Compressive properties of cementitious composites reinforced by 3D printed PA 6 lattice

The lattice-reinforced cementitious composites prepared by placing 3D printed lattices in cementitious matrix has been proved to be effective in improving the bending mechanical properties of cement-based materials, such as improving ductility and brittleness. However, the compressive properties of 3D printed lattice-reinforced cementitious composites are still an open question. In this paper, the compressive properties of 3D printed polyamide 6 (PA6) lattice-reinforced cementitious composites with different structural forms were studies. Six kinds of lattices were fabricated by multi jet fusion (MJF) technique. The volumes of these lattices are identical to ensure that the volume enhancement ratio of the lattices in the cementitious composite specimen is the same. The plain cementitious matrix without lattice was set as the control group, and two nondestructive testing methods, AE and DIC, were used to compare the compressive properties between plain cementitious matrix and lattice-reinforced cementitious composites with different structural forms. The experimental results show that the 3D printed lattice can significantly improve the mechanical properties and failure modes of cement-based materials under uniaxial compression. In contrast, the six lattice forms used in this study can improve the maximum compressive bearing capacity and deformation capacity of the cement-based materials under uniaxial compression test, and reduce the damage of cement-based materials in the elastic deformation stage. This paper confirms that 3D printed lattices can improve the compressive properties of cement-based materials and provide a new method for improving the compressive strength of cement-based materials. At the same time, it provides new ideas for the development of ideal substitutes for steel bars in corrosive environments, energy conservation and emission reduction and the development of green buildings. •3D printed lattice-reinforced cementitious composites with different compression deformation mechanisms were fabricated.•Compressive properties of 3D printed PA6 lattice-reinforced cementitious composites were studied.•Deformation evolution of 3D printed PA6 lattice-reinforced cementitious composites during compression was monitored by DIC.•AE was used to monitor the damage characteristics of 3D printed PA6 lattice-reinforced cement-based composites.•Failure mechanism of 3D printed PA6 lattice-reinforced cementitious composites was studied.