A team of researchers at ETH Zurich has 3D-printed walls and ceiling coverings capable of naturally absorbing and storing excess moisture, thereby combatting humidity in crowded indoor spaces.

Unlike traditional ventilation systems that are designed to combat humidity, this new approach does not consume energy. Instead, its developers explained, it addresses high humidity by using a hygroscopic material, which temporarily absorbs excess moisture from the air. Once absorbed and then stored, the moisture is subsequently released as the room is ventilated, thereby reducing the need for frequent mechanical dehumidification.

Source: ETH ZurichSource: ETH Zurich

To develop the material for the 3D-printed moisture absorbing walls, the team used finely ground marble quarry waste and a geopolymer binder composed of metakaolin and an alkaline solution, which bound the marble powder together to create a solid and durable material.

During trials of the material, the team produced a prototype 3D-printed wall/ceiling component that measured 20 cm X 20 cm and 4 cm thick, using binder jet printing technology that involved layering marble powder and binding it together using the geopolymer solution.

“We were able to demonstrate with numerical simulations that the building components can significantly reduce humidity in heavily used indoor spaces,” the researchers explained in a press release.

The material is detailed in the article, “Low-carbon indoor humidity regulation via 3D-printed superhygroscopic building components,” which was published in the journal Nature Communications.

For more information, watch the accompanying video that appears courtesy of ETH Zurich.

To contact the author of this article, email mdonlon@globalspec.com