The microgravity diffusion experiment for highly reactive liquid metals

The space experiments are generally performed under extremely restricted conditions and have been done for chemically rather mild materials. Therefore, it is important to develop experimental techniques for highly reactive but important materials. In this study the experimental technique was developed for the diffusion of highly reactive liquid lithium under microgravity by the combination of the glove box system and the stainless steel ampoule system. This technique was successfully applied to the experimental chance of TR-IA No.6 rocket in Sept. in 1997. Good concentration profiles were obtained for the recovered lithium samples without being suffered from the contamination due to oxygen, nitrogen and water. Obtained diffusion coefficient of Li in liquid Li is larger than that of Li in liquid Li though experimental improvements are required for the further rigid conclusion. Therefore, the isotope effects in liquids is still now desired to be studied experimentally and theoretically.