3D printing of alkali-activated geopolymers for sustainable and circular economy advancements

The urgent global challenges of climate change and resource overconsumption highlight the need for sustainable innovations in the construction industry. Ordinary portland cement, a vital construction material, significantly contributes to carbon emissions. Alkali-activated materials have emerged as promising alternatives. Three-dimensional printing (3DP) has gained attention in construction, because it offers efficiency and sustainability benefits. This study addresses the integration of alkali-activated materials and 3DP, focusing on circular economy implications. This study examines 1,200 research articles from the Scopus database and comprehensively reviews 47 articles on 3DP of geopolymer structures. This study identifies critical research gaps, including a lack of focus on 3DP for alkali-activated materials, circular economy models, optimal mixtures, anisotropy mitigation, reinforcement strategies, and scalability. These insights highlight the transformative potential of 3DP with alkali-activated materials in sustainable construction, fostering a circular economy.