New Mars Forums

Void

Member

Registered: 2011-12-29

Posts: 7,126

Biologically Cemented Bricks

Biologically Cemented Bricks

The first instance I was aware of was bricks made using urea.

I have also found a company called Biomason

Here is a general response to the query of the topic: https://www.bing.com/search?q=Biologica … &form=QBRE 
Creating artificial sandstone is mentioned.

(If you query for Biobricks you will get bricks of compressed organic matter.)

I will want to suggest a possible recipe for use on Mars.

Biomason is interesting: https://biomason.com/
Video: https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/r … ORM=VRDGAR
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/r … ORM=VRDGAR
I am very impressed with Biomasons work.

But I think I need to mention the Urea bricks also to be more complete:
Video: https://www.facebook.com/NowThisFuture/ … 220704450/

Some of the biobricks I have read of need gelatin to hole the aggregate together.  I don't want that.

We do seem to have this advantage from the start: https://www.popsci.com/mars-soil-bricks/
Quote:

Bricks made from fake Martian soil are surprisingly strong
But can they build our future outpost on the red planet?

BY SARAH FECHT | PUBLISHED APR 27, 2017 5:00 PM EDT

Image Quote:
Martian soils seem to have some Perchlorate in them, some of that is Calcium Perchlorate.
So, what if something like sugar or even better Carbon is mixed into the soil before compressing.  Then you have a fuel and an Oxidizer.  Maybe some Nitrogen source such as a bit of Urea.

I suppose you could add moisture to the mix and maybe it would be done.

But what if you immersed the compressed bricks into a thick Hydrogen atmosphere?  Perhaps a mix of Nitrogen and Hydrogen, if the microbes can fix their own Nitrogen.

Some microbes can eat/breath perchlorate, here is one: https://www.livescience.com/28444-ancie … -fuel.html

While Sugar or Carbon could be in the mix as fuel, the Hydrogen in the atmosphere of the treatment chamber may intrude into the compressed bricks, Hydrogen being very small it should do so.

Some organisms can eat Hydrogen from the Earth's atmosphere, and so get energy to grow, but they also get water that way by Oxidizing the Hydrogen into H20.  Such organisms live all over the world, even in the most harsh parts of Antarctica, as they can get energy and water from the atmosphere.  Her is mention of such a thing: https://news.mit.edu/2020/study-life-hy … %20methane.  Antarctica: https://theconversation.com/antarctic-b … uel-171808

So, that would be the hope.  You could cast compressed bricks of some shape and then use biology to make the bricks much more durable.

Since it would not be a hot process, it may be possible to add fibers to this process, things like Hemp, Bamboo, plastics, metals.  This might give even more desired properties.

Done

Last edited by Void (2024-01-14 13:58:40)

---

Done.

SpaceNut

Administrator

From: New Hampshire

Registered: 2004-07-22

Posts: 28,927

Re: Biologically Cemented Bricks

I think this is in the realm of biological use as A ‘living skin’ is protecting the Great Wall of China, scientists say

Void

Member

Registered: 2011-12-29

Posts: 7,126

Re: Biologically Cemented Bricks

That is indeed an interesting twist on the content of this topic and of value to consider.

Done

---

Done.

Void

Member

Registered: 2011-12-29

Posts: 7,126

Re: Biologically Cemented Bricks

I would consider this to be in the family, at least a cousin to the first post: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lif … 08af&ei=24
Quote:

share
more
Ad
The Cool Down
The Cool Down
Scientists make breakthrough in research that could change the way our homes are constructed: ‘A significant result’
Story by Rick Kazmer  •
1mo

Of some potential for Mars, I would think.

Done

Last edited by Void (2024-01-15 13:04:13)

---

Done.