Difference between revisions of "Synthetic materials"

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*Insulation for electric cables and pipes.  
 
*Insulation for electric cables and pipes.  
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== Needed synthetics ==
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*Polyethylene
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*Polycarbonates
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*Nylon and polyester
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*Epoxy resins
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*Rubber
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==

Revision as of 05:04, 10 July 2008

A martian colony needs Synthetic Materials for many purposes. An autonomous colony can only survive if the raw substances can be found on Mars. While it is very unlikely to find natural petroleum, one idea is the synthesis of organic material from carbon dioxide and water. Another is the synthesis of silicon based organic material.

The selection of synthetic materials to produce and use should be subject to recycling considerations. The main use cases for synthetic materials are:

  • Space suits can not be manufactured without plastic material. The lifetime of a space suit is limited and depends on the conditions to which it is subjected. Probably, the colony needs a new space suit per person and year.
  • Sealing of houses, pipes, bottles, etc.
  • Tissue for clothing, linens and towels is made mainly from synthetic fibres.
  • Pneumatics need elastic material for valves, gaskets, etc.
  • Insulation for electric cables and pipes.


Needed synthetics

  • Polyethylene
  • Polycarbonates
  • Nylon and polyester
  • Epoxy resins
  • Rubber

See also

v · d · eManned Missions to Mars

Concepts: Greenhouse · Settlements · Locations · General
Hazards: Space Weather · Climate · General
Technology: Hi-Tech · Lo-Tech · Energy · Spaceflight science · Communication · General
Human Considerations: Economics · Health · Governance · Trade · Law · Social