Experiment

Joint research starts for experiments in "Kibo" as part of the "Study on Phase Behavior of Multi-component Colloidal Clusters under Microgravity," a feasibility study theme using "Kibo" selected in 2015

Following the elaboration and technical reviewing of the experiment plan of the "Study on Phase Behavior of Multi-component Colloidal Clusters under Microgravity," a feasibility study (FS) theme using an environment of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" proposed by professor Jumpei Yamanaka at the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, preparation toward the experiment in the International Space Station (ISS) has started. An agreement for this joint research between JAXA and Nagoya City University was concluded. Both parties will work closely together to be able to launch the materials and start the experiment in late 2019.

This study aims to collect more precise data on the structures of microcrystals (clusters) formed of two types of titania fine particles (with positive and negative charges) under the microgravity environment that disables particles from settling. Such clusters are expected to be a material for manufacturing future innovative optical elements.

What is Colloid?

Colloid is a phase of fine particles (or molecules) dispersed in a liquid. Any liquid in such a state is referred to as colloidal solution or colloidal suspension. A typical example of colloid is milk. This study will use particles of less than one micrometer (1 µm) dispersed in water as colloidal solution.

*All times are Japan Standard Time (JST)