Iron and the formation of astrophysical dust grains.
Abstract
Condensation of metallic iron or the iron carbide cohenite Fe3C is proposed as the source of the approximately 1000 K dust condensate in nova shells, Wolf-Rayet stars, and other objects. Iron grains may serve as nucleation sites for carbon in carbon-star ejecta; however, nucleation of graphite at its equilibrium saturation temperature is almost certainly kinetically inhibited. A gas phase rich in CO, C2H2, and HCN is produced instead.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- November 1979
- DOI:
- 10.1086/157481
- Bibcode:
- 1979ApJ...234..154L
- Keywords:
-
- Carbides;
- Cosmic Dust;
- Interstellar Matter;
- Iron;
- Nucleation;
- Stellar Envelopes;
- Acetylene;
- Carbon Monoxide;
- Ejecta;
- Graphite;
- Hydrocyanic Acid;
- Silicates;
- Wolf-Rayet Stars;
- Astrophysics;
- Interstellar Matter;
- Star Formation