Macroeconomics

Engineering

Materials science

Cellulose

Economics

Microcrystalline cellulose

3D printing

Chemical engineering

Mortar

Cement

Life-cycle assessment

Composite material

Rheology

Flexural strength

Production (economics)

Journal of Cleaner Production

3D printing is becoming increasingly popular for construction owing to its reduced environmental impact and lower energy demand than conventional manufacturing. Rapid application of this technology relies largely on the development of high-performance cement-based composites compatible with 3D printers. This study aims to develop high-quality and sustainable cement-based composites containing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) that can satisfy the requirements for 3D printing. The workability, rheological behavior, buildability, and mechanical properties of the cement-based composites for 3D printing were examined systematically. The rheological analysis revealed that the plastic viscosity and yield stress of mortars with 1 wt% MCC were increased by 20.9% and 190.0%, respectively, compared with those of mortars without MCC. The buildability of mortars with 1 wt% MCC was also improved, and the printed structure exhibited neither large cracks among the printed filaments nor distorted components in the printing process. Compared with the mortars without MCC, the 28-d compressive and flexural strengths of the mortars with 1 wt% MCC were increased by 18.6% and 12.5%, respectively. In addition, the carbon emissions from the overall life cycle of a printed residence were quantified by considering the material attributes of additive manufacturing and using software tools to conduct building information modeling (BIM)-enabled life cycle assessment (LCA) modeling. The results indicated that compared with the mortars without MCC at equivalent mechanical strengths, the mortars containing 1 wt% MCC could reduce the CO2 emissions by 6.82%. The comprehensive improvement in rheological properties and buildability as well as the environmental benefits can promote the sustainable industrial utilization of MCC-reinforced cement-based materials in the 3D-printing industry.

Rheology and buildability of sustainable cement-based composites containing micro-crystalline cellulose for 3D-printing