Hydroxyl Absorption Bands Research Articles

Pyroxene and Hydroxyl Signatures in Vesta Newly Calibrated Data from Dawn Mission

Thanks to the VIR spectrometer onboard NASA’s Dawn spacecraft, which orbited Vesta in 2011–2012, thousands of hyperspectral images of its surface have been collected. The mission confirmed the HED (Howardite–Eucrite–Diogenite) meteorite composition of Vesta. Moreover, the VIR spectrometer detected the 2.8 µm absorption band, due to the presence of the OH molecule. In this work, we took advantage of the newly calibrated data of the VIR spectrometer by characterizing new spectral features thanks to the improved signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio for these spectra. The main goals of this work are as follows: (1) to characterize Vesta’s surface in the visible range and (2) to confirm, reinforce and characterize the OH distribution on Vesta by studying the 2.8 µm band and looking for OH combination bands around 2.2–2.4 µm. A possible relation between the 1.9 µm absorption band due to the presence of pyroxenes and the one at 0.5 µm was analyzed. Finally, the analysis of hydroxyl absorption bands evidenced an anti-correlation between the abundance of hydroxyl-bearing molecules and the surface reflectance. This confirms that the hydroxyl presence is linked to the dark units on Vesta.

Experimental study on the effect of cold soaking with liquid nitrogen on the coal chemical and microstructural characteristics.

In this paper, the chemical microstructure of coal samples is quantitatively analyzed experimentally before and after liquid nitrogen cold soaking, by using elemental analyzer, X-ray diffractometer, and Fourier infrared spectrometer, including the reverse side of chemical composition of elements, organic matter, and functional groups. It was found that with the increase of coal metamorphism, the contents of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur elements gradually increase, while those of hydrogen and oxygen elements gradually decrease. In addition, as the degree of metamorphism increases, the graphitization phenomenon of coal becomes weaker, the interlayer spacing of aromatic rings (d002) increases, the structure of coal crystal nucleus is loose, its order is weakened, the crystal volume becomes smaller, and the void structure unit increases. The FTIR spectra of each coal sample could be divided into four absorption bands, i.e., the aromatic structure, oxygen-containing functional group, aliphatic group, and hydroxyl absorption band. After cold soaking of liquid nitrogen, the peak intensity areas of aromatic and aliphatic structures decrease, while those of oxygenated functional groups and hydroxyl groups increase, and the values of A(C = O)/A(C-O) increase and those of A(CH3)/A(CH2) decrease, mainly due to the gradual decrease of methylene side chains and increase of methylene straight chains. The present results are helpful to further reveal the mechanism of adsorption-resolution deformation of coal body due to cold immersion of liquid nitrogen.

A Comparative Study on the Aerobic Biodegradation of the Biopolymer Blends of Poly(butylene succinate), Poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) and Poly(lactic acid).

The aim of the present work is to evaluate the rate and mechanisms of the aerobic biodegradation of biopolymer blends under controlled composting conditions using the CO2 evolution respirometric method. The biopolymer blends of poly (butylene adipate terephthalate) (PBAT) blended with poly (lactic acid) (PLA), and PBAT blended with poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) by melt extrusion, were tested to evaluate the amount of carbon mineralized under home and industrial composting conditions. The changes in the structural, chemical, thermal and morphological characteristics of the biopolymer blends before and after biodegradation were investigated by FT-IR, DSC, TGA, XRD and SEM. Both blends showed higher degradation rates under industrial composting conditions, when compared to home composting conditions. This was confirmed by FT-IR analysis showing an increase in the intensity of hydroxyl and carbonyl absorption bands. SEM revealed that there was microbial colony formation and disintegration on the surfaces of the biopolymer blends. The obtained results suggest that industrial composting conditions are the most suitable for an enhanced biodegradation of the biopolymer blends viz PBAT–PBS and PBAT–PLA.

