Biofiber Composite Using Regolith and Hemp for Local Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in creating sustainable and environmentally friendly building materials that can be produced locally without the need for extensive mining or transportation of materials.
Innovation Solution
A biofiber composite made from 75% to 85% regolith (with sizes of 10 mm in diameter or less) and 25% to 15% mortar, where the mortar consists of 85% to 98% liquid, 14% to 1% amylopectin, hemp fibers, and protein filaments, and 0.3% to 1% keratin-rich modifier, is used to create three-dimensional printed panels and structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional building materials are used, then construction strength and stability are achieved, but environmental impact increases and local production capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite building material combining regolith particles (75-85% by weight) with a bio-based mortar containing amylopectin, hemp fibers, protein filaments, and keratin-rich modifier. This composite structure achieves both environmental sustainability and structural strength by integrating mineral aggregate with organic binding agents that work together to provide mechanical properties suitable for construction applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical and physical parameters of traditional mortar by incorporating specific ratios of amylopectin (14-1% by weight), hemp fibers, protein filaments, and keratin-rich modifier (0.3-1% by weight). These parameter changes enable the mortar to bond effectively with regolith while maintaining flexibility and strength, resolving the contradiction between environmental friendliness and structural performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If materials are transported from distant sources, then material availability is ensured, but transportation costs and environmental footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables local production by utilizing regolith that is already present at or near the construction site. The bio-based mortar components can be sourced locally or produced on-site, allowing the building material to be manufactured where it is needed without requiring extensive material transportation, thereby eliminating transportation waste and reducing environmental footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and utilizes regolith from the local environment, taking advantage of naturally occurring materials at the construction site. By extracting and processing locally available regolith into building materials, the system eliminates the need to transport materials from distant quarries or manufacturing facilities, reducing both cost and environmental impact.
3Stability of the object's composition
If regolith size is reduced to improve composite uniformity, then mixing homogeneity improves, but processing time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that regolith particles should have a size of 10 mm in diameter or less, creating a local quality standard for particle size. This size specification ensures adequate uniformity and homogeneity in the composite material while avoiding the need for excessive size reduction that would increase processing time and energy consumption. The 10 mm threshold represents an optimal balance between composition stability and processing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A biofiber composite and method of use are provided. The biofiber composite is made up of 75% to 85% by weight of a regolith and 25% to 15% by weight of a mortar. The mortar is 85% to 98% by weight of a liquid, 14% to 1% by weight of an amylopectin, hemp fibers and protein filaments, and 0.3% to 1% by weight of a keratin rich modifier.