Investigation of Martian Concrete: Pumpability and Strength for Extraterrestrial 3D Printing

This paper presents a series of laboratory testing conducted to investigate the feasibility of sulfur-based Martian concrete for extraterrestrial 3D printing applications. Several mixes with varying proportions were made and tested for desirable 3D printing properties. The mixes consisted of majority sulfur and Martian regolith simulant, with some additives such as magnesium oxide and glycol plastic explored to achieve ideal properties for 3D printing. When testing the fresh mixes, three criteria were used to quantify the properties of a 3D printing mixture: pumpability, printability, and open time. Aside from the 3D printing properties of the fresh mixes, small beams and cylinders were cast and tested to investigate their final flexural and compressive strength. Overall, the test results revealed that the mixes containing both fine and superfine Martian regolith performed better in the pumpability and the strength tests than those containing only one size.