In order for astronauts to survive on Mars, building durable, cost-effective structures is paramount for protection against cosmic radiation, low pressures, and fluctuating temperatures. This research studies the use of in-situ Mars regolith for the manufacture of geopolymer cement. Cylindrical samples 2 cm in diameter were made with JSC Mars 1-A (a Martian regolith simulant) and different amounts of activator solution (3:1 ratio of Na<sub>2</sub>SiO<sub>3</sub> to NaOH) in order to determine the minimum amount of material needed from Earth. The samples were pressed at 2000 psi followed by curing under various pressure and temperature conditions. The samples were then characterized by a comparison of their compressive strengths and by FTIR and Raman spectroscopies to determine the extent of geopolymerization.

Preparation of in-situ regolith-based geopolymers for Martian structures

255th National Meeting (2018)

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