Thermal, Optical, and IR-Emission Properties of Extremely Low Hydroxyl TeO2-WO3-Bi2O3-La2O3-xEr2O3 Glasses for Mid-Infrared Photonics

A series of glass samples of the tungsten–tellurite system TeO2-WO3-Bi2O3-(4-x) La2O3-xEr2O3, x = 0; 0.4; 0.5; 0.7; 1.2; 2; 4 mol%, CEr = 0 - 15 × 1020 cm−3 were synthesized from high-purity oxides in an oxygen flow inside a specialized sealed reactor. In all samples of the series, an extremely low content of hydroxyl groups was achieved (~n × 1016 cm−3, more than 4 orders of magnitude lower than the concentration of erbium ions), which guarantees minimal effects on the luminescence properties of Er3+. The glasses are resistant to crystallization up to 4 mol% Er2O3, and the glass transition temperatures do not depend on the concentration of erbium oxide when introduced by replacing lanthanum oxide. Thin 0.2 mm plates have high transmittance at a level of 20% in the 4.7–5.3 µm range, and the absorption bands of hydroxyl groups at about 2.3, 3, and 4.4 µm, which are typical for ordinary tellurite glass samples, are indistinguishable. The introduction of erbium oxide led to an insignificant change in the refractive index. Er2O3-concentration dependences of the luminescence intensities and lifetimes near the wavelengths of 1.53 and 2.75 μm were found for the 4I13/2–4I15/2 and 4I11/2–4I13/2 /transitions of the Er3+ ion. The data obtained are necessary for the development of mid-infrared photonics; in particular, for the design of Er3+-doped fiber lasers.

Pengaruh Jenis Larutan Pemasak Terhadap Kualitas Pulp Daun Pisang

The need for paper continues to increase, indicating that there is an alternative wood material that can be used as a base for making pulp. Materials that can be used are dried banana leaves which contain cellulose. The quality of the pulp can be obtained by the characteristics of the pulp produced. This study was conducted to determine the effect of the type of solvents on the pulp quality of banana leaves. The pulp has been made using delignification process with addition of 3% NaOH or 3% Na2CO3 3% and heating up to 120 minutes, at 105 °C. Pulp quality was obtained from the results of pulp analysis, cellulose content, water content, physical appearances and qualitative analysis by FTIR. From the analysis of cellulose content, water content and FTIR instruments, pulp made with 3% NaOH solution are better suited to 3% Na2CO3 where the resulting pulp has a water content of 4.96%, a smooth and fibrous texture, a rich color, and produces a cellulose hydroxyl absorption band that is stronger than the pulp made of 3% Na2CO3. However, the pulp made from 3% NaOH solution has a lower yield (56.5%) and cellulose content (26.07%) than Na2CO3 3%. Dried banana leaves can be used as an alternative in pulp making.
 
 Keywords: pulp making; banana leaves; solvents

Study of the Surface Acetate-Cellulose Layer in the Compositional Membranes by the Vibrational Spectroscopy Method

The paper presents the structural organization of the surface (selective) layer. The amorphous phase of the cellulose acetate composite membrane is formed at a certain stage of the technological cycle of producing the cellulose acetate membrane. It presents a mass of broken, entangled, and twisted macromolecular chains connected by a network of hydrogen bonds of various strengths. Analysis of the IR spectra, where the shapes of the absorption bands of the valence vibrations of hydroxyl groups at ν = 3339.14–3366.2 cm–1 with the asymmetry coefficient varying from ~1 for a dry sample to 0.79 for a wet sample, suggests that the bulk supramolecular structure of the cellulose acetate layer of the air-dry sample is formed by two types of hydrogen bonds and the dipole–dipole interactions of the carbonyl groups. The interactions of macromolecules in the equatorial plane are formed by a network of hydrogen bonds of the OH…O type with the participation of a single hydroxyl group of the pyranose ring in cellulose acetate. In the axial direction, the supramolecular structure is organized through the hydrogen bonds of the CH…O=C type between the methane and carbonyl groups, as well as possibly the dipole–dipole interactions between the coplanar ordered dipoles of the C=O groups. The coefficient of asymmetry of the absorption bands of hydroxyl groups is reduced to 0.81–0.79 and the intensity of the absorption band of methyl groups is reduced by factors of 2.56, 3.3, and 3.8 in water-saturated samples due to the destruction of the supramolecular structure and the reorganization of the hydrogen bonds between the active groups of cellulose acetate and water molecules. The absence of an absorption band of ν = 873.53–851.9 cm–1 in the water-saturated samples indicates a conformational rearrangement of the macromolecules into a linear form with the formation of narrow mesopores of cellulose acetate between the macromolecules.

Study of p-(3-carboxy-1-adamantyl)-calix[4]arene with hydrogen bonds along the upper and lower rim by IR spectroscopy and DFT.

