3D printing with bauxite residues: Geopolymer aims to reduce CO₂ emissions in construction
Researchers from the School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin have successfully processed a cement-free geopolymer building material in large-format 3D printing. The reddish-brown material contains residues from bauxite processing and could transform industrial waste into a raw material for automated construction processes. The experiment was conducted in collaboration with experts from the company Harcourt Technologies takes place. During the demonstration, the mixture could be prepared, pumped, extruded through a nozzle, and built up layer by layer into components. Portland cement is not included. More than 30 percent of the binder-like components originate from local industrial residuals that would otherwise need to be treated, permanently stored, or disposed of. For 3D printing, especially flow behavior, shape stability, and controlled setting are crucial: the material must pass through the nozzle evenly but then develop sufficient strength quickly to support additional layers.
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