China experiments with ‘moon bricks’ stronger than concrete

Oct. 21 () –

Chinese researchers have developed bricks from a material that has a composition similar to lunar soilmore than three times stronger than standard bricks or concrete.

A team from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) investigates this new construction material hoping they can be used for a moon base in the future.

The researchers also developed another construction option using additive manufacturing technology, as well as a 3D printing robot to print houses using lunar soil.

According to Zhou Cheng of HUST, the team used five different simulated lunar soil compositions and three different sintering processes, which can provide more precise scientific data for material selection and process optimization. for the future construction of lunar bases.

The composition of lunar soil varies at different locations on the moon, Zhou said, noting that there is a composition that simulates lunar soil at the Chang’e 5 landing site, which is mainly basalt. Some other compositions simulate soil found elsewhere, soil that is primarily anorthosite.

He explained that the bricks must undergo performance testing to determine whether their mechanical performance will degrade in the lunar environment. and whether they can withstand the high frequency of lunar earthquakes.

The moon has a vacuum environment with significant cosmic radiation, and temperatures exceed 180 degrees Celsius during the lunar day, dropping to minus 190 degrees Celsius at night. The team has to determine how well the bricks can insulate and whether they can withstand radiation, Zhou said.

According to China Central Television, cited by Xinhuathe moon bricks will be sent to China’s space station aboard the Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft to verify their mechanical and thermal performance, as well as their ability to withstand cosmic radiation. The first lunar block is expected to return to Earth in late 2025.