Academic Breakthrough: Research Confirms RESIN8’s Enhanced Performance in 3D Printing
NEWS
Stellenbosch University in South Africa has published a new study focusing on RESIN8’s performance in 3D Printed Concrete (3DPC).
Featured in the academic journal “Construction and Building Materials” by Elsevier, the article spotlights the potential of RESIN8 as a viable component for 3DPC. The research specifically evaluated a RESIN8 mix enriched with elements like fly ash and a local variety of sand termed Malmesbury sand.
Researchers at the university experimented with varying quantities and particle sizes of RESIN8 in the mix. After 3D printing, they rigorously tested these blends for strength, density, and other essential properties.
The most exciting part of the findings was an improved bond strength between the layers of the printed concrete with the addition of RESIN8. This is particularly significant in 3D printing, where cohesion between layers is paramount. The addition of RESIN8 also enhanced the fluidity of the mix, making it more manageable.
The study did note that while the mixes containing higher proportions of RESIN8 (up to 15%) met the essential benchmarks for construction, there was a noted trade-off in terms of structural strength. The good news was that all the mixes still met the requisite benchmarks for construction, cementing their potential in 3D printing applications.
Incorporating RESIN8 in 3DPC not only offers a potential solution to the plastic waste dilemma but also ensures the mixes remain compliant with construction standards.
The study underscores the potential of incorporating waste plastics in construction materials, advocating for a circular economy and sustainable practices while effectively reducing plastic pollution. The inclusion of waste plastics presents a viable opportunity to repurpose plastic waste, promoting sustainable construction and contributing to environmental conservation.
At its core, the research emphasizes a compelling message: by incorporating recycled materials in construction, we can tackle environmental challenges without compromising, and credibly even improving, the standard of building construction.
