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Growth of Zeolite Crystals in the Microgravity Environment of SpaceZeolites are hydrated, crystalline aluminosilicates with alkali and alkaline earth metals substituted into cation vacancies (Equation A)

M(sub 2/n) 0-Al203-XSi02-YH20 A

They have a uniform internal channel system which makes them ideal for use as catalysts and adsorbents. Presently zeolite materials constitute a 1-2 mi 11 ion dol lar/year business. Typically zeolite crystals are 3-8 µm along their characteristic dimension (e.g., edge). Larger zeolite crystals are desirable. Large crystals will allow more detail characterization of their complex crystal structures. Also, they will help improve reactor performance, may be used as membrane separators, and they should enhance basic studies in molecular diffusion in zeolites.

Large zeolite crystals have been produced (100-200 µm) ; however, they have taken restrictively long times to grow. It has been proposed if the rate of nucleation or in some other way the number of nuclei can be lowered, fewer, larger crystals will be formed. provide an ideal condition to achieve rapid growth of large zeolite crystals (e.g., >l00 µm). Since settling crystals are believed to cause secondary nucleation, by limiting crystal movement by suspension in the zero gravity environment, fewer crystals will form, but they will grow larger. The objective of the project is to establish if large zeolite crystals can be formed rapidly in space.
Document ID
19860017843
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
A. Sacco, Jr.
(Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, Massachusetts, United States)
L. B. Sand
(Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, Massachusetts, United States)
D. Collette
(Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, Massachusetts, United States)
K. Dieselman
(Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, Massachusetts, United States)
J. Crowley
(Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, Massachusetts, United States)
A. Feitelberg
(Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, Massachusetts, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
October 8, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: 1985 Get Away Special Experimenter's Symposium
Publisher: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Issue Publication Date: January 1, 1986
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Meeting Information
Meeting: Get Away Special Experimenter's Symposium
Location: Greenbelt, MD
Country: US
Start Date: October 8, 1985
End Date: October 9, 1985
Sponsors: Goddard Space Flight Center
Accession Number
86N27315
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Use by or on behalf of the US Gov. Permitted.
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