Monday, March 30, 2026 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, LAX
The objective of this session is to disseminate knowledge about the advances, opportunities, and the potential of using cellulose nanomaterials (CNMs) in cementitious mixtures. The session will host talks on fresh properties (hydration, rheology, dispersion, and adsorption), hardened properties (mechanical and durability properties), and applications (e.g., 3D printing) of CNMs in cementitious systems.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Understanding the effect of CNMs or early age properties of concrete;
(2) Understanding long term properties of cementitious paste, mortar, and concrete mixtures with CNMs;
(3) Dispersion of CNMs in cementitious systems;
(4) Field applications and 3D printing possibilities.
Cellulose Nanofibrils: the Next Generation of Internal Curing Agents for Mitigating Autogenous Shrinkage in Concrete
Presented By: Linfei Li
Affiliation: Florida International University
Description: Current trends in the increased usage of low water-to-cement (w/c) ratio concrete mixtures highlight the need for internal curing (IC) agents. IC agents counteract the effects of self desiccation and help mitigate early-age autogenous shrinkage. Externally curing water cannot penetrate deeply into low w/c mixtures because of its low permeability and evaporation competence. This study systematically investigates the absorption properties of different types of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) to identify the most suitable CNF types for internal curing. Different water retention tests, using a centrifuge and a modified teabag method, were conducted to measure absorption capacity. Desorption isotherms were obtained for various CNF types to better understand fluid release mechanisms. Saturated salt solutions were used to simulate high-humidity environments resembling early-age concrete conditions. Desorption value at high relative humidities (97% and 92%) was applied as the boundary to determine the required CNF content to mitigate early-age shrinkage in concrete. Finally, the mechanical performance and long-term durability were evaluated.
Selection of Suitable Cellulose Nanofibers Derived from Eco-friendly Sources for the Production of Lightweight Cementitious Composites with Tuned Rheological, Mechanical, and Microstructure Properties
Presented By: Shiho Kawashima
Affiliation: Columbia University
Description: Different cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) were combined to prepare CNF-OPC composite pastes at different water to cement ratios (W/C) to optimize density, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength. The rheological data of CNF-OPC composites showed that the viscosity and yield stress of the mixtures were abruptly increased in comparison to those of OPC pastes at equal W/C. Rheological and morphological data showed that the uniformity of the CNF and degree of fiber entanglement plays a significant role in tuning the composite properties. CNF suspensions with short fibers were observed to improve the mechanical properties of the composite while suspensions with entangled fiber networks were found to decrease density and thermal conductivity. Loss of flexural strength of CNF-OPC compared to OPC was found to be to a lesser extent than loss of compressive strength. The dry density and thermal conductivity of the CNF-OPC composites were substantially reduced to the range of 750 (kg/m3) and 0.1 (W/m-1K-1) at W/C = 2. CNF caused a reduction in peak temperature and postponed the hydration peak by more than 2 h compared to OPC.
Effect of Cellulose Nanomaterials on Fresh and Hardened Properties of 3D Printed Carbonatable Cementitious Systems
Presented By: Mehdi Khanzadeh Moradllo
Affiliation: Temple University
Description: The production of carbonatable cementitious materials (CCMs) has the potential to offset an estimated four billion tons of CO2 yearly. Considering the rapid advancement of concrete 3D printing, developing 3D-printable CCMs is crucial for sustainable construction. This study develops sustainable 3D-printed cementitious composites of ternary CCMs using cellulose nanomaterials (CN-materials). This research examines the fresh properties of the developed mixtures using extrusion pressure profiles, investigates the mechanical and mass transport properties of 3D-printed CCMs with and without CN-materials, and relates microstructure characteristics of 3D-printed CCMs to their physical properties. Additionally, the environmental impact of these 3D-printed systems through a life cycle analysis (LCA) will be assessed.
Sustainable Cementitious Materials Containing Cellulose Nano Fiber for Concrete 3D-Printing
Presented By: Yu Wang
Affiliation: Purdue University - West Lafayette
Description: Cellulose nano fiber (CNF) is a class of biodegradable substances highly prized for their intrinsic non-toxicity and cost-effectiveness. Sourced from renewable materials, CNF have attracted interest in recent research, particularly for their capacity to alter the rheological properties of cementitious materials. This emerging potential positions CNF as a sustainable and cost-effective viscosity modifier in the 3D printing industry. Moreover, recent research has explored CNF multifaceted benefits, implying their capacity to accelerate the hydration process and optimize pore structures. Such improvements in the material matrix also yield enhancements in both mechanical and transport properties of cementitious materials. This presentation will cover rheological properties as well as printability and buildability analysis of 3D printing mixtures containing CNF and limestone filler. The hydration kinetics and mechanical properties of the mixture will also be presented. This incorporation has the potential to develop a sustainable and cost-efficient concrete mixture with enhanced rheology, mechanical, and durability performance for 3D printing applications.