Mixing) NanoRacks-Faith Christian Academy-Concrete Mixing Experiment (NanoRacks-FCA-Concrete
CONCRETE MIXING)
Research Area: Educational Demonstrations
Expedition(s): 29 and 30
Principal Investigator(s): ● Faith Christian Academy, Coalinga, California
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
NanoRacks-Faith Christian Academy-Concrete
Mixing Experiment (NanoRacks-FCA-Concrete
Mixing) is a NanoLab project to compare the
strength and molecular structure of concrete
mixed in microgravity compared with similar
ground-mixed concrete. The comparison is
made using an Atomic Force Microscope after
the NanoLab is returned to Earth.
EARTH BENEFITS
Utilizing the unique microgravity environment
on the International Space Station (ISS) allows
for determining the fundamental physical
properties that occur when concrete is mixed
and settles. By removing the force of gravity, it is hoped that the molecular structure of
concrete and the properties that control its strength leads to developing a more robust form of
concrete to be used on Earth.
SPACE BENEFITS
While concrete is not likely to be used in space, studying the structural and settling properties
of this mixture might lead to a better understanding of the chemical and physical properties of
similar mixtures. If it is found that mixing concrete in microgravity produces concrete of
sufficient strength, then one could mix concrete and build concrete buildings on the moon or
Mars that have smaller gravity fields.
RESULTS
Students were responsible with creating and testing their individual experiments. This was an
opportunity to increase STEM interest among high school students.
PUBLICATION(S)
Kirschhock CE, Kremer SP, Grobet P, Jacobs PA, Martens JA. New Evidence for precursor species
in the formation of MFI Zeolite in the Tetrapropylammonium Hydroxide−Tetraethyl
Orthosilicate−Water System. Journal of Physical Chemistry B. May 16, 2002;106:4897-4900. doi:
10.1021/jp015617x.
This investigation is complete and all results are published.
NanoRacks-Faith Christian Academy-Concrete Mixing
Experiment Block Diagram. Faith Christian Academy
image.