3D-printed structures made of ice in icy test environments

Researchers at the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in New Hampshire are testing an unusual 3D printing material: ice. In a laboratory at around minus 8 degrees Celsius, they are using a modified ceramic 3D printer. This creates small structures from frozen water and tiny, biodegradable wood fibers.

These fibres are significantly thinner than a human hair and provide stabilizing structures. In this way, printed layers retain their shape before they freeze completely. The project is aimed at remote, cold regions. The aim is to make alternative building materials available there in order to build basic infrastructure. In these environments, it is difficult to have traditional materials or personnel on site.

Ice and local resources make smaller shelters possible. Road repairs can also be carried out more quickly. In spring, the team built a toaster-sized “ice doll’s house” within seven hours. Each layer was applied individually. In contrast to previous experiments, in which liquid nitrogen was used, this method is intended to work without such cooling solutions in the long term. Such techniques are difficult to scale up and are not suitable for larger buildings.

According to the materials scientist involved, Emily Asenath-Smith, the team is planning larger objects. They should reach the size of a “dog house” to enable practical tests. One difficult point is the correct mixing ratio. It has to flow well through the nozzles and still solidify quickly. If this balancing act is successful, stable but flexible structures could be created in the long term.