Difference between revisions of "Synthetic materials"
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| − | A Martian colony needs '''Synthetic Materials''' (plastics) for many purposes. An [[Equipment for autonomous growth|autonomous colony]] can only survive if the raw substances | + | A Martian colony needs '''Synthetic Materials''' (plastics) for many purposes. An [[Equipment for autonomous growth|autonomous colony]] can only survive if the raw substances available on [[Mars]]. While it is very unlikely to find natural petroleum, one idea is the [[Hydrocarbon synthesis|synthesis of organic material]] from [[carbon dioxide]] and [[water]]. Another possibility would be the discovery of [[Methane clathrates]] in the martian surface ice. Another is the [[Silicone synthesis|synthesis of silicon based organic material]]. |
| − | + | The production of plastics requires more energy than most types of mining and separation, as demonstrated by the [[embodied energy]] concept. However, it may be achievable in useful quantities from the non edible biomass created by food production. The needed substances are in the Martian [[atmosphere]]: [[Carbon dioxide]] and [[water]]. So, with some additional energy it should be possible to make plastics from thin air. Basically, this is what plants do as well. | |
| + | == Useful molecules == | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Polyester === | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Production ==== | ||
| + | [[w:Polyester|Polyester]]<nowiki/>r is a synthetic polymer made of purified terephthalic acid (PTA) or its dimethyl ester dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) and monoethylene glycol (MEG). With 18% market share of all plastic materials produced, it ranges third after polyethylene (33.5%)<sup>[''citation needed'']</sup> and polypropylene (19.5%). | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Products ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | === PVC === | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Production ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Products ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | === PE- Polyethylene === | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Production ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Products ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Teflon === | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Production ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Products ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Nylon === | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Oils and greases === | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Production ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Products ==== | ||
The selection of synthetic materials to produce and use should be subject to [[recycling]] considerations. The main use cases for synthetic materials are: | The selection of synthetic materials to produce and use should be subject to [[recycling]] considerations. The main use cases for synthetic materials are: | ||
| − | *[[Space suit]]s | + | * |
| + | *[[Space suit]]s cannot be manufactured without plastic materials. The lifetime of a space suit is limited and depends on the conditions to which it is subjected. Probably, the settlement might need a new space suit per person and year. (subject to discussion!!) | ||
| − | *[[Greenhouse]] walls and support structure | + | *[[Greenhouse]] walls and support structure(??) |
| − | *[[Digging machine]]s work with [[hydraulics|hydraulic mechanisms]]. | + | *[[Digging machine]]s work with [[hydraulics|hydraulic mechanisms]]. These usually use oils for their operations. |
| − | * | + | *Sealant for [[house]]s, pipes, bottles, etc. |
| − | *Tissue for [[clothing]], linens and towels is made mainly from synthetic fibres. | + | *Tissue for [[clothing]], linens and towels is made mainly from synthetic fibres. Although cotton and linen might be cheaper to produce. |
*[[Pneumatics]] need elastic material for valves, gaskets, etc. | *[[Pneumatics]] need elastic material for valves, gaskets, etc. | ||
| − | *[[Insulation]] for electric cables and pipes. | + | *[[Insulation]] for electric cables and pipes is usually produces from hydrocarbons. |
*[[Hydrocarbons]] for [[plastics]], [[oils]], [[medicine]], and many other products. | *[[Hydrocarbons]] for [[plastics]], [[oils]], [[medicine]], and many other products. | ||
Revision as of 13:47, 20 April 2019
A Martian colony needs Synthetic Materials (plastics) for many purposes. An autonomous colony can only survive if the raw substances available 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 possibility would be the discovery of Methane clathrates in the martian surface ice. Another is the synthesis of silicon based organic material.
The production of plastics requires more energy than most types of mining and separation, as demonstrated by the embodied energy concept. However, it may be achievable in useful quantities from the non edible biomass created by food production. The needed substances are in the Martian atmosphere: Carbon dioxide and water. So, with some additional energy it should be possible to make plastics from thin air. Basically, this is what plants do as well.
Contents
Useful molecules
Polyester
Production
Polyesterr is a synthetic polymer made of purified terephthalic acid (PTA) or its dimethyl ester dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) and monoethylene glycol (MEG). With 18% market share of all plastic materials produced, it ranges third after polyethylene (33.5%)[citation needed] and polypropylene (19.5%).
Products
PVC
Production
Products
PE- Polyethylene
Production
Products
Teflon
Production
Products
Nylon
Oils and greases
Production
Products
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 cannot be manufactured without plastic materials. The lifetime of a space suit is limited and depends on the conditions to which it is subjected. Probably, the settlement might need a new space suit per person and year. (subject to discussion!!)
- Greenhouse walls and support structure(??)
- Digging machines work with hydraulic mechanisms. These usually use oils for their operations.
- Sealant for houses, pipes, bottles, etc.
- Tissue for clothing, linens and towels is made mainly from synthetic fibres. Although cotton and linen might be cheaper to produce.
- Pneumatics need elastic material for valves, gaskets, etc.
- Insulation for electric cables and pipes is usually produces from hydrocarbons.
- Hydrocarbons for plastics, oils, medicine, and many other products.
Needed synthetics
See also
| 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 |
