Did you know that Chinese scientists have found natural fiberglass in lunar soil?
On May 7, the reporter learned from the Institute of Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences that through systematic material scientific research on the Chang'e-5 lunar soil sample, Chinese researchers discovered a variety of types of lunar glass materials with different origins. What's more, they also found natural fiberglass for the first time in the Chang'e-5 lunar soil. The findings were published online in the National Science Review.
On the desolate and barren lunar surface, there is a rich glass material produced by volcanic eruptions, geological movements, meteorite impacts and other activities. Many of the moon's glass can be stable for hundreds of millions of years. Lunar glass is an important material for exploring the mysteries of the moon, not only preserving ancient lunar material, but also recording environmental information when it was formed. Of particular interest is the discovery of natural fiberglass for the first time in the Chang'e-5 lunar soil. These fiberglass with an ultra-high aspect ratio are derived from thermoplastic molding of viscous liquids during impact. Compared to glass beads with a low aspect ratio, the liquid viscosity of these glass fibers is higher, which means that the corresponding impact temperature and impact rate are lower. This reflects milder microimpact events on the lunar surface.
"These natural fiberglass prove that the lunar soil has good glass forming ability and excellent processing and molding characteristics, and affirms the feasibility of using lunar soil processing to produce glass building materials from local materials on the lunar surface, which will provide important support for the construction of the future lunar base."
