The feasibility of in-situ resource utilisation binder systems for construction materials on Mars: A review

Abstract

The harsh environmental conditions on Mars require building materials that are highly resilient. The cost of transporting binder ingredients for construction materials to Mars is very high. In-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) of Martian resources can help minimise the transportation costs. This review discusses the proposed direction of future investigations to achieve high resiliency and minimal cost for Martian ISRU-based binders. The Martian ISRU-based binders can be bio-based, magnesium-based, polymer-based, geopolymer-based, metal-based or sulphur-based. The review focuses strictly on studies related to the investigation of binder systems produced by utilising simulated in-situ Martian resources. It is divided into sections based on the characteristics of the binder system. Important properties that are investigated include rheological properties, mechanical properties, radiation-shielding properties, and abrasion resistance. The recommended research directions for each Martian ISRU-based binder and other future works related to the key properties are described at the end of this manuscript. This review provides an overview of the potential directions of future research and strongly advocates for additional studies that simulate the behaviour of potential Martian ISRU-based binder systems for use in construction applications in the harsh environment of Mars.