3D-printed earth-based structures present a sustainable and affordable alternative to regular cement. As part of the Kawashima Lab in 2023-2024, I explored how rheological and mechanical properties of earth materials could be enhanced with the addition of biopolymers.

Some exciting results of my work with the Xanthan Gum polymer can be found in the paper below, and more will be published soon!

Y. Maierdan, D. Zhao, P. H. Chokshi, M. Garmonina, and S. Kawashima, “Rheology, 3D printing, and particle interactions of xanthan gum-clay binder for earth concrete,” Cem. Concr. Res., vol. 182, no. 107551, p. 107551, 2024.