Role of Amorphous Phase, Temperature Fluctuations, and Vacuum, on the Performance of Alkali-Activated Lunar Regolith Simulants

This study explores the feasibility of using alkali-activated regolith for construction in lunar environment. The composition of the reactive glassy fraction present in lunar regolith simulant is assessed in detail, with the aim of tailoring suitable alkaline activators that can maximise the reactivity of the system without leading to the release of excess alkali in solution or formation of unwanted products such as amorphous silica. The obtained results suggest that the low amount of reactive aluminium present in the regolith can be compensated by either the addition of moderate amounts (< 10 wt