Scientists develop 3D concrete printing method that captures carbon dioxide

Science magazine details innovative approach Carbon Capture Science and Technologyaiming to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of cement, a material that produces 1.6 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) or about 8 percent of global carbon dioxide₂ Emissions – through reduced material use, construction time and labor requirements.

Newly developed 3D concrete printing process involves injecting steam and CO₂Captured into the mixed concrete as a by-product of the industrial process, the carbon dioxide is then directly absorbed and stored₂ in concrete structures.

The results show that CO₂ The steam injection method improves the mechanical properties of the concrete, resulting in higher strength compared to traditional 3D printed concrete.

The study’s lead researcher, Professor Tan Ming Jen from Nanyang Technological University’s School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) and Nanyang Technological University’s Singapore Center for 3D Printing (SC3DP), said: “The construction industry is responsible for a large portion of global greenhouse gas emissions. Our newly developed 3D concrete printing system offers a carbon-neutral alternative that not only improves the mechanical properties of concrete but also helps reduce the industry’s environmental impact.₂ Materials for 3D concrete printing produced by power plants or other industries. Since traditional cement emits large amounts of carbon, our method provides a way to remove CO2₂ Printing through 3D concrete.

The research team believes that their innovation makes a promising contribution to achieving global sustainability goals and reducing industry dependence on traditional energy-intensive processes such as reinforced concrete construction.

This new development builds on 3D printing technology previously used in architectural research by Professor Tan and his SC3DP team at Nanyang Technological University and international collaborators.

Improve printability, increase strength and capture more carbon

To develop a 3D concrete printing system, the research team connected the 3D printer to the CO₂ Pump and nozzle for ejecting vapor.

When started, the system pumps carbon dioxide₂ and injects its vapor into the concrete mixture as the structure is printed. carbon monoxide₂ Reacts with the ingredients in the concrete and changes into a solid form, locked inside the material (isolated and stored). At the same time, the vapor enhances the absorption of CO₂ Enter the 3D printing structure and enhance its performance.

In lab tests, researchers found that the printed concrete structure was 50 percent more printable, meaning it could be formed and printed more efficiently.

The structure also exhibits better strength and durability. Compared with ordinary 3D printed concrete, the compressive strength (the weight it can bear) of printed concrete is 36.8% higher, and the flexural strength (how much it can bend before breaking) is 45.3% higher.

Notably, this method is also more environmentally friendly, absorbing and capturing 38% more carbon dioxide than traditional 3D printing methods.

Lead author Lim Sean Gip, a PhD student at Nanyang Technological University’s School of Mechanical Engineering, said: “We are at a critical moment as the world intensifies its efforts to meet climate change targets. We believe our technology can help make the construction industry more sustainable.”

Dr Daniel Tay, co-author of the study and researcher at Nanyang Technological University’s MAE School, said: “Our proposed system demonstrates how carbon dioxide can be captured and used in 3D concrete printing to create stronger, greener buildings, thereby advancing construction. technological progress.

Nanyang Technological University and collaborators have jointly submitted a U.S. patent application for this innovation. In future studies, the researchers plan to optimize the 3D printing process to make it more efficient and possibly use exhaust gases instead of pure carbon dioxide.