基于“嫦娥五号”月壤的TJC-1模拟月壤研制

Preparation of TJC-1 lunar regolith simulant based on Chang’E-5 lunar soil

认识“嫦娥五号”(Chang’E-5)月壤对人类理解月球具有重要意义。为满足月球基地原位建造用地聚合物3D打印试验对月壤的体量需求,基于Chang’E-5月壤的化学成分、物相组成和粒径分布,对标研制了全新的模拟月壤TJC-1。调查发现,满足低硅低铝条件的原料玄武岩在中国分布相当有限。经优选原料玄武岩进行粉磨制备,表征结果显示:TJC-1模拟月壤的SiO2和Al2O3含量分别为41.10%和12.02%;主要物相为普通辉石、钙长石和镁橄榄石;粒径分布与Chang’E-5月壤接近、中值粒径为40.09μm;微观形貌能够观察到与Chang’E-5月壤颗粒相似的锋利棱角形状。以上结果表明,所研制的TJC-1模拟月壤与Chang’E-5月壤具有很好的相似性,可用于模拟月壤地聚合物3D打印进行智能建造月球基地的研究。

Understanding the Chang’E-5 lunar soil sampling is of significance for advancing humans’ability to better understand the moon.To meet the demand for a large amount of lunar soil in 3D printing geopolymer experiments for lunar base in-situ construction,TJC-1 lunar regolith simulant was developed based on the chemical composition,phase composition,and particle size distributions of Chang’E-5 real lunar soil.It is found that the distributions of the raw basalt that meet low silica and alumina contents are limited in China.The basalt raw material was selected and grounded to prepare TJC-1.The characteristic results show that the contents of SiO2 and Al2O3 in TJC-1 lunar regolith simulant are 41.10%and 12.02%,respectively.The main phases are augite,anorthite,and forsterite.The medium particle size is 40.09μm,and the sharp edge of particles can be found through micromorphology,which is similar to that of Chang’E-5 lunar soil.It is indicated that the prepared TJC-1 lunar regolith simulant shows similarity to Chang’E-5 lunar soil,which may be applied to 3D printing of geopolymer for the intelligent construction of lunar base.