Evaluation of Wettability at Interface between Molten Slag and Liquid Fe on Recovery of Metallic Fe from Lunar Regolith

Abstract

High-temperature H₂ reduction and melting experiments were conducted to extract metallic Fe from lunar regolith simulant. Differences in the recovery of metallic Fe with the addition of oxides were investigated in terms of the wettability at the interface between molten slag and liquid Fe. Ilmenite, albite, and Na₂O·xSiO₂ compounds were used as additive oxides. The effect of wettability on Fe recovery is discussed by evaluation of the contact angle obtained by calculations of surface tension and interfacial tension. The results confirmed that wettability is a major factor affecting coalescence of Fe particles in these slags.