Comparison of the Effect of Nano Cellulosic Additives on Rheological Parameters for 3D Printable Concretes

Abstract

In 3D printable concretes, fresh requirements such as pumpability, workability, constructability are affected by the rheological properties of the mixture. High yield stress and high viscosity cause blockages in the transmission line, while low yield stress and low viscosity cause the mixture to not provide the required shape stability. Even if the mixture to be printed has suitable rheological parameters, it is very important in terms of workability that it can be preserved over time. Here, cellulose nanocrystals and cellulose nanofibers were used in cement paste mixtures in order to ensure sufficient workability time in 3D printable concrete mixtures, and also to ensure that the originally designed rheological properties can be maintained over time. The Bingham model, which was created as a result of the measurements made with the viscometer device, was used to evaluate the rheological parameters of the mixes containing cellulose nanocrystal and cellulose nanofiber additions in varied amounts. As a result of the study, it was determined that the yield stress of the reference sample increased by 290% 45 minutes after the preparation of the mixture, while this rate decreased to 135% in the use of cellulose nanocrystals and to 79% in the use of cellulose nanofibers. While it increased by 205% at the end, this rate decreased to 37% with cellulose nanofibers and to 68% with cellulose nanocrystals. When the different additives are compared, it was concluded that cellulose nanofiber may be more effective than cellulose nanocrystal in controlling the increase in viscosity and yield stress over time.