PRODUCTION OF OXYGEN FROM SILICATES IN AN ULTRAHIGH VACUUM (FORMERLY LUNAR TOPOGRAPHY, PETROLOGY, AND MINERALOGY).
Abstract
The object was to determine if an ultrahigh vacuum facilitated the decomposition of silicates into oxygen and silicon oxide (SiO) or silicon. The practical object was to initiate further research on the possibility of using this oxygen as a lunar resource. An ultrahigh vacuum chamber was constructed capable of obtaining pressures down into the 10 to the -12th power torr range, and simulating the lunar environment. In order to monitor the results of the experiments, a small mass spectrograph was installed on the ultrahigh vacuum test chamber. Tests were run on silicon dioxide, magnesium silicate, and a tektite (an amorphous silicate). All tests indicate that the ultrahigh vacuum significantly lowered the decomposition temperatures of the silicates. In all cases oxygen production was initiated at 1316C. At 1472C the production of oxygen was materially accelerated. The mass spectrograph studied indicates that silicon was produced rather than silicon oxide. In view of the very high pumping speed of the diffusion pump and cryopump on the chamber, it is believed that oxygen production is significant in the 1400 to 1650C range.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 12, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0615706
Entities
People
- Fred L. Smith
Organizations
- Colorado School of Mines