Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a fast-curing, environmentally friendly alternative to conventional concrete designed specifically for 3D printing in construction. The material replaces cement—which is responsible for a significant share of global CO₂ emissions—with a mix primarily made from soil, sand, hemp fibers, and biochar, and hardens almost immediately through a chemical process known as frontal polymerization. This allows printed structures to support their own weight during fabrication, enables complex forms such as overhangs, and achieves structural strength suitable for housing within days rather than weeks. The innovation has strong potential for low-carbon construction and rapid deployment, for example in disaster-relief housing, although further work is needed to reduce costs and meet building-code requirements before large-scale adoption.
