Effect of Humidity Evolution on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Alternate 3D Printing Specimens

Abstract

Abstract: This paper offers a novel alternate 3D printing technique using alkali-activated slag (AAS) and Portland cement (PC), based on which AAS-PC composite specimens were prepared. The microstructures of specimens before and after drying were analyzed separately using X-ray computed tomography (CT), and flexural and compressive strengths for all specimens before and after drying were tested respectively. The experimental results show that the interface between AAS and PC is inclined to crack during humidity reduction, as the shrinkage resistance for both materials varied, and that leads to deterioration of microstructure and decrease of mechanical properties for the printout. Despite that, PC effectively remedies the strength insufficiency of AAS, and the flexural and compressive strengths for AAS-PC composite specimens are thus better as compared to printed specimens using AAS. Comparing between layer-by-layer and line-by-line printing method, the former one produces specimens with better flexural strength, while the latter one produces specimens with better compressive strength. The above results offer guidances for promotion and application of 3D printing technique.

Key words: 3D printing, alternate printing, microstructure, alkali-activated slag, Portland cement, additive manufacturing

CLC Number:

TU528

CAO Qianfei, CUI Dong, SHI Xiaohan, WAN Yi, ZUO Xiaobao, LAI Jianzhong. Effect of Humidity Evolution on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Alternate 3D Printing Specimens[J]. BULLETIN OF THE CHINESE CERAMIC SOCIETY, 2021, 40(6): 1879-1888.

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