The Preparation and Characterization of NEU-1 Lunar Soil Simulants

Two kinds of lunar soil simulants, including Northeastern University-1a (NEU-1a) with low titanium content and Northeastern University-1b (NEU-1b) with high titanium content, were prepared at Northeastern University using volcanic cinder and basalt sampled from Huinan County, China. The preparation and characterization of the prepared lunar simulants are described. The results show that Northeastern University-1 (NEU-1) series lunar soil simulants have typical rock characteristics, and they are comprised of anorthite, pyroxenite, and olivine. The grain compositions of both NEU-1a and NEU-1b lunar soil simulants fall in the range of standard real lunar soil grain compositions. TiO2 contents in NEU-1a and NEU-1b lunar soil simulants are 2.87% and 6.5% by mass, respectively. The glass transformation, crystallization, and melting temperatures of NEU-1a are 628 degrees C, 800 degrees C, and 1140 degrees C, while the glass crystallization and glass melting temperatures of NEU-1b are 800 degrees C and 1070 degrees C, respectively. NEU-1 lunar soil simulants are paramagnetic polar materials that can meet the requirements for laboratory studies on in situ lunar resource utilization.