Synthetic materials

A Martian colony needs Synthetic Materials (plastics) 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 possibility would be the discovery of Methane clathrates in the martian surface ice. Another is the synthesis of silicon based organic material.

Unlike the mining of metal ores the production of plastics requires much less technological effort. Basically, 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.

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.

• Greenhouse walls and support structure.

• Digging machines work with hydraulic mechanisms.

• 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.

• Hydrocarbons for plastics, oils, medicine, and many other products.

Needed synthetics

• Polyethylene
• Polycarbonates
• Polyvinyl chloride
• Nylon and polyester
• Epoxy resin
• Rubber

See also

• Reverse Water-Gas Shift Reaction

• Hydrocarbon synthesis