3D printing concrete from urea and lunar dust simulant

A high-pressure syringe pump was used for 3D-printing the samples.

Researchers found that adding urea to the lunar geopolymer mixture, a construction material similar to concrete, worked better than other common plasticisers, 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 good workability.