Preparation Technology, Hydration Products, Microstructure of Martian Basic Magnesium Sulfate Cement, and Mechanical Properties of Its Concrete
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Basic magnesium sulfate cement (BMSC) exhibits rapid setting, early strength development, high ultimate strength, and good durability, making it a promising construction material for the extreme environments of Mars. Following the principle of in situ resource utilization (ISRU), this study employs the Martian regolith simulant NUAA-1M, developed by Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, as both a mineral admixture and aggregate to prepare Martian basic magnesium sulfate cement (M-BMSC) and Martian basic magnesium sulfate cement concrete (M-BMSCC). The effects of NUAA-1M fines on the setting time, compressive strength, hydration heat evolution, hydration products, microstructure, and pore structure of M-BMSC were systematically investigated. Moreover, the fundamental physical and mechanical properties of M-BMSCC incorporating NUAA-1M as an aggregate were evaluated, and an empirical correlation model was established between its compressive strength (fcu), flexural strength (ft), and splitting tensile strength (fsp). Results indicate that with increasing NUAA-1M fines content, the setting time of M-BMSC was prolonged, while its compressive strength initially increased and then decreased. The incorporation of NUAA-1M fines modified the hydration process and phase assemblage of M-BMSC, promoting the formation of magnesium (alumino)silicate hydrate (M-(A)-S-H) gels and refining the pore structure. Hydration monitoring within 24 h confirmed the rapid hydration characteristics of M-BMSC, demonstrating its suitability for Martian conditions. M-BMSCC exhibited excellent early- and high-strength performance, achieving a 28-day compressive strength of 59.2 MPa at a binder-to-aggregate ratio of 2:1, corresponding to a total NUAA-1M content of 84.75% in the mixture. This work provides a novel ISRU-based material strategy for the construction of Martian bases and infrastructure.
Source: Buildings
Authors: Mingyang Lu, Haiyan Ma, Haiyan Ma, Chengyou Wu, Hongfa Yu, Honglei Zhang, Haosong Xuan, Lingyu Li, Keqin Zheng, Weifeng Liu, Haoxia Ma, Haoxia Ma
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
Awards: G1323910172, G5877551071
OpenAlex ID: W7116084993