Spark plasma sintering and optical characterization of lunar regolith simulant

Year: 2022

Authors: Licheri R., Orrsch R., Sani E., Dell’Oro A., Cao G.

Autors Affiliation: Univ Cagliari, Consorzio Interuniv Nazl Sci & Tecnol Mat INSTM, Unita Ric, Dipartimento Ingn Meccan Chim & Mat, Via Marengo 2, I-09123 Cagliari, Italy; CNR INO Ist Nazl Ott, Largo E Fermi 6, I-50125 Florence, Italy; Ist Nazl Astrofis INAF, Osservatorio Astrofis Arcetri, Largo E Fermi 5, I-50125 Florence, Italy.

Abstract: To satisfy the essential needs, including energy requirements, for human and robotic space explorations on planetary objects like Moon, Mars and asteroids, the proper exploitation of resources available in-situ represents a crucial issue. Along this line, the present work investigates the potential of a sintered lunar regolith simulant (JSC-1A) for possible solar energy harvesting and thermal energy storage applications. Regolith simulant powders are first consolidated by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) at 700 and 900 degrees C to produce bulk samples with different relative densities, i.e. 86 and 98%, respectively, and surface porosities. Negligible changes from the compositional point of view are induced by SPS at 700 degrees C, whereas a decrease of the original glassy phase content is observed when operating at 900 degrees C. The optical properties of sintered samples and pristine regolith powders are compared, considering the spectral absorptance/emittance, the integrated solar absorptance and the integrated thermal emittance estimated in a temperature range representative for the ISRU application, i.e. from 100 to 1300 K. We found that sintering changes the optical properties of regolith in a process-dependent way, with an increased solar absorptance and thermal emittance shown by sintered pellets with respect to pristine powders.

Journal/Review: ACTA ASTRONAUTICA

Volume: 201      Pages from: 164  to: 171

More Information: Mr. M. D’Uva and Mr. M. Pucci (both from CNR-INO) are gratefully acknowledged for technical assistance in the optical measurements experimental setup. The valuable contribution of G. Carcangiu (Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate ISAC, CNR, Bologna, Italy) for useful discussion is gratefully acknowledged. G.C. acknowledges the results obtained in this manuscript as quite important for the Generazione E’’ project, sponsored by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research, Italy (Cod. CUP: B96G18000560005).
KeyWords: ISRU; Lunar regolith; Regolith simulant; SPS; Optical properties; Solar absorber
DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2022.09.016

Citations: 7
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