When you go on a trip to space, you must choose your luggage very carefully. Just in case, when we take to the beach with us, there is no place where every kilogram counts. In fact, only one kilogram investment $54,000 more when starting the ferry. However, in International Space Station, Mars or Moon no market or duty free zone where you can buy oblivion at the last minute. So, in addition to choosing what to take on board, it is important to find ways to take advantage of the resources of the place you are going to, so that the astronauts have everything they need. For example, the material that covers the earth on Mars is called regolithcan have very interesting applications.
It has been observed that, when mixed with blood or urine, it can be used to make bricks. It may have been a little inconvenient to constantly ask the astronauts for blood, but urine is produced several times a day without any effort. And that is not all. The Martian regolith itself can be used to create ceramicsalthough it is quite brittle when dry. However, a group of scientists from Washington State University discovered that when mixed with a titanium alloy, this regolith ceramic becomes an extremely durable material.
In addition, it can be entered into 3D printer to make all kinds of objects. This is currently being practiced with simulations of the Martian regolith; but when the time comes it can be just as effective with the real thing.
Ceramic with regolith of Mars
The first attempts to obtain clay with regolith from Mars were unsuccessful. Cracks very easily, so it is not suitable for the manufacture of containers or parts that will be subjected to heavy loads. However, it can be used as a coating to prevent oxidation, or even as a shield against radiation.
However, if 5% of this regolith mixed with alloy titanium, aluminum and vanadium previously melts at 2000 °C, the material is completely different. The result does not bubble or crack like ceramic. This is a big advantage; but this is what, in addition, you get Lightweight material, as well as tough and resistant.
As those responsible for the investigation explained in a study published in International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology, this mixture was used to make parts of different shapes and sizes using 3D printing. Thus, it was possible to build all sorts of objects, from tools to parts for rockets.
The result in these first tests was very good, although there is a small drawback that cannot be overlooked: it is only 5% regolith. The rest of the materials should take them equally from the earth. In any case, this is a great progress, and scientists do not exclude that in the future it can be improved using other materials that can also be obtained on Mars.
After all, before traveling to the red planet for many years. On the list of milestones to be reached in the space race, long before returning to the moon. And the first step to achieving it became a bit difficult. Take it easy, we still have plenty of time to find ways to optimize it with a higher proportion of Martian resources.
Source: Hiper Textual
