Re-Imagining the Production of 3D Printed Ceramics Through the Incorporation of Waste Materials (2026-01)¶

Ceramic 3D printing has grown significantly in recent years, spurred by lower production costs, design versatility, and sustainability mandates. Concurrently, the pursuit of eco‐friendly materials has driven interest in incorporating wastes as additives to improve porosity, reduce weight, and enhance thermal insulation. This study examines the feasibility of introducing selected wastes into ceramic pastes, emphasizing the critical roles of particle size distribution and mixing ratios for preserving mechanical integrity and dimensional accuracy. Through a literature review, it evaluates how different waste streams affect pore formation, density, and structural properties, identifying which wastes are most compatible with 3D ceramic printing. Although existing research highlights benefits such as reduced energy consumption and raw material usage, few studies have integrated these approaches with additive manufacturing processes. By enabling the production of porous ceramic components with improved performance and a lower ecological footprint, this work underscores the potential of leveraging waste materials to foster an efficient circular economy.