Difference between revisions of "Calcium carbonate"
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| − | Calcium carbonate is one of the main components of Portland cement, and therefore of [[concrete]], the most common building material on Earth. It would be useful as a component for construction materials for Martian infrastructure. | + | Calcium carbonate is one of the main components of Portland cement, and therefore of [[concrete]], the most common building material on Earth. It would be useful as a component for construction materials for Martian infrastructure, in particular plaster and concrete. Calcium carbonate needs to be cooked to become part of hydraulic cement. |
| − | Calcium carbonate is a [[Elements on Mars|chemical compound]], CaCO3. It has been identified from orbit on Mars as well as through surface exploration (Spirit rover). With the realization that large areas of Mars have been under water for long periods, carbonate deposits are expected, but their extend is yet to be determined. | + | Calcium carbonate is a [[Elements on Mars|chemical compound]], CaCO3. It has been identified from orbit on Mars as well as through surface exploration (Spirit rover). With the realization that large areas of Mars have been under water for long periods, carbonate deposits are expected, but their extend is yet to be determined. It may be that sulfates formed on Mars rather than carbonates. |
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| + | Our theories of Mars' history suggest that various carbonate minerals should be common, but they seem to be quite rare on Mars. The reason for this is unknown, but the ratio of Sulfur dioxide (SiO2) to carbon dioxide (CO2) in the early Martian atmosphere might be the part of the answer. | ||
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| + | ==References== | ||
| + | https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071221130045.htm | ||
Latest revision as of 05:33, 11 November 2024
Calcium carbonate is one of the main components of Portland cement, and therefore of concrete, the most common building material on Earth. It would be useful as a component for construction materials for Martian infrastructure, in particular plaster and concrete. Calcium carbonate needs to be cooked to become part of hydraulic cement.
Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound, CaCO3. It has been identified from orbit on Mars as well as through surface exploration (Spirit rover). With the realization that large areas of Mars have been under water for long periods, carbonate deposits are expected, but their extend is yet to be determined. It may be that sulfates formed on Mars rather than carbonates.
Our theories of Mars' history suggest that various carbonate minerals should be common, but they seem to be quite rare on Mars. The reason for this is unknown, but the ratio of Sulfur dioxide (SiO2) to carbon dioxide (CO2) in the early Martian atmosphere might be the part of the answer.
References
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071221130045.htm
