Sintered regolith
Sintered regolith has been proposed as a construction material on the Moon. This technology might be extended to Mars. Sintering is the fusion of mineral particles through the application of heat. The particles are heated just enough to induce fusion, but not enough to fully melt.
Contents
Methods
Laser Sintering
Laser sintering is used in rapid prototyping applications.
Heat
Large kilns are used to heat the regolith as it is held in a mould.
Use
Construction
Sintered Regolith blocks are a possible construction material. Further testing is needed to determine the structural characteristics of such blocks. Possabilities include Universal bricks and arch segments.
Rapid Prototyping
Laser sintering can produce custom items. Thin, sequential layers of media are laid down, and sintered together to form the item.
