Bottom-up heating method for producing polyethylene lunar concrete in lunar environment

Compared to the top-down heating method, half of the strength was obtained in manufactured concretes with bottom-up heating.

“Compared to the top-down heating method, half of the strength was obtained in manufactured concretes with bottom-up heating.”

In bottom-up heating, the bottom part had higher strength due to better bonding between particles as it was closer to the heating pad, and a significant increase occurred between 3 and 4 h of heating.

“Results of mechanical tests showed the bottom part had a higher strength due to better bonding between particles as it was closer to the heating pad, and a significant increase occurred between 3 and 4 h of heating.”

SEM observations revealed physical bonding between PE and KOHLS-1 without chemical reaction.

“SEM observations revealed physical bonding between PE and KOHLS-1 without chemical reaction.”

Lower heating energy was consumed in bottom-up heating as the temperature decreased by 30°C.

“However, lower heating energy was consumed as the temperature decreased by 30 ◦ C.”

Cement contour crafting uses adhesives such as sulfur, alkaline solution, and organic solvents mixing the lunar soil to extrude lunar concrete, which has the advantage of low energy consumption and high compressive strength.

“Cement contour crafting uses adhesives such as sulfur, alkaline solution and organic solvents mixing the lunar soil to extrude lunar concrete, which has the advantage of low energy consumption and high compressive strength. 151-154”