Water-Based Colloidal Propulsion
Abstract
The goal of this exploratory program was to investigate the possibility to form electrosprays of water and other volatile materials in a vacuum, by (1) either coating the Taylor cone of water with an involatile liquid or (2) by minimizing the tip diameter. Approach (2) was followed only to a limited degree in collaboration with Professor Barrero. Bare Taylor cones of water can be stabilized in vacuo, but this second method was considered less promising than the first, and not pursued further. Method (1) has proven successful in highly conducting water electrolytes surrounded by a thin layer of diffusion pump oil, and has worked similarly with formamide solutions. The viability of this approach has therefore been demonstrated. Liquid feed systems based on commercial capillaries have limited the possibility to finely control the flow rate of oil. A new oil-feed technique based on pulling the end of the outer capillary into a slightly conical shape whose exit ID fits exactly with the exit ID of the inner capillary has been designed. It should provide a much better oil flow control, but it remains to be exploited systematically.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA416236
Entities
People
- Juan F. De La Mora
Organizations
- Yale University