Back to Search
Start Over
Space bricks: From LSS to machinable structures via MICP.
- Source :
-
Ceramics International . May2021:Part B, Vol. 47 Issue 10, p14892-14898. 7p. - Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- In this work, we show that Microbial Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) can be used for making consolidated structures – space bricks – using lunar soil simulant (LSS). Sporosarcina pasteurii was used as a bacterial strain to initiate MICP process via ureolytic pathway. An admixture of a naturally occurring biopolymer (guar gum) and a structural reinforcement material (glass fibre) was used to enhance the mechanical properties of the bio-consolidated bricks. When supplemented with guar gum, the compressive strength of the resulting bricks was found to be significantly higher – by nearly six-fold – making them comparable to commercially used mud bricks. The addition of glass fibre reduced this strength a little, but had the benefit of making the space bricks machinable on a conventional lathe. This latter fact enabled the fabrication of precise and free-form shapes post-consolidation, without the need for specialized casting molds or dies. Details of the MICP process were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The route demonstrated here holds great potential for making strong structures in extra-terrestrial habitats, while adhering to the principles of in situ resource utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 02728842
- Volume :
- 47
- Issue :
- 10
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Ceramics International
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 149570953
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2020.07.309