Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation aimed at decarbonizing the construction industry. Their newly developed 3D-printed concrete not only captures more carbon dioxide but also delivers superior physical performance.
According to NTU Singapore, concrete is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for approximately 1.6 billion tons of CO2 annually, or nearly 8% of worldwide emissions. This novel approach could significantly mitigate the environmental impact by reducing material usage, shortening delivery times, and lowering the need for specialized labor.
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How the Process Works: Steam and CO2 Injection
The NTU Singapore method involves injecting steam and CO2 directly into the 3D-printed concrete mix during the printing process. The carbon dioxide reacts with the cement’s components, creating a solid and stable compound that remains encapsulated within the structure.
Simultaneously, the steam boosts CO2 absorption and enhances the mechanical properties of the material. Laboratory tests have demonstrated that this new concrete surpasses conventional 3D-printed concrete in strength and durability.
“We are at a pivotal moment where the world is accelerating efforts to meet climate change goals. Our technology can make the construction sector more sustainable,” commented Professor Tan Ming Jen, from NTU’s School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing (SC3DP).
Doubling Strength and Flexibility with Enhanced Efficienc
Research published in the journal Carbon Capture Science & Technology titled “Carbon capture and sequestration with in-situ CO2 and steam integrated 3D concrete printing” highlights the impressive benefits of this method.
The study reveals that this innovation improves concrete printability by 50%, streamlining its usability and enabling the creation of more complex structures. Additionally, the 3D-printed concrete produced by NTU Singapore exhibited 36.8% greater compression strength and was 45.3% more flexible compared to conventional 3D-printed concrete.