The global construction industry has long been grappling with its significant environmental impact, but a breakthrough technology offers a glimmer of hope. 3D printing in construction is rapidly gaining popularity for its design freedom and waste reduction potential. However, traditional 3D printing mortars using Portland cement have been a significant source of carbon emissions. Enter RENCA’s cement-free geopolymer 3D printing mortar: a potential game changer for sustainable construction.
Geopolymer materials have proven to be more sustainable than conventional cement-based analogues, without compromising structural integrity. Since 2015, RENCA has been at the forefront of geopolymer research, developing more than 300 products for various applications, including waste management and fire protection.
RENCA recently achieved a milestone: the successful 3D printing of an entire house structure using its geopolymer mortar. The project took place in the challenging conditions of the western US desert, where extreme temperatures and high winds tested the capabilities of both equipment and materials.
Unlike traditional cement-based materials, genuine geopolymer-based mortars offer several advantages for construction 3D printing and beyond:
These benefits include a fast setting time that allows for continuous printing, exceptional strength for structural durability, improved chemical adhesion between layers, and high fire resistance capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1200°C.
more significantly. The mortar allows for a remarkable 90% reduction in CO2 emissions during manufacturing and contributes to a cleaner planet.
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