Basalt fiber composites for the robotic fabrication of a lunar habitat

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanical properties of a novel composite for a lunar space habitat. The research aims to identify high-mechanical strength materials for a robotically fabricated habitat with in-situ resources. Several basalt fiber types and cementitious matrices were investigated for building a fiber-reinforced composite. The effect of the basalt fiber type - chopped, spooled, and long; and fiber percentage - 1 wt. %, 5 wt. %, and 10 wt. %; was investigated. The samples were initially exposed to a maximum lunar environmental temperature of 117°C and a medium vacuum of 0.01 atm for 24 hours. Then, these samples were tested after curing for flexural and compressive strengths until failure and cracking occurred. The 10% chopped basalt fiber and the 5% long basalt fiber composite proved the most promising combination for a high-mechanical strength composite. These composites demonstrated an improved compressive and flexural strength for the cement slurry. Moreover, this study enables the robotic fabrication potential of a mechanically resilient lunar habitat.