A study that aims to give answers to the possibility, during space explorations, of using the natural resources available on the spot to produce energy first of all. A crucial aspect not only for human space explorations, but also for those entrusted to robots.

To carry it forward Roberta Licheri, Roberto Orrù and Giacomo Cao , professors at the Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering of the University of Cagliari (Dimcm). The scholars worked with the research unit of the national inter-university Consortium for the science and technology of materials (Instm) and with researchers Elisa Sani (National Institute of Optics, Cnr, Florence) and Aldo Dell'Oro (Inaf, Astrophysical Observatory di Arcetri, Florence): at the center of the work is the analysis of the characteristics and potential of a material capable of simulating the lunar regolith, that is the outermost layer of the surface of the Earth's satellite and its properties to store heat and solar energy.

INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE - The results of the research, entitled " Spark plasma sintering and optical characterization of lunar regolith simulant ", have been published in the Acta Astronautica journal. For the University of Cagliari a further strengthening of its reputation in a highly competitive scientific context. The university boasts several international patents for innovative materials and new technologies intended for human exploration of space. And it is at the forefront of this research: since 2003 Giacomo Cao's group has been working with the “Spark plasma sintering (Sps)” machine imported from Japan, one of the five available in Italy.

“ Regulite is the surface layer that covers the moon . But - say the Dimcm researchers - it is also present on other celestial bodies and is made up of fragments and debris generated over time thanks to the crash of meteorites on the ground ”. The material has jumped to the media's limelight because, as proven by studies conducted by research centers around the world, it will be able to provide both the oxygen useful for the astronauts' stay in the space base, and the bricks useful for its construction. Regolite, according to NASA estimates, would be worth from 15 thousand to 25 thousand dollars for sizes from 50 grams to half a kilo .

THE STUDY - Professors Cao, Licheri and Orrù used a technique that "exploits the action of electric currents to produce solid objects from materials in a state of dust, without heating and melting" . Rossella Spiga (Inaf astronomer) explains that “the lunar regolith can be used for the construction of apparatuses on the surface of the Moon for the collection and storage of solar energy. In particular, by producing some types of special ceramics from it, it is possible to create components of both devices for the collection of solar energy and equipment for its accumulation ".

In perfect synergy with the partners, the Cagliari scholars purchased the material simulating regolith and took care of its sintering and chemical-physical characterization before and after the repeated processes at different temperatures, also with X-ray crystallographic analyzes and electron microscopy. .

(Unioneonline / vl)

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