Comparison of Porosity and Thermal Conductivity of Concrete and Alkali-Activated Hybrid Binders in 3D-Printed Fiber-Reinforced Foamed Composites

Fiber-reinforced foamed composites have recently attracted growing interest due to their potential in sustainable construction and advanced additive manufacturing. However, their performance strongly depends on the type of matrix and fiber system used. The aim of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of matrix type and fiber composition on the porosity, thermal behavior, and mechanical performance of 3D-printed fiber-reinforced foamed composites. To this end, cementitious mixtures (M1-M3) were compared with alkali-activated hybrid binder systems (M4-M6). The results revealed marked differences in mechanical strength, dimensional stability, moisture transport, and interlayer cohesion. Alkali-activated specimens, particularly M5 and M6, exhibited superior compressive, flexural, and shear strength; reduced water penetration; and improved fiber-matrix bonding, associated with a denser and more homogeneous pore structure. In contrast, cementitious composites showed greater dimensional stability and easier process control, indicating practical advantages for large-scale on-site applications. The results highlight that while alkali activation and hybrid fiber reinforcement enhance structural performance, non-activated foamed concretes remain promising for applications prioritizing simplicity, reproducibility, and thermal insulation.