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In space, microgravity lets materials grow without encountering walls, and it allows them to mix evenly and hold together without traditional supports. Building or manufacturing in microgravity can reduce defects observed on Earth.
Materials of all types can have their physical properties enhanced if there are fewer defects in the material structure. Synthesizing materials in microgravity reduces defects since gravitational forces (buoyancy, convection, and sedimentation) drive defect formation. Characterizing materials (measuring certain physical properties) is also more accurately done in microgravity without gravitational interference.
Microgravity can also provide for an environment for optimal layering of films. The lack of sedimentation allows the film to form more evenly when the coating is applied and hence to smooth, uniform and very thin coatings.
Making ZBLAN glass terrestrially results in the formation of tiny imperfections leading to decreased quality. Initial demonstrations by US companies have shown that it does not happen in microgravity.
If you want to read the full white paper on the topic, please contact us below with message “White paper – Microgravity for Manufacturing & Materials”.
Also surely refer to the link of Factories in Space below.
10x-100x
decreasing launch costs with in-space manufacturing