Experimental modeling of percolation of molten iron through polycrystalline olivine matrix at 2.0–5.5 GPa and 1600°C

ABSTRACT

The present work was aimed to understand the role of light elements for the penetration of Fe melt through the olivine matrix at high P–T parameters. We studied the mechanism of Fe melt percolation through the olivine matrix, whose interstices are filled with carbon and sulfur. The experiments were performed using a ‘split-sphere’ type multi-anvil high pressure apparatus at pressures 2.0 and 5.5 GPa and a temperature of 1600°C. It was demonstrated that the Fe melt penetrated through the olivine matrix at a relatively high rates in the presence of carbon or sulfur in the interstices. The percolation occurs due to fast dissolution of the light elements into Fe melt and filling of these interstices by the melt.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Iron
• Earth’s core
• melt percolation
• carbon
• sulfur
• high pressures–high temperatures

Acknowledgements

The authors thank an anonymous reviewer for carefully reviewing the manuscript and comments.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by Russian Science Foundation [grant number 17-17-01154]. KL thanks for partial support from Russian Science Foundation [grant number 17-17-01177].