Lunar-Regolith Photocurable Composites: Simulant Identity, Binder Demand, Vacuum, Radiation and Structural Qualification

Lunar-regolith photocurable composites combine a particulate mineral phase with a light-reactive binder to enable shaped green bodies and, in some routes, subsequent binder removal and sintering. Their qualification cannot be reduced to regolith loading or terrestrial printability. Simulant mineralogy and particle-size distribution, optical attenuation, binder demand, debinding route, residual porosity and environmental exposure all affect the interpretation of structural performance. This review defines a qualification framework for lunar-regolith photocurable composites, separates polymer-retaining composites from ceramic-conversion routes, and identifies the evidence needed before terrestrial demonstrations can support lunar-use claims. ER-441.