抄録
We report on the onboard apparatus for the Japanese colloid “Kikuchi-Kossel” experiment on the ISS/KIBO. The system was devoted to the KIBO utilization research theme “Study on the mutual interaction process between colloids”, as proposed by Prof. Sogami and started in 2011, where the main objective is observation of structure formation process in colloid dispersions under micro-G condition to verify existence of a long-range attraction force among the colloid particles. Based on the mission requirement, we have implemented a Kikuchi-Kossel laser-diffractometer and void-observation systems, where the former allows structural analysis of the colloid crystal structure and the latters allow the structure formation study at a mesoscopic (~10-100 μm) and macroscopic scale(~1mm) in colloid dispersions. The system also includes space-unique subsystems such as a stirring system and cuvettes etc. The paper summarizes system descriptions based on the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) phase. In December 2014, several colloid themes by other international partners are also planned for the ISS. It is expected that CCOF will contribute significantly to these colloid research community
