About this Abstract |
Meeting |
MS&T22: Materials Science & Technology
|
Symposium
|
2022 Undergraduate Student Poster Contest
|
Presentation Title |
Synthesis of Pseudo Lunar Agglutinates from NU-LHT-1M/2M Derivative Simulant |
Author(s) |
Megan Elliott, Holly Shulman |
On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Megan Elliott |
Abstract Scope |
A new process for the synthesis of pseudo lunar agglutinates was investigated. Agglutinates are agglomerates containing glass and minerals. A synthetic lunar mineral blend of anorthite, diopside, enstatite, and olivine was created to mimic Highlands lunar regolith. A derivative glass was prepared from the oxide formula and quenched. The derivative glass and mineral powders were crushed, mixed together and heated in flowing Ar(5%)H2 at different temperatures and varying times. Scanning electron and optical microscopes were utilized to determine mineral-glass adhesion and compare samples to existing pseudo agglutinates and lunar agglutinates. Particle adhesion was observed by optical microscopy, and SEM images showed similarities to lunar agglutinates. The best adhesion results were seen after heat treatment at 870°C for 3 hours. Heat treatment affects foremost the smallest fraction of particles and for smaller particle sizes, it seems likely that customizable agglutinates might be prepared, allowing for lunar regolith equivalents with targeted properties. |