Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) study of aluminum-containing atmospheric particles

Space shuttle exhausted aluminum oxide: A measured particle size distribution

“…Interest in the potential impact of SRM alumina on stratospheric chemistry has recently increased as a result of renewed interest in stratospheric ozone chemistry [Prather et al, 1990], particularly relating to biological and climate issues. Very often the role of exhausted aluminum oxide in the atmosphere is coupled to shuttle exhausted hydrogen chloride (HC1), about 190,000 kg/launch, since reactions involving HC1 and A1203 can modify the surface and subsequent atmospheric behavior of the alumina [Dillard et al, 1980;Cofer et al, 1984]. Since the surface of a particle is usually what interacts with the environment, its size and physical/chemical nature are im-Copyright 1991 by the American Geophysical Union.…”