The IR spectra of p-(3-carboxy-1-adamantyl)-calix[4]arene (AdC4A) were studied. Using IR spectroscopy, it has been shown that in calixarene in dilute solution in CCl4, there was no free hydroxyl absorption band. The hydroxyl group band was characterized by a very low frequency, which indicates a strong intramolecular hydrogen bond on the lower rim of the calixarene molecules. On the upper rim of the calixarene, the carboxyl groups form cyclic dimer or tetramer complexes via intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The cone conformation persists, but there is a mutual influence of the hydrogen bonds along the top and bottom rims of the calixarene molecule. The structure with dimeric hydrogen bonds between the carboxyl groups is 16.5KJ/mol more preferable than the structure with tetrameric cyclic hydrogen bonds for AdC4A. The reactivity depends on the type of association on the upper rim, whether these are hydrogen-bonded dimers or cyclic tetrameric association. Graphical abstract .

Processing and characterization of Arapaima gigas scales and their reinforced epoxy composites

The arapaima is a large Amazonian freshwater fish and an example of a natural protective system against predators such as the piranha fish. In this work, both the plain scales and a 30 vol% of arapaima scales reinforced epoxy composite were characterized for their structure, composition and morphology. The characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The SEM images showed that the surface morphology of the scales was not altered by the flattening process applied before composite manufacturing. The EDS results confirm that the percentage of calcium is higher in the scale outer layer, which also shows the presence of phosphorous. The evidence of collagens in the plain scales as well as the presence of hydroxyl groups and absorption bands related to the epoxy group in the composites were revealed by FTIR. Mechanical bend tests disclosed the toughening contribution of arapaima scales to the composite epoxy matrix. Nanoindentation testing confirms the higher hardness of the scale outer layer associated with calcium participation. These experimental results provide, for the first time, an initial view of the arapaima scales potential for use as reinforcement in novel polymer composites.

The Influence of Processing Conditions on the Structure of Magnetron Sputtered Hydroxyapatite Thin Films

The growing demand for functionality of implants is necessary to cater for the growing elderly population in need of repair for damaged or diseased tissues and organs. Radiofrequency magnetron sputtered crystalline hydroxyapatite thin films with preferred crystal orientation on polished titanium substrates were produced without additional substrate heating. No hydroxyl absorption bands were detected in hydroxyapatite thin films even after the addition of water vapour during the sputtering process or hydrothermal post-treatment of the films.

Phase-resolved photoacoustic spectroscopy to monitor dental plaque on tooth enamel

ABSTRACTDental plaque is a biofilm on the enamel surface of the teeth, formed by colonizing bacteria. It is essential to monitor the biofilm presence on the surface of the enamel of the teeth, since plaque is a reason for periodontal disease and dental caries. This paper proposes applying photoacoustic spectroscopy to monitor and the phase-resolved photoacoustic method to analyze the biofilm plaque on samples of human dental enamel facets. The biofilm growth occurred in the oral cavity environment at deposition time of 48 and 72 h. Photoacoustic ex vivo monitoring found that: (1) Photoacoustic spectroscopy is a helpful tool to identify the bactericidal effect on dental plaque; (2) the biofilm deposition provides an optical absorption of the Soret band at 410 nm and increase of hydroxyl absorption band; (3) the biofilm thickness by phase-resolved photoacoustic method is in agreement with the literature in situ measurements. These new knowledges may help in development of a greater practicality and safety equipment able to identify and quantify dental biofilm, which may be achieved with low-cost Soret-band light emitting diode as light excitation.

An FTIR Study of Kyanite in the Maobei Kyanite-Bearing Eclogites from the Sulu Orogenic Belt, Eastern China

As a minor phase, kyanite has been repeatedly shown to have experienced ultrahigh pressure (UHP) metamorphism together with its host eclogites. Thus, it could play some role in transporting water into the deep earth. Here we present a detailed investigation of water concentrations of kyanite, and for reference, of garnet and omphacite from four Maobei eclogites in the Sulu orogenic belt, eastern China. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements show that kyanites, garnets, and omphacites all have distinct hydroxyl absorption bands due to OH groups bound in their crystal structure. The FTIR profile analyses on ten grains from different samples reveal a homogeneous distribution of water across kyanite, suggesting insignificant water loss during exhumation. The calculated water concentrations in kyanite (21 wt ppm–41 wt ppm) are comparable to those reported previously for kyanite from various geological occurrences when using the most recent calibration. They are however much lower compared with those in garnet (46 wt ppm–83 wt ppm) and omphacite (302 wt ppm–548 wt ppm) from the Maobei eclogites. This implies that kyanite is not a major water carrier in eclogites considering its low volume fraction and contributes negligibly to transport water into the deep mantle accompanying subducted oceanic crust until its possible transformation to AlSiO3OH.

