Sintering of 3D printable simulated lunar regolith magnesium oxychloride cements

• Published in: Acta astronautica Vol. 183; pp. 227 - 232
• Main Authors: Osio-Norgaard, Jorge, Hayes, Austin C., Whiting, Gregory L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elmsford Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2021; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Additive manufacturing; Cement; Cements; Compressive strength; Fabrication; ISRU; Lunar regolith; Lunar surface; Magnesium; Magnesium oxychloride cement; Manufacturing industry; Material properties; Porosity; Regolith; Simulation; Sintering; Sintering (powder metallurgy); Three dimensional printing; Magnesium oxychloride cement; Additive manufacturing; Sintering; ISRU
• ISSN: 0094-5765; 1879-2030
• DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2021.03.016

This study investigates the formulation, processing, hardened state properties, and additive manufacturing of sintered 3D-printable simulated lunar regolith magnesium oxychloride (MOC) cements. Sintering of these materials up to 1200 °C leads to full decomposition of the lunar regolith based MOC cement with release of HCl and water, which could potentially be captured and reused without compromising material properties. The sintering process reduces porosity and increases compressive strength, particularly when the material is initially pre-dried. 3D print manufacturing of the simulated lunar regolith cement is demonstrated using a powder binder jetting technique, showing expected pattern reproduction suitable for the manufacturing of small-scale parts. This material and processing approach could provide opportunities for future lunar fabrication of parts using additive manufacturing and in-situ resources, reducing the need for dedicated manufacturing facilities, distant transport of materials, and minimizing water demands through partial recovery during processing. •A sintering process for magnesium oxychloride cements is proposed.•3D print manufacturing is demonstrated utilizing a powder binder jetting technique.•This material processing approach provides opportunities for ISRU by minimizing water demand through partial recovery.