Northumbria University in Newcastle will receive over €250,000 under the EU’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie funding line to advance the development of sustainable materials for 3D printing in construction. The focus is on research into geopolymer building materials in which conventional cement is replaced by alternative activators based on industrial and agricultural waste.
The project is led by Associate Professor Keerthan Poologanathan from the Department of Civil Engineering. He is supported by Dr. Vikki Edmondson and Dr. Mohammadali Rezazadeh. The scientific work will be carried out by Dr. Jyotirmoy Mishra, who is joining the university as part of the fellowship. The aim is to develop new, extrudable geopolymer mortars that are suitable for robot-assisted 3D printing and at the same time have a significantly better environmental footprint than classic Portland cement.
Commenting on his MCSA Fellowship, Dr Jyotirmoy Mishra said: “I am truly honoured to receive the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship and to join Northumbria’s world-class Associate Professor Keerthan Poologanathan and his research team. This project allows me to contribute to cutting-edge innovation in sustainable construction by integrating material science, structural engineering, and digital manufacturing.
“The opportunity to explore waste-based alternative activators in 3D-printed geopolymer mortars is both timely and essential for addressing global climate challenges in the built environment. Being awarded the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship is a significant milestone that will greatly advance my research career and enable me to translate research into industry-relevant solutions.”
As part of the research, parameters such as solidification behavior, workability, compressive strength, microstructure and long-term stability are to be systematically investigated. The project will be supplemented by a comprehensive life cycle analysis to assess the ecological impact. The use of alternative activators – for example from fly ash, granulated blast furnace slag or agricultural residues – is intended to contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emissions in the construction industry.
Speaking about the funding award, Dr Poologanathan said: “The MSCA Fellowship is a recognition of the Northumbria’s research excellence and reinforces our position as a hub for advanced, interdisciplinary work in sustainable engineering.
“3D-printed concrete is the future of sustainable construction – this research will help to reduce carbon emissions, cut material costs, and minimise waste, while improving the strength and durability of modern infrastructure.”
The work builds on a 3D printing infrastructure installed in the university’s structural laboratory last year. Cooperation partners include the printer manufacturer Luyten 3D and the British company ChangeMaker 3D.
Metal Binder Jetting: The Key to Efficient Tool Manufacturing? - Exclusive Insights from INDO-MIM
Fill out the form and get instant access to an exclusive webinar on HP's Metal Binder Jetting 3D printing technology with exciting insights from INDO-MIM.Subscribe to our Newsletter
3DPresso is a weekly newsletter that links to the most exciting global stories from the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry.
