Yunsheng, Liu Guojian, Yang Yonggan et al. (2018-04)
    Fresh Properties of a Novel 3D Printing Concrete Ink
  67. 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

27 Citations

  1. Rangel Carolina, Salet Theo, Lucas Sandra (2025-12)
    A Design Methodology for Sustainable Lightweight 3D-Printable Concrete with SCMs
  2. Türk Ayşe, Türk Furkan, Edebali Serpil, Keskin Ülkü (2025-11)
    3D Printable Mortars with Green Materials:
    Sustainable Solutions with Nanocellulose
  3. Garshasbi Sajad, Mousavi Seyed, Dehestani Mehdi, Nazarpour Hadi (2025-10)
    Sustainable Production of 3D Concrete Printing Using Agricultural Waste Fibers
  4. Mesoudy Mouad, Foulki Rida, Amegouz Driss (2025-10)
    3D Concrete Printing:
    Optimizing the Design of Interlocking 3D Printed Concrete Blocks for Fast and Sustainable Construction
  5. Ali Muhammad, Qian Hui, Umar Muhammad, Fenglin Liu et al. (2025-10)
    Rheological, Mechanical, and Self-Recovery Performance of 3D-Printed ECC Reinforced with Shape Memory Alloy Fibers
  6. Chan Li-Jing, Padil Khairul, Chin Chee-Long, Ibrahim Izni et al. (2025-09)
    Strategies to Enhance Interlayer Bonding in 3D Printed Concrete:
    A Review
  7. Maurya Shubham, Kumar Vijay, Panda Biranchi, Borsaikia Arun et al. (2025-09)
    Inline Polymer Cable Reinforcement in 3D Concrete Printing with a Special Nozzle
  8. Ali Syed, Haq Mohd, Khan Rizwan, Hashmi Ahmad (2025-07)
    A Comprehensive Review on 3D Printing of Concrete:
    Materials, Methods and Mechanical Properties
  9. Tao Yaxin, Zhang Yi, Mohan Manu, Dai Xiaodi et al. (2025-05)
    Waste-Derived Aggregates in 3D Printable Concrete:
    Current Insights and Future Perspectives
  10. Nayaka Ramesh, Kumar H., Sharif Ahamed, Zhang Y. (2025-05)
    Exploring Key Aspects and Sustainable Benefits of 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP):
    A Selective Review
  11. Kurniati Eka, Kim Heejeong (2025-04)
    Enhancing the Printability of 3D Printing Limestone Calcined Clay Cement Using Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Admixture and Silica Fume
  12. Ma Wei, Wang Guosheng, Zhou Yaya, Xu Qinghu et al. (2024-09)
    Polyacrylonitrile-Fiber-Reinforced 3D Printed Concrete:
    Effects of Fiber Length and Content
  13. Dias José, Brandão Filipe, Figueiredo Bruno, Cruz Paulo (2024-09)
    The Potential of Natural Fiber-Reinforcement in 3D Printed Concrete:
    A Review
  14. Jarabo Rocío, Fuente González Elena, García Calvo José, Carballosa Pedro et al. (2024-08)
    Nano-Crystalline-Cellulose to Reduce Superplasticizer-Demand in 3D Printing of Cementitious Materials
  15. Shen Jing, Li Yujia, Zhang Xiaoman, Li Yangbo et al. (2024-06)
    Three-Dimensional Printable Concrete by an Ultra-Thin Nozzle and Fully-Sealed Extrusion
  16. Shoaei Parham, Gallantree-Smith Harrison, Martínez Pacheco Victor, Pamies Ramón et al. (2024-06)
    Comparative Analysis of 3D Printing of Portland Cement Mortars with Hydroxypropyl-Methylcellulose and Micro-Fibrillated Cellulose as Viscosity-Modifying-Agents
  17. Kilic Ugur, Soliman Nancy, Omran Ahmed, Ozbulut Osman (2024-06)
    Effects of Cellulose Nanofibrils on Rheological and Mechanical Properties of 3D Printable Cement Composites
  18. Capêto Ana, Jesus Manuel, Uribe Braian, Guimarães Ana et al. (2024-05)
    Building a Greener Future:
    Advancing Concrete Production Sustainability and the Thermal Properties of 3D Printed Mortars
  19. Chen Yuxuan, Zhang Longfei, Wei Kai, Gao Huaxing et al. (2024-04)
    Rheology-Control and Shrinkage-Mitigation of 3D Printed Geopolymer Concrete Using Nano-Cellulose and Magnesium-Oxide
  20. Zaid Osama, Ouni Mohamed (2024-04)
    Advancements in 3D Printing of Cementitious Materials:
    A Review of Mineral Additives, Properties, and Systematic Developments
  21. Lu Yue, Xiao Jianzhuang, Li Yan (2024-03)
    3D Printing Recycled Concrete Incorporating Plant-Fibers:
    A Comprehensive Review
  22. Sahai Rajan, Bisht Ravindra, Malviya Nitesh, Kumar Shivam et al. (2024-01)
    Aspects of Waste-Material-Utilization and 3D Concrete Printer Development-Approach:
    A Review
  23. Núñez Varillas Christoper, Regalado Espinoza Marck, Gago Gamboa Angela (2023-07)
    3D Printing:
    An Opportunity for the Sustainable Development of Building Construction
  24. Riaz Raja, Usman Muhammad, Ali Ammar, Majid Usama et al. (2023-06)
    Inclusive Characterization of 3D Printed Concrete in Additive Manufacturing:
    A Detailed Review
  25. Diniz Hugo, Martinelli Antônio, Cabral Kleber, Ferreira Ruan et al. (2023-01)
    Synergistic Effects of the Use of Metakaolin, Sand and Water on the Properties of Cementitious Composites for 3D Printing
  26. Shakor Pshtiwan, Chu Shaohua, Puzatova (nee Sharanova) Anastasiia, Dini Enrico (2022-01)
    Review of Binder-Jetting 3D Printing in the Construction Industry
  27. Marczyk Joanna, Ziejewska Celina, Gądek Szymon, Korniejenko Kinga et al. (2021-11)
    Hybrid Materials Based on Fly-Ash, Metakaolin, and Cement for 3D Printing

BibTeX
@article{salm_ma_ijaz_wang.2021.IaPoCMaDiEB3CP,
  author            = "Nazar Muhammad Salman and Guowei Ma and Nauman Ijaz and Li Wang",
  title             = "Importance and Potential of Cellulosic Materials and Derivatives in Extrusion-Based 3D Concrete Printing: Prospects and Challenges",
  doi               = "10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.123281",
  year              = "2021",
  journal           = "Construction and Building Materials",
  volume            = "291",
}
Formatted Citation

N. M. Salman, G. Ma, N. Ijaz and L. Wang, “Importance and Potential of Cellulosic Materials and Derivatives in Extrusion-Based 3D Concrete Printing: Prospects and Challenges”, Construction and Building Materials, vol. 291, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.123281.

Salman, Nazar Muhammad, Guowei Ma, Nauman Ijaz, and Li Wang. “Importance and Potential of Cellulosic Materials and Derivatives in Extrusion-Based 3D Concrete Printing: Prospects and Challenges”. Construction and Building Materials 291 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.123281.