Project Title:
Ultrafine Particle and Fiber Production in Micro-Gravity
15.03-7039
Ultrafine Particle and Fiber Production in Micro-Gravity
Energy Science Laboratories Inc.
11404 Sorrento Valley Rd #113
San Diego
CA
92121
Webb
George W.
NAS8-37253
Amount:
MSFC
NAS8-35279
Abstract:
Results show that ultrafine particles and ultrafine fibers can be preparedby the evaporating material into an inert gas where it subsequently condenses. The
results also show that the floating material can be connected by techniques appropriate
to micro-
gravity. Here ultrafine particles and fibers are defined to have characteristic
diameters of less than 1000 angstroms. The growth process was found to be dominated
in its later stages by coales-
cence processes between particles and that the coalescence is made much worse by
convection in the inert gas. These results suggest that the technique will produce
smaller particles and fibers in microgravity.
The objectives are: to determine optimum growth parameters for smallest diameter
particles and fibers, to determine optimum heating methods for use in microgravity
and to determine optimum collection methods for use in microgravity. Experimental
test of the concept and methods in KC 135 reduced gravity flights will be conducted.
Preliminary design of orbital hardware and procedure
will begin. If the project is successful it will be possible to produce significant
quantities of ultrafine particles and fibers of a wide range of materials.