Resin based 3D printing for fabricating reactive porous media

Resin based three-dimensional (3D) printing is popular for many applications including replicating geologic porous media samples. This study is the first to explore resin-based 3D printing of reactive porous media. Here, digital light projection (DLP) 3D printing of sandstone replicates was performed using photosensitive resin mixed with calcite of varying amounts. Printed samples were imaged in 3D using X-ray micro computed tomography (mu CT). Printed sample porosities are consistent and close to the original mesh porosity. Calcite volume fractions are generally in agreement with the calcite content in the resin mixture. Calcite accessible surface areas are similar to published values for real sandstones and calcite dissolution was observed in acidic batch experiments, evidence of its surface reactivity. DLP printing is thereby promising for fabricating reactive porous media samples.

Automated summary

This study successfully realized the resin-based 3D printing of reactive porous media using digital light projection (DLP) technology. Printed samples were imaged in 3D using X-ray micro computed tomography (mu CT), and the porosities of the printed samples were consistent with the original mesh. Calcite volume fractions were in agreement with the resin mixture, and the calcite accessible surface areas were similar to published values for real sandstones. Calcite dissolution was observed in acidic batch experiments, indicating its surface reactivity.