Difference between revisions of "Synthetic materials"

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A martian colony needs '''Synthetic Materials''' for many purposes. An [[Equipment for autonomous growth|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 [[Hydrocarbon synthesis|synthesis of organic material from carbon dioxide and water]]. Another is the [[Silicone synthesis|synthesis of silicon based organic material]].
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A martian colony needs '''Synthetic Materials''' for many purposes. An [[Equipment for autonomous growth|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 [[Hydrocarbon synthesis|synthesis of organic material from carbon dioxide and water]]. Another is the [[Silicone synthesis|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:
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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.
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*[[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.  
  
*[[Greenhouse]]s are made of a transparent foil.
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*[[Greenhouse]] walls and support structure.  
  
*[[Digging machine]]s work with [[hydraulics|hydraulic mechanisms]].
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*[[Digging machine]]s work with [[hydraulics|hydraulic mechanisms]].  
  
*Sealing of [[house]]s, pipes, bottles, etc.
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*Sealing of [[house]]s, pipes, bottles, etc.  
  
*Tissue for [[clothing]], linens and towels is made mainly from synthetic fibres.
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*Tissue for [[clothing]], linens and towels is made mainly from synthetic fibres.  
  
*[[Pneumatics]] need elastic material for valves, gaskets, etc.
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*[[Pneumatics]] need elastic material for valves, gaskets, etc.  
  
*Electric installation needs insulation for cables.
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*Insulation for electric cables and pipes.  
  
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[[category:concepts]]
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[[category:technology]]  
[[category:settlements]]
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[[category:material]]

Revision as of 16:46, 2 February 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.


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