Sun Dec 14 07:37:34 UTC 2025: Headline: Lunarcrete Shows Promise as Building Material for Future Moon Habitats

December 14, 2025 – As the United States and China intensify their efforts to establish permanent settlements on the Moon, the search for suitable construction materials is gaining momentum. According to a report published today in The Hindu‘s e-paper, “lunarcrete” is emerging as a promising candidate. Lunarcrete, a concrete-like substance made using lunar regolith (the Moon’s soil) as the primary aggregate, could provide vital protection from hazardous radiation and extreme temperature fluctuations.

The challenge lies in finding a suitable binder. Traditional Portland cement requires significant amounts of water, a scarce resource on the Moon. Researchers are exploring several alternatives, including shipping cement from Earth, using sulfur as a binder (though it has temperature limitations), and fusing regolith grains using microwaves or concentrated sunlight to create bricks.

Recent research at Louisiana State University, led by Arup Bhattacharya, simulated a dome-shaped lunar habitat constructed with lunarcrete walls. Results showed the walls effectively maintained a stable internal temperature of 22°C despite external temperatures ranging from 120°C to -130°C. The study also found that double-layered lunarcrete walls, separated by an air gap, offer excellent insulation.

The research highlights lunarcrete’s potential to overcome construction challenges and ensure the safety and comfort of future lunar inhabitants. As scientists continue to refine lunarcrete formulations and construction techniques, the prospect of a sustainable lunar base is becoming increasingly realistic.

Sidebar: About The Hindu’s e-Paper

The Hindu is a leading Indian news publication, offering comprehensive coverage of national and international events. Its e-paper provides a digital version of the newspaper, accessible to readers worldwide. Key sections include:

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