Mars has long been considered a “sulfur-rich planet”, a new construction material composed of simulated Martian soil and molten sulfur is developed. In addition to the raw material availability for producing sulfur concrete and a strength reaching similar or higher levels of conventional cementitious concrete, fast curing, low temperature sustainability, acid and salt environment resistance, 100% recyclability are appealing superior characteristics of the developed Martian Concrete. Furthermore, since Martian soil is metal rich, sulfates and, potentially, polysulfates are also formed during high temperature mixing, which might contribute to the high strength. The optimal mix developed as Martian Concrete has an unconfined compressive strength of above 50 MPa.
In conclusion, the developed sulfur based Martian Concrete is feasible for construction on Mars for its easy handling, fast curing, high strength, recyclability, and adaptability in dry and cold environments. Sulfur is abundant on Martian surface and Martian regolith simulant is found to have well graded particle size distribution to ensure high strength mix. Both the atmospheric pressure and temperature range on Mars are adequate for hosting sulfur concrete structures
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