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. Possibilities include Universal bricks and arch segments.
Rapid Prototyping
Laser sintering and additive manufacturing can produce custom items. Laser sintering comprises thin, sequential layers of media are laid down, and sintered together to form the item. Additive manufacturing consists of building up products layer by layer in a semi-molten state until they set into stabilize in solid form.
