Ink compositions for fabricating objects from regoliths and methods of forming the objects
AssigneeNorthwestern University
InventorsRamille N. Shah, Adam E. Jakus, Katie D. Koube, Shannon L. Taylor
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Abstract
Ink compositions for fabricating objects from planetary regoliths and objects fabricated from the ink compositions are provided. The objects include flexible, elastomeric objects and hard objects. Also provided are methods, including three-dimensional (3D) printing methods, for fabricating objects using the ink compositions. The ink compositions comprise a natural planetary regolith, such as an extraterrestrial regolith, a graded solvent system, and an elastomeric polymer binder.
Claims20
An ink composition comprising:
- a planetary regolith comprising a reducible metal oxide and non-reducible ceramics;
- a graded organic solvent system;
- and
- an elastomeric polymer binder.
A method of forming a three-dimensional object, the method comprising:
- (a) forming an elastomeric three-dimensional object from an ink composition comprising:
- a planetary regolith comprising a reducible metal oxide and non-reducible ceramics;
- a graded organic solvent system;
- and
- an elastomeric polymer binder;
- and
- (b) exposing the elastomeric three-dimensional object to a reducing gas at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to reduce the reducible metal oxide to its corresponding metal to form a three-dimensional object comprising a composite comprising the metal and the non-reducible ceramics.
A three-dimensional object comprising:
- a composite comprising a metal and a planetary regolith;
- and
- an elastomeric polymer binder.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.