Effects of Bio-Based Components on Rheology and Printability of Low Cement-Based 3D Printable Mortars
摘要
3D printing technology with cement-based mortars is an opportunity for innovative architectural construction. However, 3D-printable mixtures require changes in their composition to become a sustainable solution, such as a remarkable reduction of cement content and the use of bio-based components (BBC). BBC are a renewable resource and have huge potential to improve sustainability of cement-based systems while offering other excellent material properties such as reinforcement, lightweight, water absorption, thermal insulation, etc. An experimental study on the effects of three different bio-based components on rheology and printability using a low-cement-based mortar was carried out. A reference Cement - limestone filler (LF) mortar (R), 1:1 cement-to-LF ratio, 0.4 water-to-binder ratio, 1.5:1 sand-to-binder ratio, and a functionalized attapulgite as a rheology modifier, was designed. Then, three BBC were incorporated: a biomass ash at 10% of LF volume, a microencapsulated Bio-based Phase change material (B-PCM) at 20% of mortar volume, and a cellulose fiber (CF) at 7.5% of mortar volume. Also, a mixture containing all bio-components was also assessed. A target 3D printable initial consistency was achieved using a commercial Superplasticizer (SP). Rheological parameters were evaluated using different laboratory and field oriented experimental methods, including DSR, a fast cone-penetrometer test, ram extrusion test, and squeeze test. Printability was assessed using a 3D robotic arm printer. While all samples were 3D printable, those samples with BA and CF showed water segregation and more defects during filament deposition. On the other hand, R and B-PCM showed initial low extrusion force and good cohesion which produced proper printability, while increased shear yield stress over time (effective thixotropy), enhancing buildability. Conversely, BA and CF showed lower effective thixotropy.