The authors are proposing a comprehensive research approach and terminology for providing a framework to utilize an ordinary portland cement (OPC) alternative class of materials for both extraterrestrial habitats and terrestrial 3D construction applications, where sand and clay can replace regolith. Magnesia-based binders (MBBs) have shown a great promise for use in different additive construction (AC) applications due to its superior properties such as high compressive strength, rapid setting time, and excellent durability, in addition to the possibility of harvesting these binders from lunar and Martian regolith. Our primary objective in this research is to prove the concept of utilizing magnesia phosphate cement (MPC) composites with different additives, including boric acid, graphene nanoplatelets (GnP), acetic acid, and potentially Martian and lunar regolith simulants as a potential construction material for the planetary habitation exploration missions. Before adjusting the mix design properties required to meet specific 3D construction printing needs, several aspects must be studied in depth to provide a better understanding of the MPC paste and composite behavior. This work aims to give more insight into the relative physical, mechanical, thermal, and chemical performance of the MPC pastes with varying additions of boric acid. The experimental results show that boric acid can change the phase compositions of the MPC paste and affect its performance. It can improve the initial setting time of the paste and alter the structure of its binding products. Finally, our proposed research creatively utilizes artificial neural networks (ANN) to investigate and subsequently optimize both the MPC pastes and composite formulation for real-time adjusting of 3D printing processes based on the desired material performance criteria.

Access the Conference Proceedings Paper on ASCE Library 

The authors are proposing a comprehensive research approach and terminology for providing a framework to utilize an ordinary portland cement (OPC) alternative class of materials for both extraterrestrial habitats and terrestrial 3D construction applications, where sand and clay can replace regolith. Magnesia-based binders (MBBs) have shown a great promise for use in different additive construction (AC) applications due to its superior properties such as high compressive strength, rapid setting time, and excellent durability, in addition to the possibility of harvesting these binders from lunar and Martian regolith. Our primary objective in this research is to prove the concept of utilizing magnesia phosphate cement (MPC) composites with different additives, including boric acid, graphene nanoplatelets (GnP), acetic acid, and potentially Martian and lunar regolith simulants as a potential construction material for the planetary habitation exploration missions. Before adjusting the mix design properties required to meet specific 3D construction printing needs, several aspects must be studied in depth to provide a better understanding of the MPC paste and composite behavior. This work aims to give more insight into the relative physical, mechanical, thermal, and chemical performance of the MPC pastes with varying additions of boric acid. The experimental results show that boric acid can change the phase compositions of the MPC paste and affect its performance. It can improve the initial setting time of the paste and alter the structure of its binding products. Finally, our proposed research creatively utilizes artificial neural networks (ANN) to investigate and subsequently optimize both the MPC pastes and composite formulation for real-time adjusting of 3D printing processes based on the desired material performance criteria.

**[Access the Conference Proceedings Paper on ASCE Library](https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/9780784483381.002)** 

Decoding and Optimizing Magnesium Monopotassium Phosphate Cement (MPC) for Additive Construction Applications

This conference brought the experience and knowledge of experts in the aerospace industry together to share and discuss the latest research and engineering techniques that effect the exploration and settlement of space. Presentations were made in multiple concurrent symposia over three days. Topics included: Granular materials in space exploration, exploration in utilization of extra-terrestrial bodies, advanced materials and designs for aerospace and terrestrial structures under extreme environment, structures in challenging environments, and space engineering, construction, and architecture for the moon, Mars, and beyond.

Due to challenges with COVID-19, this 17th Biennial was moved to April 2021 and was offered in a virtual format.

[Paper Proceedings](https://ascelibrary.org/doi/book/10.1061/earthandspace2021)

Conference DOI: https://doi.org/10.26226/m.63243a3fb7ff860013acd57f