Study on the feasibility of preparing a continuous fibre using lunar soil simulant

Abstract

The construction of a lunar base is considered to be a giant step for the deep-space exploration by human beings. The in situ utilization of lunar resource is essential for the realization of this ambitious plan. In this study, the composition, crystal structure, melting, and fiberization behaviors of lunar soil simulant were investigated in an effort to develop a continuous fibre to address the material requirements for building a lunar base. The results showed that the chemical and mineral composition of the lunar soil simulant were similar to those of basalt roes on the Earth, and the material could be completely melted at 1332°C. The crystal structure of the simulant was homogenized and transformed into the amorphous glass state when the melted material was quenched by water. Using a fibre spinning facility, continuous filaments were obtained using the melted lunar soil simulant as the raw material. The obtained fibre showed the tensile strength of more than 1400 MPa, which is comparable with that of a commercial basalt fibre. These results confirmed the feasibility of using lunar soil to prepare a continuous fibre for the construction of a lunar base.