Scientists Discover How to Convert Martian Soil into Construction Blocks

Researchers from AMBER, the centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research funded by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland, (formerly Science Foundation Ireland) hosted by Trinity College Dublin (TCD) have developed a technology that could help astronauts build structures on the moon and Mars.

Researchers from the AMBER Centre at Trinity College Dublin have discovered a way of converting loose soil and rock found on the surface of Mars and the moon into construction blocks that could be used to build future settlements.  

The research team have found that regolith, an assortment of loose surface deposits made of dust and broken rocks, can be converted into impressively strong building materials using small quantities of carbon nanotubes.

Publishing their findings in the nanoscience & nanotechnology journal Small, the Irish research team have demonstrated that carbon nanotubes can be used as a binder to convert fine sand as well as lunar and Martian regolith into solid “blocks” with a strength approaching that of granite.

Their discovery paves the way for nanotubes that can be used to fabricate structural materials in extraterrestrial environments, negating the need to transport construction materials and equipment from Earth.

Numerous attempts at creating extraterrestrial construction materials have been explored in the past, including the development of polymer-based concretes. However, those solutions have required temperatures of up to 300°C to melt the necessary materials.

Project leader, Professor Jonathan Coleman, believes that carbon nanotubes provide an ideal option to unlock the construction potential of extraterrestrial regolith:

“Our research at AMBER shows that carbon nanotubes have mechanical properties superior to even the strongest polymers. These nanotubes have been widely used as a composite reinforcement and could act as binders for regolith in both Lunar and Martian concretes”.

“The research has revealed that small quantities of carbon nanotubes can be solution-mixed with various inorganic powders, including Lunar and Martian simulants, with low-temperature pressing at 70°C leading to impressively robust composites”.

Amazingly, the “blocks” developed by Professor Coleman and his team can also conduct electricity, meaning that they could also be used as internal sensors to monitor the structural health of extra-terrestrial buildings.

“The composites are also electrically conductive and show a sensitive piezoresistive response - a change in the electrical resistivity of a material when mechanical strain is applied - allowing them to be used to monitor their own structural health”.

Constructing a semi-permanent base on the moon or Mars will require maximal use of materials found in-situ and minimisation of materials and equipment transported from Earth.

The Amber team have demonstrated that regolith, supplemented by small quantities of additives fabricated on Earth, can address this logistical challenge and help bring the long-term settlement of the moon and Mars from the realms of science fiction to human reality.

The AMBER Centre’s research is a significant advancement towards future settlement of extraterrestrial bodies such as the moon and Mars, and aligns with the ideals of World Space Week (WSW), held from the 4th to the 10th of October every year. This international event is dedicated to celebrating the contribution of science and technology to the betterment of the human condition. In 2023 WSW saw engagement with over 16,000 events in 83 countries.

AMBER is a member of the Crowdhelix community, an open innovation platform that enables global cooperation via themed innovation communities called Helixes, including a Space Helix focused on satellite systems, space technologies and infrastructure, and a Materials Helix devoted to nanotechnologies, advanced materials and biotechnologies.