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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 4)
The MICS investigation will utilize the microgravity environment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to investigate the complex process of cement solidification. The following objectives will help MICS meet the goal - to utilize the micro-gravity environment aboard ISS to fully investigate the complex process of cement solidification: Objective 1: To fully evaluate and characterize bench mark earth-based samples and the samples cured on ISS, and Objective 2: To incorporate findings in better cement constituents and improved curing processes to improve Earth-based cement and concrete processing
Concrete is the most widely used man-made material in the world, second only to water. The largescale production of cements contributes to ~5% anthropogenic CO2 emission. Microgravity research can lead to more durable and hence more cost effective material and improved processing to lessen environmental impact.
Microstructural development of hydrating cement results in elaborate combinations of amorphous and crystalline phases. The morphology, volume fraction, and distribution of these phases ultimately determine the hardened cement's material properties driven phenomena, such as thermosolutal convective flow and sedimentation, will ensure crystal growth strictly by diffusion and a considerably different microstructure than that observed in typical laboratory conditions on Earth. The understanding of cement hydration in 0g is limited to 10 seconds in parabolic flight. Despite the short duration of the experiment, the amount of crystal, its size, and shape already present significant differences.
The proposed microgravity experiments will satisfy two major objectives. First, the microstructure and material properties of the benchmark samples will be evaluated; different responses to thermal and mechanical loading are expected and will be characterized in detail. Any positive attributes found in the special environment will be reported with the intent of incorporating and improving Earth-based cement and concrete processing. Given the magnitude of cement usage worldwide, even a slight change in manufacturing or usage can have huge implications on the sustainability of the cement industry.
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