Water-bearing, high-pressure Ca-silicates

Water-bearing minerals provide fundamental knowledge regarding the water budget of the mantle and are geophysically significant through their influence on the rheological and seismic properties of Earth's interior. Here we investigate the CaO–SiO2–H2O system at 17 GPa and 1773 K, corresponding to mantle transition-zone condition, report new high-pressure (HP) water-bearing Ca-silicates and reveal the structural complexity of these phases. We document the HP polymorph of hartrurite (Ca3SiO5), post-hartrurite, which is tetragonal with space group P4/ncc, a=6.820(5), c=10.243(8) Å, V=476.4(8) Å3, and Z=4, and is isostructural with Sr3SiO5. Post-hartrurite occurs in hydrous and anhydrous forms and coexists with larnite (Ca2SiO4), which we find also has a hydrous counterpart. Si is 4-coordinated in both post-hartrurite and larnite. In their hydrous forms, H substitutes for Si (4H for each Si; hydrogrossular substitution). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy shows broad hydroxyl absorption bands at ∼3550 cm−1 and at 3500–3550 cm−1 for hydrous post-hartrurite and hydrous larnite, respectively. Hydrous post-hartrurite has a defect composition of Ca2.663Si0.826O5H1.370 (5.84 weight % H2O) according to electron-probe microanalysis (EPMA), and the Si deficiency relative to Ca is also observed in the single-crystal data. Hydrous larnite has average composition of Ca1.924Si0.851O4H0.748 (4.06 weight % H2O) according to EPMA, and it is in agreement with the Si occupancy obtained using X-ray data collected on a single crystal. Superlattice reflections occur in electron-diffraction patterns of the hydrous larnite and could indicate crystallographic ordering of the hydroxyl groups and their associated cation defects. Although textural and EPMA-based compositional evidence suggests that hydrous perovskite may occur in high-Ca-containing (or low silica-activity) systems, the FTIR measurement does not show a well-defined hydroxyl absorption band for this phase, implying the water content, at least in the quenched glass, is below the limit of detection (100–1000 ppm). We conclude that at high pressure, as at ambient pressure, some calcium silicates have a high affinity for H2O and high dehydration temperatures. The thermal stability of these hydrous phases suggests that they could exist along a typical mantle geotherm and thus they might be relevant for understanding the mineralogy and water content of Earth's mantle.

Mechanical properties, chemical analysis and evaluation of antimicrobial response of Si-DLC coatings fabricated on AISI 316 LVM substrate by a multi-target DC-RF magnetron sputtering method for potential biomedical applications

In this study silicon doped diamond-like carbon (Si-DLC) coatings were synthesized on two substrates: silicon and AISI 316LVM stainless steel using a multi-target DC-RF magnetron sputtering method. The Si content in the films ranged between 4 and 16at.%, and was controlled by the electrical power applied in RF regime to Si cathode target.The character of the chemical bonds was revealed by FTIR analysis. With the addition of silicon the hydroxyl absorption (band in the range of 3200–3600cm−1) increased what suggests more hydrophilic character of the coating. There were also observed significant changes in bonding of Si atoms. For low content of dopant, Si-O-Si bond system is predominant, while for the highest content of silicon there is an evidence of the shift to Si-C bonds in close proximity to methyl groups. The Raman spectroscopy revealed that the G peak position is shifted to a lower wavenumber and the ID/IG ratio decreased with increasing Si content, which indicates an increase in the C-sp3 content. Regardless of the coatings’ composition, the improvement of hardness in comparison to pure substrate material (AISI 316 LVM) was observed. Although the reduction of the level of hardness from the level of 10.8GPa for pure DLC to about 9.4GPa for the silicon doped coatings was observed, the concomitant improvement of films adhesion with higher amount of Si was revealed. Although incorporation of the dopant to DLC coatings increases the number of E. coli cells which adhered to the examined surfaces, the microbial colonisation remains on the level of substrate material.The presented results prove the potential of Si-DLC coatings in biomedical applications from the point of view of their mechanical properties.

