Outgas

To release a gas or vapor, often slowly, from a material or substance. This process commonly occurs when a material is exposed to a vacuum, heat, or a chemical reaction. Outgassing can be a significant concern in various applications, such as space exploration, where released gases can contaminate sensitive instruments or create a vacuum environment. The rate and composition of the outgassed substances depend heavily on the material's properties and the surrounding conditions. It is important to consider the potential for outgassing when designing systems where cleanliness or material stability is crucial. The process can also happen naturally or intentionally to refine or purify.

Outgas meaning with examples

• The spacecraft's instruments were carefully designed to minimize outgassing. Engineers tested various materials under vacuum conditions to ensure minimal release of volatile compounds. This prevented the contamination of sensitive sensors during its mission to the outer solar system, ensuring the accurate measurement of celestial data. Careful material selection and pre-bake processes are key.
• During the manufacturing of semiconductor devices, the vacuum chambers used must be meticulously cleaned to prevent the outgassing of residual contaminants from the chamber walls. The release of water vapor or hydrocarbons could severely affect the performance of microchips. The precise cleaning procedure and maintenance of vacuum integrity is critical.
• When heating the polymer, it's crucial to allow sufficient time for the material to outgas completely. This is especially vital if the polymer will be used in an enclosed system because the released gases might condense on surfaces, impacting its properties. A long-term degassing process will improve the final product.
• The scientists subjected the sample to high temperatures under a low-pressure environment, enabling it to outgas slowly. They then analyzed the composition of the released gases to determine the type of impurities in the original material. This method is commonly used for material analysis.
• During the initial startup phase of the new vacuum furnace, the interior metal components experienced significant outgassing. This resulted in an immediate reduction in the pump’s efficiency until a steady state was reached, where gas removal was able to effectively eliminate the material, and the pumping became stable.