About this Abstract |
Meeting |
2025 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2025)
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Symposium
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2025 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2025)
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Presentation Title |
Regolith-Filled Thermoset as a Candidate Material in Lunar Construction |
Author(s) |
Marco Brander, Tusher Mollah, Jon Spangenberg, Berin Šeta |
On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Marco Brander |
Abstract Scope |
The development of construction materials that leverage in-situ resources is essential for establishing sustainable lunar habitats, making regolith-based composites a promising solution. This study explores the viability of regolith-filled two-component thermoset materials for potential application in extraterrestrial construction. Experimental testing was carried out to assess compressive and tensile strength, with samples prepared at different regolith-to-polymer ratios to investigate the influence of composition on mechanical properties and printability. Additive manufacturing was employed to fabricate standard geometries, providing further insight into the material's printability and structural behavior. The results indicate that thermoset polymers act as effective binders for regolith-based mixtures, although certain compositions present challenges during mixing and extrusion. These observations suggest that further optimization, such as through the use of plasticizers or tailored regolith particle size distributions, could enhance material performance. Overall, the findings contribute to advancing the evaluation of thermoset-based regolith composites for lunar additive manufacturing and construction. |
Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Post-meeting proceedings |