Summary

This paper presents a method for shaping and sintering synthetic lunar regolith to create structural components. The process involves freeze-drying and sintering the regolith at high temperatures, followed by infiltration with a binding agent to enhance mechanical properties. The results show that the sintered regolith can achieve high compressive strength and maintain structural integrity under various conditions. The study highlights the potential of using lunar regolith as a construction material for future lunar missions. This paper describes the fabrication of complex near-net shapes from synthetic lunar regolith using freeze casting and sol infiltration. The process involves sintering at 1000°C and 1100°C, and infiltration with sodium silicate solution to achieve relative densities of 80% and compressive strengths up to 1200 MPa. The method is suitable for lunar polar regions due to natural freezing and sublimation conditions. This paper describes a hybrid process for manufacturing near-net shape parts from synthetic lunar regolith using freeze-casting, sublimation, sintering, and sol infiltration. The synthetic regolith (OPRH2N) is combined with sodium metasilicate solutions

Methods and applications