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Published on: November 15, 2013
Melting and Rapid Solidification of Lunar Regolith Particles Returned by Chang'E-5 Mission
Xian Zhang1, Yiwei Liu1, Shaofan Zhao1
1Qian Xuesen Laboratory of Space Technology, China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), Beijing 100094, China.
Abstract:
Melting and solidification of lunar regolith are pivotal for comprehending the evolutionary dynamics of lunar volcanism, geology, and impact history. Additionally, insights gained from these processes can contribute to the advancement of in situ resource utilization technologies, for instance additive manufacturing and resource extraction systems. Herein, we conduct the direct observation of the melting and rapid solidification of lunar particles returned by the Chang'E 5 mission. The melting temperature and melting sequence were obtained. Bubble generation, growth, and release were clearly observed, with a maximum bubble diameter of 5 µm, which is supposed to be according to the release of volatiles that embedded in the particles. During the solidification process, evident crystallization occurred with incremental crystal growth rate approximately of 27 nm/s. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy results verified that the Fe-rich mineral crystalizes first. These results would improve the understanding of the evolution of lunar volcanism, geology, and impact history.
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