Laboratory Studies of the Stratospheric Effects of Rocket Exhaust
Abstract
The most important chlorine activation reaction that takes place in the stratosphere is the heterogeneous reaction of chlorine nitrate with hydrogen chloride to produce molecular chlorine and nitric acid. The reaction is catalytic, promoted by surfaces that are not themselves affected by the reaction. This process was investigated in the laboratory: the reaction probability was found to have a value of about 0.02 on glass, on laboratory alumina, and on alumina particles emitted by solid rocket motors. The reaction probability on ice surfaces has a value larger than 0.2 and a negligible value on halocarbon wax or Teflon surfaces. The measurements were carried out under reactant partial pressure, temperature and humidity conditions covering those that are encountered in the mid-latitude lower stratosphere. The reaction mechanism appears do be determined by the water layers adsorbed on the solid surface. Measurements of the amount of water taken up by alumina surfaces were also carried out; the results indicate that under stratospheric conditions several water layers will indeed cover the alumina surfaces.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA359201
Entities
People
- L. Gutzwiller
- L. T. Molina
- M. Haider
- M. J. Molina
- Y. Mantz
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology