Establishing a prototype for additive manufacturing for fiber reinforced geopolymers (Geo-3D)

The proposed research aims to investigate the large-scale production of a prototype with additive manufacturing of metakaolin based fiber-reinforced geopolymer. A novel microwave curing methodology for improving the buildability of the material. To achieve the goal of the project the studies will progress in 3 main phases. Throughout the first phase of the project, we will develop a new fiber reinforced geopolymer mortar composite material compatible with additive manufacturing. An analytical model will be developed correlating the composition and the performance of the geopolymer matrix. This phase will also include a novel microwave curing method for geopolymers. The second phase involves manufacturing of a large scale prototype with a smart printing head with a microwave curing device and established a compatible human-interface for printing the geopolymer At last, the third phase targets to develop an optimization-based decision support tool that recommends the best (in terms of cost, quality) manufacturing technology and manufacturing settings for the developed geopolymers.