The origin of fragility in high-temperature oxide liquids - towards fabrication of novel non-equilibrium oxides

This project investigated the high-temperature thermophysical properties of molten metal oxides, with a particular focus on molten titanates. These property measurements were used to establish correlations with atomic structure and glass formation.

The research exploits the unique capabilities in microgravity to measure the thermophysical properties – density, thermal expansion coefficient, viscosity and surface tension – over a wide temperature range. Samples, including glasses, were recovered after melt processing in microgravity for ground-based analysis and comparison with materials made on Earth. The work underpins development of a materials property-structure data set that can help in development of new materials and in meeting requirements of material utilization, processing in space, and exploration.