Open AccessDust formation and evolution in a Ca–Fe–SiO–H 2 –O 2 vapour phase condensation experiment and astronomical implications
Author(s) -
Rietmeijer Frans J. M.,
Pun Aurora,
Nuth III Joseph A.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
monthly notices of the royal astronomical society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.058
H-Index - 383
eISSN - 1365-2966
pISSN - 0035-8711
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2966.2009.14703.x
Subject(s) - eutectic system , metastability , amorphous solid , condensation , silicate , physics , phase (matter) , astrochemistry , chemical physics , astrophysics , thermodynamics , crystallography , chemistry , microstructure , astronomy , interstellar medium , quantum mechanics , galaxy
Here, we report on a kinetically controlled vapour phase condensation experiment using a low‐calcium Ca–Fe–SiO–H 2 –O 2 vapour. Under these conditions of extreme disequilibrium, the condensate properties become predictable. They are amorphous solids with (predictable) deep metastable eutectic compositions. This study also shows how chemical evolution of the condensate grains will lead to chemically complex amorphous solids. The highly disordered structure of the deep metastable eutectic condensates is the very key to this predictable chemical evolution to grains with a silicate mineral composition, yet being amorphous. We compare our results with astronomical observations of dust around young stellar objects.