Mechanical and microstructural characterization of carbon nanofiber–reinforced geopolymer nanocomposite based on lunar regolith simulant
Abstract
Using the Moon’s natural resources to build infrastructure is the first step toward lunar colonization. Lunar regolith, rich in aluminosilicate, has the potential to prepare geopolymer for construction. In this paper, carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were added to geopolymers based on lunar regolith simulant, aiming at reinforcing mechanical and microstructural properties. A ball-milling method of CNF dispersion into the lunar regolith simulant was evaluated. The mechanical properties of the resulting geopolymer nanocomposites was investigated. X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and mercury intrusion porosimetry were used to characterize the microstructural properties. The results indicated that the mechanical properties were improved by CNFs and that the optimal content was 0.3% by weight. Also, flexural strength, Young’s modulus, flexural toughness, peak displacement, and compressive strength were reinforced by 34.8%, 7.5%, 83.9%, 21.4%, and 13.1%, respectively. Microstructural results suggested that the CNFs acted as nucleation, fillers, and bridges in the nanocomposites, leading to lower porosity, higher energy requirement for failure, and higher mechanical properties, which are considerable for lunar-based construction.
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CNFs significantly improved mechanical properties of BH-1 Lunar regolith simulant geopolymer nanocomposites, with optimal CNF ratio being 0.3 wt%.
“The study found that CNFs significantly improved mechanical properties, with the optimal CNF ratio being 0.3 wt%.”
From A comprehensive review of lunar-based manufacturing and construction (2024) · cites this paper as [363]
Enhancements at 0.3 wt% CNF included a 34.8% increase in flexural strength, a 7.5% increase in Young's modulus, an 83.9% boost in flexural toughness, a 21.4% increase in maximum displacement, and a 13.1% rise in compressive strength.
“Specifically, enhancements included a 34.8% increase in flexural strength, a 7.5% increase in Young's modulus, an 83.9% boost in flexural toughness, a 21.4% increase in maximum displacement, and a 13.1% rise in compressive strength.”
From A comprehensive review of lunar-based manufacturing and construction (2024) · cites this paper as [363]
Microstructural analysis indicated that CNFs acted as nucleation sites, fillers, and bridges, reducing porosity and increasing the energy required for failure.
“Microstructural analysis indicated that CNFs acted as nucleation sites, fillers, and bridges, reducing porosity and increasing the energy required for failure [363].”
From A comprehensive review of lunar-based manufacturing and construction (2024) · cites this paper as [363]
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- Authors
- Zhang, R., Zhou, S., Li, F., Bi, Y., & Zhu, X.
- Affiliations
- Beihang University (CN)
- Shandong Provincial Communications Planning and Design Institute (China) (CN)
- Tongji University (CN)
- Corresponding author
- Zhou, Siqi
- Venue
- Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
- Published
- 2022-01
- Volume
- 34
- Issue
- 1
- ISSN
- 0899-1561 (ISSN-L)
- 1943-5533
- OpenAlex
- W3207205896
- Cited by
- 29
- References
- 54
- Citations by year
- 2026: 6 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 3
- FWCI
- 1.94
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Civil and Structural Engineering › Concrete and Cement Materials Research
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Building and Construction › Innovations in Concrete and Construction Materials
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Civil and Structural Engineering › Innovative concrete reinforcement materials
- Keywords
- carbon nanofibers, lunar regolith simulant, flexural strength, compressive strength, microstructure, porosity, nucleation
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