Research on 3D Printing Mortar Pore Structure: How Recycled Powder Affects Compression Softening Behavior

Research Overview: According to the study included in Volume 133 of the Journal of Building Engineering (published on December 1, 2026), authors Changqing Wang and Zihan Cao conducted compression softening behavior and layered X-ray CT (X-ray CT) pore structure analysis on 3D printed mortar containing recycled powder. This study combines mechanical response with layered characterization of pore structure, belonging to the category of building material performance and testing, and has reference value for understanding the microstructure of printing mortar.

Methods and Focus

The study uses compression softening test to investigate the softening characteristics of materials under compression conditions, and uses X-ray CT to perform layered analysis of pore tissue.

. From the source information, the research focuses on the distribution and organization of pore tissue in printed mortar, rather than a single strength indicator. This analytical approach of “mechanical behavior pore structure” is consistent with the focus on material durability and construction stability in the field of architecture and home decoration.

Significance for the polymer additive industry

The pore structure of 3D printed mortar directly affects the compactness, mechanical response, and long-term service performance of the material.

. For building and home decoration material systems, pore control is also an important part of formula design: in PVC profiles and pipes, pores and density during processing can affect the mechanical properties and surface quality of the products; In waterproofing, architectural coatings, and sealants, the pore structure is related to the film density and weather resistance. The layered X-ray CT analysis used in the study provides a reference detection method for observing the internal pore structure of materials, and also suggests that formulation personnel need to simultaneously evaluate the influence of pore structure on compression softening behavior when paying attention to the introduction of fillers such as recycled powder. From the perspective of additives, the weather stability of building materials is closely related to the application of antioxidants and light stabilizers, especially under outdoor exposure conditions, PVC profiles and other products need to delay aging through a stabilizing system. Although the study did not directly involve polymer additives, its focus on pore structure and mechanical softening reminds the industry to consider fillers, pore structure, and stable systems together in the formulation design of building materials to support the performance maintenance of products in long-term use.

Industry Insights

This study provides a case study of pore structure analysis for 3D printing mortar containing recycled powder, which has reference significance for formula optimization and testing methods of building and home decoration materials.

. In the subsequent application of sustainable raw materials such as recycled powders, it is still worth paying attention to how to control the pore structure through formulation and processing, and combine weather stability with antioxidant, light stabilizer and other auxiliary systems.

Information source:Compressive softening and layer-resolved X-ray CT analysis of pore organization in 3D-printed mortar with recycled powder， Organized by Herun Chemical.