Geopolymers reinforced by short and long fibres – innovative materials for additive manufacturing

Abstract

The article discusses the influence of the reinforcement on the properties of geopolymers composites dedicated to 3D printing and is focused on geopolymer composites based on fly ash reinforced with fibres. It compares effectiveness of reinforcement by short and long fibres, especially mechanical properties such as flexural. The comparison includes various composites (short and long fibre-reinforced geopolymers and plain samples, after 28 days). The base for the article are literature data as well as the research conducted in the framework of two projects. The first, under the title ‘Development of eco-friendly composite materials based on geopolymer matrix and reinforced with waste fibres’ is conducted in the framework of international consortium in the ERANet-LAC 2nd Joint Call ( http://www.eranet-lac.eu ). The second under the title: ‘Development of 3D printing technology for construction and facade prefabricated elements made of concrete composites and geopolymers’ is funded by the National Centre for Research and Development in Poland, within the framework of programme: ‘Smart Growth Operational Programme 2014–2020, IV Increasing the research potential, 4.1.4: ‘Application projects’. The achieved results show that mechanical properties of the new composites made by additive technology method are better than ones for the plain samples. The fibres addition could influence similarly for different solutions provided for 3D printing technologies.