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Updated: Apr 27, 2026
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Measuring Material Microstructure Under Flow Using 1-2 Plane Flow-Small Angle Neutron Scattering
Published on: February 6, 2014
13.4K
Small-angle neutron scattering study of micropore collapse in amorphous solid water.
Christian Mitterdorfer1, Marion Bauer, Tristan G A Youngs
1Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 52a, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria. thomas.loerting@uibk.ac.at.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|June 26, 2014
Summary
Amorphous solid water (ASW) in space has stable micropores up to 140 K. Upon heating, these pores collapse from 3D cylinders to 2D lamellae, impacting icy material evolution in space.
Area of Science:
- Astrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Low-temperature physics
Background:
- Amorphous solid water (ASW) is abundant in space and crucial for astrochemistry and planet formation.
- The low-temperature physics of ASW, particularly micropore collapse, remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the nature of micropores in ASW and their collapse mechanism.
- To investigate the influence of preparation conditions on ASW stability.
Main Methods:
- Neutron scattering of deuterium oxide ASW (D2O-ASW) prepared at 77 K.
- Analysis of small-angle scattering data using model-free interpretation and Guinier-Porod analysis.
Main Results:
- Micropores in ASW remain stable up to 120-140 K before collapsing.
- Pore collapse onset temperature depends on ASW preparation flow conditions and surface area.
- The collapse involves a transition from 3D cylindrical pores to 2D lamellae.
Conclusions:
- The study elucidates the mechanism and temperature dependence of ASW micropore collapse.
- Findings have implications for understanding the processing and evolution of ices in astrophysical environments.
