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　　The humble Martian dust may hold enormous potential for future Mars exploration. Using 3D printing, the researchers mixed small amounts of simulated Martian rock with titanium alloys to create a stronger, higher-performing material. One day, we might be able to use this material to make tools or rocket parts on Mars.

　　In making the new material, the Washington State University researchers added 5 to 100 percent Martian lithotripsy, a black powdery substance that mimics the inorganic rocky material on the surface of the red planet . In general, Martian soil refers to the fine-grained regolith found on the surface of Mars, whose properties may differ markedly from Earth's soil. So far, humans have not obtained any collected Martian soil samples, which will be the goal of future Mars sample return missions. Based on the results of remote research by the Mars rovers and Orbiter Surveyor, scientists have created materials on Earth that mimic the chemical and mechanical properties of Martian regolith for research, experimentation, and testing of Martian soil-related activities, such as transport equipment , Advanced life support system and dust-proof measures in the process of on-site resource utilization.

　　In the new study, the material with 5 percent Martian detrital simulant was strong, while the material with 100 percent simulant was rather brittle and cracked easily. Even so, Amit Bandyopadhyay, the study's corresponding author, said materials with high levels of Martian detrital simulants could also be used to make coatings that would protect devices from biohazards. Rust or radiation damage. The results of this research were published recently in the International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology.

　　"In space, if we want to achieve manned missions, we have to use 3D printing because we can't carry everything from Earth," said Professor Bandyapadye, from Washington State University's School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. . Once something is missing, we can't come back and get it."

　　Sending various raw materials into space would be extremely expensive. For example, the study authors note that NASA's space shuttle costs about $54,000 to put a kilogram of payload into Earth orbit. Anything that can be made in space, or on other planets, can help lighten loads and save costs. In addition, if any equipment is damaged, the astronauts will also need to repair it on site.

　　In 2011, Bandyapadye demonstrated for the first time the feasibility of using 3D printing technology to manufacture device parts from in situ materials. At the time, his team used 3D printing technology to make parts for NASA from simulants of lunar surface debris. Since then, multiple space agencies have embraced the technology, and the International Space Station has its own 3D printer that can manufacture the required materials on-site and use it for experiments.

　　In the new study, Bandyapadye et al. used a powder-based 3D printer to mix ground simulants of Martian regolith with a titanium alloy. Titanium alloys have high strength and heat resistance and are often used in space exploration. During the study, a high-energy laser heats the mixed material to more than 2,000 degrees Celsius. The melted Martian detritus simulant, a mixture of ceramic and metallic materials, flows onto a moving platform, where it is shaped into different sizes and shapes. After the material cooled, the researchers tested its strength and durability.

　　A ceramic material made entirely from a simulant of Martian regolith cracks during cooling, but as Bandyapadye points out, the material still acts as a good radiation shielding coating because the cracks are In this case it doesn't matter. If the mixture contained only a small amount of Martian detritus simulant, say 5 percent, the resulting ceramic material would not only not crack or blister, but would also exhibit better properties than titanium alloys alone. This means that the material can be used to make lighter components while being able to withstand heavier loads.

　　Bandyapadye said the new research provides a material with better properties, while being stronger and stiffer, that could perform better in certain applications.

　　Of course, this research is just the beginning, and researchers may use different metals or 3D printing techniques in the future to create better composite materials. "This study shows that it's possible, and maybe we should be thinking in that direction," Bandyapadje said, "because it's not just about making fragile plastic parts, but making strong metal-ceramic composites. , can be used for any type of structural component.”