Alkali activated materials applied in 3D printing construction: A review

Area of Science:

• Construction Materials Science
• Additive Manufacturing
• Sustainable Building Technologies

Background:

• Alkali-activated materials (AAM) are emerging as sustainable alternatives in construction.
• 3D printing technology offers novel fabrication methods for construction components.
• Integrating AAM with 3D printing presents opportunities for innovative building solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review research trends in 3D-printed AAM for construction.
• To identify prevalent materials, methodologies, and parameters in the field.
• To highlight challenges and future directions for large-scale applications.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric analysis of 55 selected publications.
• In-depth review of extrusion-based and powder-based 3D printing systems.
• Categorization of studies based on materials, methodologies, and key findings.

Main Results:

• Identified key research trends, influential countries (Australia, China, Singapore), and collaborative networks.
• Detailed common precursors, activators, additives, aggregates, and reinforcements influencing AAM properties.
• Outlined trends in material characterization and highlighted challenges in achieving printable mix designs for large-scale applications.

Conclusions:

• AAMs offer unique and complex properties adaptable to various construction needs, revolutionizing traditional methods.
• The diversity in AAM composition allows for tailored properties in fresh and hardened states.
• Successful large-scale application of 3D-printed AAM requires addressing identified scientific challenges and advancing material characterization.