Use of Alkali Activation of Alumino-Silicates to Form Binders from Lunar Soil

by P. J. Schilling, Louisiana State Univ, United States,
H. C. Eaton, Louisiana State Univ, United States,
A. Roy, Louisiana State Univ, United States,
P. G. Malone, Louisiana State Univ, United States,
W. N. Brabston, Louisiana State Univ, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Space

Abstract:

The establishment of a permanently manned lunar base requires construction materials which can withstand the lunar environment and can be obtained from locally available lunar materials. Manufacturing of alkali-activated alumino silicate cements from the lunar regolith is explored. A review of lunar materials and suggested manufacturing techniques is made, along with a survey of available data on alkali-activated glassy cements, such as blast-furnace cement. Comparison of these studies suggests that materials which exhibit cementitious properties upon activation could be obtained from lunar soils, due to their oxide compositions and high glassy content. Experimental work with NaOH activated blast-furnace slag cement demonstrates that high speed cements can be obtained at elevated temperatures, which could be advantageous under lunar conditions.

Subject Headings: Lunar materials | Cement | Space construction | Construction materials | Alkalinity and acidity | Silica | Material properties

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