3D Printing
News Videos Newsletter Contact us
Home / News / Researchers Study Use of Graphene Oxide in 3D Printed Concrete
qidi

Researchers Study Use of Graphene Oxide in 3D Printed Concrete

December 5, 2023

A collaborative study by RMIT University and the University of Melbourne has explored the impact of graphene oxide on 3D printed concrete. This research marks the first detailed examination of how graphene oxide, a nanomaterial prevalent in batteries and electronics, influences concrete’s printability and compressive properties. The findings reveal that incorporating graphene oxide not only enhances concrete’s electrical conductivity but also boosts its strength by up to 10%. The researchers emphasized the potential for creating ‘smart’ buildings with this concrete, where walls can serve as sensors for detecting minute cracks.

Researchers Study Use of Graphene Oxide in 3D Printed Concrete
SEM images of cement matrix. (Image Credit: RMIT University/University of Melbourne)

Traditional methods like ultrasonic or acoustic sensors, though effective for large crack detection, struggle with early identification of smaller fissures. The bulky equipment used for these methods presents challenges in monitoring vast structures such as bridges or skyscrapers. Graphene oxide’s inclusion, however, paves the way for an embedded electrical circuit within concrete structures, aiding in the early detection of structural issues and environmental changes.

Graphene oxide’s promise extends beyond just smart applications. It could also enhance the practicality of 3D printed concrete in construction, offering benefits in cost and sustainability. The study highlights the labor, time, and waste reduction advantages of 3D printing over traditional formwork methods. Additionally, graphene oxide improves inter-layer bonding in 3D printed concrete, essential for structural integrity.

However, the research also underscores the delicate balance required in the concrete mixture. Excessive graphene oxide can disrupt the hydration process vital for concrete strength, leading to potential printability and durability issues. The next research phase will focus on the electrical conductivity of graphene oxide in concrete, further assessing its viability as a smart material.
You can read the research paper titled “Exploration of using graphene oxide for strength enhancement of 3D-printed cementitious mortar” in Additive Manufacturing Letters at this link.

Come and let us know your thoughts on our Facebook, X, and LinkedIn pages, and don’t forget to sign up for our weekly additive manufacturing newsletter to get all the latest stories delivered right to your inbox.

Share:
WhatsApp Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Buffer Reddit E-mail
About the author | Phillip Keane
Phillip is an aerospace engineer from UK. He is a graduate of Coventry University (UK), International Space University (France) and Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), where he studied Advanced Manufacturing at the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing.
Join our newsletter

Our newsletter is free & you can unsubscribe any time.

Latest posts

ASTM International Approves New Standard to Streamline AM Processes

ASTM International's additive manufacturing technologies committee (F42) has approved a new standard designed to help businesses navigate the procurement and delivery of 3D... read more »

News
ASTM International Approves New Standard to Streamline AM Processes

Trek Launches 3D Printed AirLoom Saddle Line

Trek has introduced its first 3D-printed saddle series, the Aeolus AirLoom, featuring what the company calls AirLoom lattice technology. The new design updates... read more »

News
Trek Launches 3D Printed AirLoom Saddle Line

QuesTek Partners with Niobium Producer to Develop High-Temperature 3D Printing Alloy

QuesTek Innovations has partnered with a global niobium producer to develop a high-temperature alloy designed for additive manufacturing. The project targets aerospace and... read more »

3D Printing Metal
QuesTek Partners with Niobium Producer to Develop High-Temperature 3D Printing Alloy

Autodesk Research and Additive Tectonics Develop 3D Printed Floor System with Alternative Materials

Autodesk Research has partnered with Additive Tectonics to develop a new approach to concrete floor construction using 3D printing technology. The collaboration combines... read more »

Construction

NREL Acquires Large-Scale Metal 3D Printer to Advance Marine Energy Research

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has installed a new laser-powered metal 3D printer at its Flatirons Campus to support marine energy device... read more »

3D Printing Metal
NREL Acquires Large-Scale Metal 3D Printer to Advance Marine Energy Research

Apple Adopts 3D Printing for Titanium USB-C Ports in New iPhone Air

Apple’s latest smartphone release marks a quiet but notable step in consumer electronics manufacturing: the company has confirmed that its new iPhone Air... read more »

3D Printing Metal
Apple Iphone 17 air

GKN Aerospace Expands Connecticut Facility for 3D Printed Engine Components

GKN Aerospace announced the expansion of its Newington, Connecticut facility to include a new production line for additively manufactured Fan Case Mount Ring... read more »

Aerospace
GKN Aerospace Expands Connecticut Facility for 3D Printed Engine Components

UltiMaker Launches Secure 3D Printing Line for Defense Applications

UltiMaker has introduced its Secure Line of 3D printing products specifically designed for defense and high-security environments. The initial lineup includes the UltiMaker... read more »

News
UltiMaker Launches Secure 3D Printing Line for Defense Applications

Digital Manufacturing Centre Delivers 90kg 3D Printed Military Vehicle Component

The Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC) has completed production of its largest additive manufacturing metal component to date - a 90kg suspension and differential... read more »

3D Printing Metal
Digital Manufacturing Centre Delivers 90kg 3D Printed Military Vehicle Component

Designer Creates Modular Sneakers with 3D Printed Soles and Climbing Rope Laces

Daniyar Uderbekov, a designer based in Kazakhstan, has developed UDRB, a pair of modular sneakers designed to address environmental concerns in the footwear... read more »

Fashion

Social

  • Facebook Facebook 3D Printing
  • Linkedin Linkedin 3D Printing
Join our newsletter

Our newsletter is free & you can unsubscribe any time.

Featured Industries

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Fashion
  • Medical
  • Military
  • QIDI Tech X-Max 3

    • - Print size: 325 x 325 x 315 mm
    • - fully enclosed
    More details »
    $799.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now
  • QIDI Tech Q1 Pro

    • - Print size: 245 x 245 x 245 mm
    • - 600mm/s max speed
    More details »
    $449.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now
  • Snapmaker Artisan Premium 3-in-1

    • - Print size: 400 x 400 x 400 mm
    • - comes with enclosure
    More details »
    $2,999.00 Snapmaker
    Buy Now
  • QIDI Plus4

    • - Print size: 305 x 305 x 280 mm
    • - print temperature of 370°C
    More details »
    $799.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now

Company Information

  • What is 3D Printing?
  • Contact us
  • Join our mailing list
  • Advertise with us
  • Media Kit
  • Nederland 3D Printing

Blog

  • Latest News
  • Use Cases
  • Reviews
  • 3D Printers
  • 3D Printing Metal

Featured Reviews

  • Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
  • Creality Ender 5 S1
  • The Mole 3D Scanner
  • Flashforge Creator 3 Pro

Featured Industries

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Fashion
  • Art
2025 — Strikwerda en Dehue
  • Home
  • Join our mailing list
  • Contact us
Blog
  • Latest News
  • Use Cases
  • Reviews
  • 3D Printers
  • 3D Printing Metal
Featured Industries
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Fashion
  • Art
Company Information
  • What is 3D Printing?
  • Contact us
  • Join our mailing list
  • Advertise with us
  • Media Kit
  • Nederland 3D Printing