Sintering of lunar regolith simulants using a domestic microwave: A rapid and energy-efficient strategy for construction material fabrication

Abstract

Utilization of lunar regolith as building material to construct future lunar bases is receiving increasing attention. The sintering method does not need additional additives, but still has some restrictions. This study presents a rapid and energy-efficient strategy for sintering lunar regolith simulants (i.e., mare (CLRS-1) and highlands (SC-080)), where a domestic microwave and ceramic fiber microwave kiln performed hybrid heating for 11 and 14 minutes, respectively. The corresponding energy consumption is just 69 and 98 MJ/kg, respectively. The low melting point minerals in the simulants melt at high temperatures, causing the grains to bond to each other. The density of sintered samples reached 2.34 and 2.23 g/cm³, respectively. The mechanical and thermal properties of both samples are comparable to those of Earth-based concrete and brick, and show excellent durability in a simulated lunar surface environment, revealing a promising processing route for early lunar surface construction.