Woven Cement Slurry.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Weaving is a fundamental construction technique since the Neolithic era but is not applicable in modern concrete construction.
• Traditional concrete construction methods like formwork casting, grouting, and 3D printing have limitations in creating complex, interwoven structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel method for fabricating stretchable cement slurry.
• To enable cement weaving for creating advanced structural textiles.
• To enhance the mechanical properties of cement-based materials through woven structures.

Main Methods:

• A particle-polymer coalescence strategy utilizing electrostatic, bridging, coordinating, and hydrogen bonding interactions was proposed.
• Cement filaments were fabricated into stretchable slurry.
• Techniques such as bending, knotting, coiling, winding, and interlacing were employed to create woven cement structures, including a Chinese knot.

Main Results:

• The study successfully fabricated stretchable cement slurry and demonstrated cement weaving beyond traditional methods.
• A triaxially cross-penetrating structure was achieved through weaving construction.
• Interlayer strength and toughness were significantly improved by approximately 208.5% and 676.5%, respectively, compared to 3D printed structures.

Conclusions:

• The novel particle-polymer coalescence strategy enables cement weaving, a breakthrough in concrete construction.
• Woven cement structures exhibit superior strength and toughness, offering potential for multi-directional applications.
• This research opens new avenues for advanced cement-based materials and construction techniques.