Outgassing is the release of a gas that was either dissolved, trapped, frozen, or absorbed within a solid or liquid. This process often occurs when a material is heated, experiences a pressure change, or is exposed to a vacuum. The released gas can be anything from water vapor and carbon dioxide to more complex organic compounds or noble gases. Understanding outgassing is crucial in various fields, including materials science, space exploration, and geological studies, where the released gases can significantly impact performance or the surrounding environment.
Outgassing meaning with examples
- In the space program, outgassing from spacecraft components poses a serious risk, as the released vapors can condense on sensitive instruments, like cameras and sensors, leading to malfunctions. Therefore, extensive testing is done to limit outgassing. NASA’s strict material selection criteria are designed to mitigate this problem, and engineers select materials with minimal outgassing potential.
- When baking polymer clay, you often see the clay 'sweating' or developing a film. That is outgassing. The volatile compounds in the clay are released during heating, the temperature change pushing the gas from the inside to the exterior of the clay. The best methods to prevent outgassing is to cure the clay at the correct temperatures and avoid overheating the clay.
- Scientists studying the composition of the Martian atmosphere carefully analyze data collected from rovers for signs of outgassing from the planet's surface. This process of monitoring the Martian environment helps determine if there are present active geological or even biological processes at work that may release different elements or compounds of interest.
- When a fresh batch of molten glass is poured, a small amount of bubbles, caused by outgassing of gases trapped within the raw materials, is common. Careful techniques, such as slow heating and degassing the raw materials before melting, are needed to minimize bubbles in the final product. The process is integral to the production of high-quality glass.