Dissolution of K in molten iron at high pressure and temperature

Abstract

Partitioning of K between molten iron and silicate melt was examined at about 26 GPa and 2600°C using a mixture of pure iron and natural microcline as the starting material. The dissolution of K in molten iron up to about 0.2 wt % was confirmed. The distribution coefficient of K between molten iron and silicate melt was about 3.8×10 −2 (atomic ratio). This value suggests the presence of 5 ppm K in the earth's core, yielding 3×10 10 W for the present day heat generation by K.