2:15 PM - 2:30 PM
[PPS08-15] Magnetic properties of containerless malt-solidified ilmenite
Keywords:ilmenite, lunar regolith, Magnetic Properties
1. Introduction
In order to utilize lunar resources, it is important to understand the lunar surface material (regolith). In particular, the materials preserved in the lunar environment may have unique properties due to their temperature history and exposure to radiation, and understanding these properties will provide clues for recreating the lunar environment in the laboratory. We are currently investigating a technology for the beneficiation of lunar regolith using a magnetic field, and for this purpose, the magnetism of lunar regolith is important. FeTiO3 (ilmenite) contained in lunar regolith usually exhibits paramagnetism, but on the Moon it exhibits ferromagnetism[1]. Therefore, clarifying the cause of the ferromagnetism of ilmenite is important for the construction of a simulated lunar environment. To clarify the origin of the ferromagnetism of ilmenite, in this study, FeTiO3 was synthesized using the aerodynamic levitation method and its magnetic properties were investigated.
2. Experimental method
A powder mixture of FeO and TiO2 in a 1:1 (mol%) ratio was formed using a uniaxial press, and then melted and solidified using the aerodynamic levitation method in an air atmosphere. In the aerodynamic levitation method, the sample was melted using a CO2 laser while being suspended in Ar gas, and solidified without a container. The synthesized sample was identified by X-ray diffraction to determine its crystal structure, and its magnetic properties were examined using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM).
3. Results and Discussion
As a result of measuring the magnetization of the composite powder sample, a hysteresis loop was observed, indicating that it was a ferromagnet. From the X-ray diffraction results, peaks for ilmenite and titanium oxide were obtained, and it was thought that the cause of the ferromagnetism was the precipitation of iron and magnetite (Fe3O4), but the peaks did not match. It is necessary to observe the fine structure of the surface and cross-section using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In addition, in order to identify the Curie temperature and investigate the cause of ferromagnetism, we measured the temperature change in magnetization, and found that ferromagnetism disappears between 100°C and 200°C. In the presentation, we will discuss the cause of ferromagnetism in FeTiO3, including these results.
4. References
[1] Nagata et al., Apollo 11 Lunar Science Conference, Vol. 3 (1970), p. 2340.
In order to utilize lunar resources, it is important to understand the lunar surface material (regolith). In particular, the materials preserved in the lunar environment may have unique properties due to their temperature history and exposure to radiation, and understanding these properties will provide clues for recreating the lunar environment in the laboratory. We are currently investigating a technology for the beneficiation of lunar regolith using a magnetic field, and for this purpose, the magnetism of lunar regolith is important. FeTiO3 (ilmenite) contained in lunar regolith usually exhibits paramagnetism, but on the Moon it exhibits ferromagnetism[1]. Therefore, clarifying the cause of the ferromagnetism of ilmenite is important for the construction of a simulated lunar environment. To clarify the origin of the ferromagnetism of ilmenite, in this study, FeTiO3 was synthesized using the aerodynamic levitation method and its magnetic properties were investigated.
2. Experimental method
A powder mixture of FeO and TiO2 in a 1:1 (mol%) ratio was formed using a uniaxial press, and then melted and solidified using the aerodynamic levitation method in an air atmosphere. In the aerodynamic levitation method, the sample was melted using a CO2 laser while being suspended in Ar gas, and solidified without a container. The synthesized sample was identified by X-ray diffraction to determine its crystal structure, and its magnetic properties were examined using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM).
3. Results and Discussion
As a result of measuring the magnetization of the composite powder sample, a hysteresis loop was observed, indicating that it was a ferromagnet. From the X-ray diffraction results, peaks for ilmenite and titanium oxide were obtained, and it was thought that the cause of the ferromagnetism was the precipitation of iron and magnetite (Fe3O4), but the peaks did not match. It is necessary to observe the fine structure of the surface and cross-section using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In addition, in order to identify the Curie temperature and investigate the cause of ferromagnetism, we measured the temperature change in magnetization, and found that ferromagnetism disappears between 100°C and 200°C. In the presentation, we will discuss the cause of ferromagnetism in FeTiO3, including these results.
4. References
[1] Nagata et al., Apollo 11 Lunar Science Conference, Vol. 3 (1970), p. 2340.