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Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Multifunctional structural materials capable of withstanding the extreme extraterrestrial environments of the Moon, Mars, and other NEOs are needed to establish permanent habitats throughout our solar system. The proposed work aims to develop these materials by first formulating and characterizing reprocessable epoxy thermoset matrices containing dynamic disulfide linkages. These thermoset networks will then be functionalized with various nanofillers to optimize self-healing, radiation protection, and high- rate impact resistance properties. The matrices will then be processed with native lunar regolith simulant to produce strong, tough polymer concretes to achieve optimal structural capabilities and minimize material that would need to be transported to proposed extraterrestrial habitat locations. Mechanical testing will be conducted using conventional techniques including dynamic mechanical analysis, double torsion fracture toughness, and uniaxial compression, as well as with a high frequency rheological technique using the quartz crystal microbalance in which the research team are specialists. The MHz frequencies used are relevant to determining correlation with high-rate impact resistance, computational simulations, and fracture behavior at cryogenic temperatures. Testing will be performed across a very wide temperature range, with emphasis placed on optimizing properties at cryogenic temperatures relevant to the lunar surface. The proposed research directly addresses the goals of TABS elements 12.1.1 (Lightweight Structural Materials) and 12.1.4 (Materials for Extreme Environments) as described in the Technology Roadmap. The developed matrices will serve as lightweight matrices for composite structural materials possessing self-healing and other functionalities specifically requested in level 4 TABS elements 12.1.1.2 and 12.1.1.4. The matrices will also be designed to survive in extreme extraterrestrial environments for habitats, addressing goals for "Materials for Extreme Environments" in 12.1.4.
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