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A Review on Geopolymer Technology for Lunar Base Construction.
Sujeong Lee1,2, Arie van Riessen3
1Resources Utilization Division, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, Daejeon 34132, Korea.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 9, 2022
Summary
Geopolymers, synthetic binders, show promise for lunar construction using in situ resource utilization (ISRU). Further research is needed to address variations in lunar regolith for reliable astronaut habitats.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Geochemistry
- Civil Engineering
Background:
- Geopolymers are synthetic amorphous aluminosilicate materials.
- They offer a sustainable alternative to ordinary Portland cement as inorganic binders.
- Geopolymer research is crucial for long-term lunar missions and in situ resource utilization (ISRU).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the potential of geopolymers as a lunar-based construction material.
- To review the latest research on lunar regolith-based geopolymers.
- To propose future research directions for geopolymer technology in ISRU.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent geopolymer research for space applications.
- Analysis of lunar regolith simulants and their geopolymerization characteristics.
- Assessment of geopolymer applicability for astronaut protection in the lunar environment.
Main Results:
- Lunar regolith simulants show high potential for geopolymer-based construction materials.
- Geopolymers can provide protection for astronauts against the harsh lunar environment.
- Variations in lunar regolith composition present challenges for consistent geopolymer production.
Conclusions:
- Geopolymer technology holds significant potential for lunar construction and ISRU.
- Addressing the variability of lunar regolith is critical for successful implementation.
- Systematic experimental planning is required to advance lunar geopolymer development.
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