We should have developed the appropriate technologies by the time space bases are built on the Moon, Mars, and elsewhere. Their starting point will be the production of building materials on the spot. Therefore, a number of earthly laboratories and companies are busy inventing methods and compositions of building materials from local raw materials with the addition of imported ones. Potato starch proved to be a promising addition.
Fungal mycelium, as well as the saliva, sweat, and blood of colonists, were investigated as “space” materials for the construction of “space” concrete. Researchers from the University of Manchester have suggested using potato chips with a high starch content and residual moisture traces to produce about half a ton of branded StarCrete material, which is enough to make 213 "space" bricks.
A brick made from a mixture of starch and lunar dust simulant outperformed a pressure of 91 MPa. Bricks made from a mixture of blood and dust proved to be less durable – they withstanded a pressure of 40 MPa (it must be recognized that this is an average value). Salt is provided as a substitute for starch.
The use of potato bricks on Earth is interesting. According to the researchers, the production of concrete and cement results in an average of 8% of greenhouse gases. Growing potatoes and using them as building material will reduce emissions and increase CO2 emissions while the potatoes are growing in the beds.
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