Structural properties and visible emission of Eu3+-activated SiO2–ZnO–TiO2 powders prepared by a soft chemical process

In this work, the structural and optical properties of the 60SiO2–20ZnO–20TiO2 system (in mol%) doped with 1 mol% of Eu3+ were evaluated. Stable and transparent sols, homogeneous gels, and powders were prepared by a soft chemical process followed by annealing from 700 to 1100 °C. Visible emission was observed in the photoluminescence (PL) spectra from 570 to 700 nm owing to the Eu3+ ions, with the most intense emission peaks at 614 and 590 nm related to the 5D0 → 7F2 and 5D0 → 7F1 transitions, corresponding to red (R) and orange (O) colors, respectively. The R/O intensity ratios between 3.16 and 3.73 were observed and correlated to the structural properties of the host. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that the reduction of PL at 614 nm and changes in the R/O values were due to the crystallization process. In addition, the FTIR spectra showed a gradual decrease of the hydroxyl absorption bands around 3436 and 1640 cm−1 and an increase of the bands related to Ti–O–Ti and Si–O–Si linkages, indicating polymerization and densification process of the host was achieved above 700 °C. Moreover, increasing the annealing temperature resulted in the formation of ZnTiO3 and Zn2TiO4 crystalline phases, as well as rutile TiO2. Finally, intensity parameters (Ωλ), and quantum efficiency were calculated by applying Judd–Ofelt theory to Eu3+ ions, which showed that the Eu3+-doped samples can be used in displays and LEDs.

Observation of temperature dependence of the IR hydroxyl absorption bands in silica optical fiber

Abstract This study reports on the temperature dependent behavior of silica based optical fibers upon exposure to high temperatures in hydrogen and ambient air. The hydroxyl absorption bands in the wavelength range of 1000–2500 nm of commercially available multimode fibers with pure silica and germanium doped cores were examined in the temperature range of 20–800 °C. Two hydroxyl-related infrared absorption bands were observed: ∼2200 nm assigned to the combination of the vibration mode of Si-OH bending and the fundamental hydroxyl stretching mode, and ∼1390 nm assigned to the first overtone of the hydroxyl stretching. The absorption in the 2200 nm band decreased in intensity, while the 1390 nm absorption band shifted to longer wavelengths with an increase in temperature. The observed phenomena were reversible with temperature and suspected to be due, in part, to the conversion of the OH spectral components into each other and structural relaxation.

Reflectance properties and hydrated material distribution on Vesta: Global investigation of variations and their relationship using improved calibration of Dawn VIR mapping spectrometer

Vesta’s surface albedo variations and hydrated material content share similar spatial distribution. This observation is consistent with carbonaceous chondrite meteorites as a likely source material for dark surface units observed by the Dawn spacecraft, as presented by numerous publications. While these deposits have been studied extensively by analysis of data from the Framing Camera (FC) and the Visible and Infrared Spectrometer (VIR), we performed a new analysis based on an improved calibration of VIR. First we identified instrument and calibration artifacts, and we therefore developed corrections of the VIR flat field and response function. Then we developed a photometric correction for Vesta based on the lunar model by Shkuratov et al. (Shkuratov, Yu.G. et al. [1999]. Icarus 141, 132–155. http://dx.doi.org/10.1006/icar.1999.6154), and a semi-analytical inversion of the photometric parameters. This photometric model combines minimization of the scattering effects due to the topography (a disk function) and variations of multiple-scattering with phase angle (the phase function) caused by microscopic physical properties of the regolith. The improved calibration and photometric correction enable more accurate analysis of the spectral properties of Vesta’s surface material, especially the reflectance at 1.4μm and the 2.8μm hydroxyl absorption band depth. We produced global and quadrangle maps that are used as a common dataset for this Icarus special issue on Vesta’s surface composition. The joint interpretation of both the 1.4μm reflectance and the 2.8μm absorption band depth reveals unusual spectral properties for a number of impact craters and ejecta compared to the rest of Vesta. An area including the Bellicia, Arruntia and Pomponia craters, where olivine might be present, has relatively high reflectance and a strong hydroxyl absorption band. Another area in the vicinity of Capparonia crater has a high content of hydrated materials, although with moderate reflectance and typical pyroxene-rich composition. Ejecta blankets west of Oppia crater have a spectral behavior similar to Capparonia, except for the wider and more complex shape of the hydroxyl absorption band. On the other hand, some low-hydrated areas associated to crater floors and ejecta have higher reflectance and steeper spectral slope than most low-hydrated terrains Vesta. A broad lane that extends from Rheasilvia rim at Matronalia Rupes to the northern regions hosts little to no hydrated materials and exhibits a moderate spectral slope, similar to Rheasilvia’s basin floor. These properties reinforce the hypothesis that the lane is composed of ejecta from Rheasilvia, as indicated by the distribution of pyroxene compositions by previous results from Dawn. A few small and fresh craters exhibit an association between low-reflectance, little to no hydrated materials and a strong positive spectral slope, suggesting optical effects by opaque coatings, as opposed to carbonaceous chondrite deposits, and possible coarser grains.

