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Robust and Elastic Lunar and Martian Structures from 3D-Printed Regolith Inks
Adam E Jakus1,2, Katie D Koube1,2, Nicholas R Geisendorfer1,2
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Drive, Room 2036, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
Scientific Reports
|March 21, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed 3D-printed lunar and Martian regolith simulant (LRS and MRS) materials with robust, elastic properties using ambient condition printing. These materials demonstrate potential for extraterrestrial construction and resource utilization.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
- Planetary Science
Background:
- Lunar and Martian regolith simulants (LRS and MRS) present unique challenges due to their irregular particle morphologies.
- Developing robust and elastic materials from these simulants is crucial for extraterrestrial construction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a comprehensive approach for creating robust, elastic, designer LRS and MRS architectures.
- To investigate the 3D-printing characteristics and mechanical properties of regolith simulant inks.
Main Methods:
- Ambient condition, extrusion-based 3D-printing of LRS and MRS inks.
- Ink synthesis via mixing regolith simulant powders with solvents and polylactic-co-glycolic acid.
- Characterization of ink rheology, printing parameters, material microstructure, porosity, and mechanical properties.
Main Results:
- Both LRS and MRS inks exhibit similar rheological and 3D-printing characteristics.
- 3D-printed materials show distinct microstructures and porosity (20-40%), contributing to rubber-like mechanical properties.
- Young's moduli range from 1.8 to 13.2 MPa with extension to failure exceeding 250%.
Conclusions:
- The developed 3D-printing approach enables the creation of robust and elastic lunar and Martian regolith simulant architectures.
- The materials possess properties suitable for extraterrestrial applications.
- Potential for in-situ resource utilization through reclamation and recycling of ink components is highlighted.
