From human waste to superplasticizer, astronaut urine could become a useful resource for making a robust type of concrete on the Moon.

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A recent ESA research showed that urea, the main organic compound found in our urine, would make the mixture for lunar concrete more malleable before hardening into a final, sturdy shape for future lunar habitats. Researchers found that adding urea to the lunar geopolymer mixture, a construction material similar to concrete, worked better than other common plasticizers, such as naphthalene or polycarboxylate to reduce the need for water. The mix coming out of a 3D printer proved to be stronger and retained a […]

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