Solvothermal synthesis, characterization and photoluminescence studies of ZnS:Eu nanocrystals

Europium doped zinc sulfide nanocrystals (ZnS:Eu) are prepared by solvothermal method. Crystallite size and lattice constant of the prepared samples are calculated from the X-ray diffraction patterns. The as-prepared samples are found to be a mixture of complex chemical groups. Heat treatment of the samples at 300°C resulted in ZnS:Eu state. The crystal structure is not affected by the increase in the concentration of Eu from 1mol% to 5mol%. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) studies showed that characteristic absorption bands of hydroxyl groups and the acetate bands increased with increase in Eu concentration. The morphological results studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) indicate agglomeration of nanoparticles and a marginal increase in the particle size. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the samples showed a prominent emission band peaked at ∼400nm besides three weak ones at ∼422, 485 and 530nm. The PL intensity increased with increase in Eu concentration.

Studies on Mechanical and Chemical Property Changes of Environmental Degradation Polyethylene Mulching Film Immersed in Water Environment

This research studied the effects of the water environment on the mechanical, chemical and morphological changes of environmental degradation polyethylene mulching film. The mechanical characteristics of the environmental degradation polyethylene mulching film immersed in water environment or exposed in air declined. The elongation at break retention of the sample immersed in water reached minimum value for 70 days while 40 days for sample exposed in air. FTIR showed new hydroxyl absorption band appeared at 1717cm-1after exposed for 60 days. The relative intensity of absorption band of sample exposed in air is higher than sample immersed in water. AFM images showed large fluctuation on the surface after immersed in water or exposed in air for 60days.

Plasma surface modification effects on biodegradability and protein adsorption properties of chitosan films

This study investigates how plasma surface modification influences chitosan film biodegradability and protein adsorption properties. Plasma-modified chitosan films exhibit significantly more hydroxyl and carboxylic acid absorption bands in infrared spectra, and therefore exhibit superior hydrophilicity to that of unmodified chitosan films. The plasma-modified chitosan films exhibit rougher surface morphologies and higher swelling ratios in comparison to unmodified chitosan films. The plasma-modified chitosan films possess enhanced biodegradability in comparison to unmodified chitosan films, because more hydroxyl and carboxylic acid groups are metabolized during biodegradation. The plasma-modified chitosan films exhibit less bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption in bicinchoninic acid protein assays because the carboxylic acid group in bovine serum albumin is charge-charge repulsed from the abundant carboxylic acid group on the film surface. The 120s plasma-modified chitosan film possesses optimal hydrophilicity, swelling property, biodegradability, and the lowest BSA protein adsorption, because prolonged plasma treatment time may cause films surface damage.

Solar wind contribution to surficial lunar water: Laboratory investigations

Remote infrared spectroscopic measurements have recently re-opened the possibility that water is present on the surface of the Moon. Analyses of infrared absorption spectra obtained by three independent space instruments have identified water and hydroxyl (–OH) absorption bands at ∼3 μm within the lunar surface. These reports are surprising since there are many mechanisms that can remove water but no clear mechanism for replenishment. One hypothesis, based on the spatial distribution of the –OH signal, is that water is formed by the interaction of the solar wind with silicates and other oxides in the lunar basalt. To test this hypothesis, we have performed a series of laboratory simulations that examine the effect of proton irradiation on two minerals: anorthite and ilmenite. Bi-directional infrared reflection absorption spectra do not show any discernable enhancement of infrared absorption in the 3 μm spectral region following 1 or 100 keV proton irradiation at fluences between 10 16 and 10 18 ions cm −2. In fact, the post-irradiation spectra are characterized by a decrease in the residual O–H band within both minerals. Similarly, secondary ion mass spectrometry shows a decrease rather than an increase of the water group ions following proton bombardment of ilmenite. The absence of significant formation of either –OH or H 2O is ascribed to the preferential depletion of oxygen by sputtering during proton irradiation, which is confirmed by post-irradiation surface analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. Our results provide no evidence to support the formation of H 2O in the lunar regolith via implantation of solar wind protons as a mechanism responsible for the significant O–H absorption in recent spacecraft data. We determine an upper limit for the production of surficial –OH on the lunar surface by solar wind irradiation to be 0.5% (absorption depth).