Abstract

3D-printed geopolymer components for passive humidity regulation in indoor environments

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Abstract

This study presents the experimental results from hygrothermal tests performed on a superhygroscopic geopolymer composite. Additionally, it analyses the potential of using the composite to implement 3D-printed panels with complex geometries for passive humidity regulation. Results indicate that the geopolymer composite has and MBV higher than 6 g·m⁻²·%RH⁻¹, which is consistent with the literature on similar composites. The optimised 3D-printed panels with high exposed surface were observed to have an MBV above 14 g·m⁻²·%RH⁻¹, more than double the one of the full-volume, flat samples of geopolymer composite. These results pave the way for future studies on application under realistic indoor conditions, via experimental and numerical methods, to quantify the potential of the developed 3D-printed panels to passively moderate indoor humidity levels and reduce our reliance on mechanical systems for humidity control.

Keywords: 3D printing, moisture buffering, MBV, dynamic hygrothermal simulations, geopolymer

How to Cite:

Posani, M., Voney, V., Odaglia, P., Du, Y., Komkova, A., Brumaud, C., Dillenburger, B. & Habert, G., (2025) “3D-printed geopolymer components for passive humidity regulation in indoor environments”, UCL Open Environment 7(S1). doi: https://doi.org/10.14324/111.444/ucloe.icmb25.a18

Rights: Author, [2025]