Sulfur-Based Construction Materials for Lunar Construction

Abstract

Several approaches have been suggested to use lunar or Martian aggregate in extraterrestrial construction. These approaches include hot pressing of lunar soils producing cements and concretes of various types and microwave irradiation to induce sintering of lunar soils. This paper considers another alternative: that of using sulfur found on the moon, Mars, and possibly Phobos and Deimos to produce building materials and structural elements. Sulfur is available from extraterrestrial sources such as the lunar regolith and the Martian surface. It also probably exists on Phobos and Deimos. Binder (1988) suggested that sulfur could be potentially useful as a bonding agent to make bricks and to stabilize slopes.