Scientists at NTU have developed a 3D concrete printing method that captures carbon, demonstrating a new pathway to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry.
The innovative method, detailed in the scientific journal Carbon Capture Science & Technology, aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of cement - a material responsible for 1.6 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) or about eight per cent of global CO2 emissions - through lower material usage, reduced construction time, and labour requirements.
The newly developed 3D concrete printing process involves injecting steam and CO2, captured as the by-products of industrial processes, into the mixing concrete, which then directly incorporates and stores the CO2 in the concrete structure.
Results have showed that the CO2 and steam injection method improved the mechanical properties of the concrete, offering increased strength compared to conventional 3D printed concrete.
