Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

My grandson's science project focuses on materials that will shield Martian colonists from damaging radiation. He has a sample of Martian simulation soil. One science article mentions that this soil can be hardened into bricks with the addition of liquid sulfur. This requires heating the sulfur to 170 degrees fahrenheit and mixing it with the soil in a 50/50 proportion. Can you give him any tips on how to go about this? Any cautions regarding safety?
Thanks,
Chuck Curtis

Hello,

Testing building materials for Mars sounds like a fun project! Unfortunately heating sulfur is not a safe at-home activity. It will give off sulfur dioxide which is highly toxic. This process would be best done in a laboratory hood with extra precautions and supervised by experienced laboratory personnel.

Did the science article mention any other building materials? Could the materials do we use here on Earth to shield radiation serve as an inspiration for other options?

Audrey

Hi Audrey,

Thanks for the reply. My grandson is testing some earth materials for their shielding qualities: lead, polyethylene, polypropylene and Martian simulant soil.

The articles on the subject mention that the transportation costs to Mars will likely block some of these. That's why we were looking at the Martian soil/Sulfur mixture. (Apparently sulfur is commonly found on Mars.)

He could use concrete as a binding material. It's safe, but likely would pose high transportation costs, too.

However, your caution gives him pause and we'll not heat any sulfur.

Thanks, again.
Chuck