PREPARATION OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FROM SIMULATED LUNAR ROCK SAND USING ALKALI SALTS

Abstract

In this study, we attempted to prepare construction materials from simulated lunar rock sand using fusion agent made up of components obtained from the lunar surface. Currently, space development is active in many countries. When building on the Moon, it is difficult to bring all the construction materials from the Earth, and there is a need to develop construction materials made from lunar resources. In a previous study, geopolymer cement was successfully prepared by alkali fusion of simulated lunar rock sand with sodium hydroxide (NaOH). However, sodium hydroxide is almost nonexistent on the lunar surface and must be transported from outside. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to develop a construction material by applying alkali fusion to simulated lunar sand using a fusion agent consisting of existing elements on the lunar surface. Solidified products with the strength to maintain their form can be produced using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH), and products using potassium hydroxide are approximately twice as strong as those using sodium hydroxide. Sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaSH), a solidified body with a domed shape and a hollow interior, can be produced when heated in a vacuum atmosphere at 130 °C.