About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2027 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Materials and Manufacturing in Space
|
| Presentation Title |
Vat Polymerization Based Additive Manufacturing of Ball-Milled Regolith Composites: From Particle Size Distribution to Print Parameter Optimization |
| Author(s) |
Finn Day, Ethan Lazar, Anisha Goel, Thomas Keller, Tomas Marangoni, Alessia Battigelli, Joseph Wright, Andrew Neils |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Finn Day |
| Abstract Scope |
3D printing using Martian regolith offers a path toward sustainable construction and logistics for long duration space missions, representing a form of in-situ resource utilization. This study investigates UV curable resin composites containing Martian regolith simulant for digital light processing (DLP) based 3D printing. Because Martian regolith particles can reach sizes up to 1 mm, well outside the acceptable range for DLP layer thickness, the simulant was ball milled to reduce particle size. Print parameters, including layer thickness and UV exposure time, were systematically evaluated across a range of resulting particle size distributions to identify optimal processing parameters. The as-built green bodies were further characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and uniaxial tensile testing. By correlating particle size distribution and print process parameters with green body properties, this work offers practical insights into the development of DLP compatible, regolith filled composites for in-space manufacturing. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Additive Manufacturing, Polymers, Ceramics |