Session: 03-07-01 Materials for Extreme Environment I

Paper Number: 107092

107092 - A Compositional Study of Regolith Composites With Carbon Nanotube Additives for Extraterrestrial Construction 

As extraterrestrial construction becomes an increasingly relevant concept to execute, it is crucial to identify materials that balance high mechanical performance and ease of sourcing. One such candidate material, suitable for lunar habitat construction, is lunar regolith in combination with urea. This research aims to develop novel lunar regolith composite for improved material strength. In this study, we explore the relationship between the loading of carbon nanotubes within lunar regolith composites and their respective mechanical properties. Carbon nanotubes are becoming a material that is increasingly used in aerospace manufacturing. Studies have shown the addition of carbon nanotubes in applications, such as fly ash composites, increase the mechanical properties of the material. The results of this study will include the compressive strength for specimens containing CNTs at different weight fractions of 0%, .25%, .50% and 1.00%. The formulation of the composite material consists of lunar regolith, urea, distilled water, phosphoric acid, and carbon nanotube powder. The materials total 50g in weight and they are mixed together for 3 minutes. Once a consistent consistency mixture is achieved, it is then cast in a 3cm x 3cm cylinder mold and then left out to open air for 1 day. The sample can then be removed from the cast and be cured in an oven for 8 hours at 80°C. Preliminary specimens without carbon nanotubes have achieved a maximum compressive strength of 3.55 N/m^2. Space habitats require thorough and repeated testing in order to protect the lives at stake. The development of such materials will allow for more freedom within the structural possibilities available in space architecture.

Presenting Author: Andrea Hoe Syracuse University

Presenting Author Biography: Andrea Hoe is an undergraduate student at Syracuse University majoring in Architecture. Her research interests focus on lunar regolith composites for construction on the Moon.

Authors:

Andrea Hoe Syracuse University
Wenhua Lin Syracuse University
Yeqing Wang Syracuse University