Metakaolin Modification for Enhanced Durability: Evaluating the Longevity of 3D Printed Wood Material
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Michael Maughan (Mentor), University of Idaho
Abstract
Our research group aims to use additive manufacturing to make bio based wood houses. To assess the real-world durability of our environmentally friendly 3D printed material, we are addressing concerns such as ultraviolet light, humidity, and extreme temperatures. These conditions are being simulated using two testing chambers including the COOSPIDER UV resin curing light lamp and the TestEquity 1000H Series. I am conducting experiments to analyze the effects of aging on our material and explore the impact of adding an alkali activator, metakaolin, to enhance water resistance in the wood composite. The testing involves extruding rods of sodium silicate wood (SSW) mixture and sodium silicate metakaolin wood (SSMW) mixture. Specimens were cut and tested, with 10 specimens from each group serving as the control groups. The remaining specimens will be divided into groups of 8, exposed to various weathering events, and then tested for compressive strength using the Instron 5500R. I anticipate that the metakaolin-enriched samples will outperform others, demonstrating resilience against the environmental challenges applied.
Metakaolin Modification for Enhanced Durability: Evaluating the Longevity of 3D Printed Wood Material
Our research group aims to use additive manufacturing to make bio based wood houses. To assess the real-world durability of our environmentally friendly 3D printed material, we are addressing concerns such as ultraviolet light, humidity, and extreme temperatures. These conditions are being simulated using two testing chambers including the COOSPIDER UV resin curing light lamp and the TestEquity 1000H Series. I am conducting experiments to analyze the effects of aging on our material and explore the impact of adding an alkali activator, metakaolin, to enhance water resistance in the wood composite. The testing involves extruding rods of sodium silicate wood (SSW) mixture and sodium silicate metakaolin wood (SSMW) mixture. Specimens were cut and tested, with 10 specimens from each group serving as the control groups. The remaining specimens will be divided into groups of 8, exposed to various weathering events, and then tested for compressive strength using the Instron 5500R. I anticipate that the metakaolin-enriched samples will outperform others, demonstrating resilience against the environmental challenges applied.