Effects of Cellulose Nanofibrils on Rheological and Mechanical Properties of 3D Printable Cement Composites (2024-06)¶

This study explores the effects of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), a relatively new type of nanocellulose material, on the rheological and printability characteristics of cementitious mixtures, and the mechanical properties of 3D printed specimens. The rheology of the mortar mixtures with varying ratios of CNF is thoroughly assessed first. Two testing protocols, stress growth test and ramp test, are followed for rotational measurements using a shear rheometer with a building cell and vane motor. Stress growth tests are carried out to quantify the static yield stress of the cementitious mixtures. Ramp tests are conducted to determine dynamic yield stress and plastic viscosity of the mixes using the Bingham visco-plastic material model. As oscillatory measurements, amplitude sweep tests are carried out to determine the viscoelastic properties of the mortar mixes, including storage modulus and critical strain that are found to be essential for buildability. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is conducted to assess the effects of CNF on the hydration characteristics of the mixtures. The printability and the buildability of the mortar mixtures incorporating CNF are assessed using a 3D concrete printer equipped with a 10 mm diameter nozzle and screw pump mechanism. Tensile, flexural, and compressive strength tests are conducted to determine the mechanical properties of 3D printed specimens with varying ratios of CNFs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to conduct the microstructural analysis on fractured surfaces of the mechanically tested specimens. Results indicate that adding CNF at least 0.3 wt% of cement has a favorable effect on the rheological properties of cement composites.