Fuente: Polymers Polymers, Vol. 18, Pages 998: Analytical Evaluation of Stress–Strain Behavior and Reaction Mechanism of Lunar Regolith Simulant (CQU-1) Geopolymer
Polymers doi: 10.3390/polym18080998
Authors:
Weibo Lu
Yu Shi
Xuanyi Xue
Guozhong Cheng
Honglong Li

Utilizing lunar regolith as a raw material for structural components offers significant potential for future lunar exploration. Direct manufacturing from unprocessed regolith reduces the need for specialized refining equipment compared to element extraction methods. At present, the mechanical properties of long-term alkali-activated CQU-1 lunar regolith simulant geopolymer (LRSG) columns have not been studied. To address this, forty-eight CQU-1 LRSG cylindrical specimens were prepared and tested under axial compression in this study. The effects of the curing temperature (60 °C and 80 °C), curing time (3 d, 7 d, 14 d and 28 d), and water–binder ratio (0.325 and 0.455) on the failure modes and stress–strain behavior were investigated. The alkali-activated CQU-1 LRSG achieved a maximum compressive strength of 33.89 MPa under optimal conditions. Elevated curing temperatures and extended curing times enhanced peak stress and elastic modulus while reducing peak and ultimate strains, indicating greater stiffness and brittleness. Conversely, increased water–binder ratios flattened stress–strain curves, diminishing slope and peak stress while elevating peak and ultimate strains. Based on these test results, the stress–strain model, elastic modulus model and peak strain model of alkali-activated CQU-1 LRSG were proposed. The proposed models can accurately predict the stress–strain relationship, compressive strength and ultimate strain of alkali-activated CQU-1 LRSG. The influence of curing temperature, curing time, and water–binder ratio on the performance of alkali-activated CQU-1 LRSG is also discussed in detail. This work confirms the viability of the alkali-activated CQU-1 LRSG and lunar regolith-based geopolymers for future extraterrestrial construction.