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S. Hony

Publications and source records attributed to S. Hony.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

An ISO/SWS study of the dust composition around S stars

We investigate the composition of the solid-state materials in the winds around S-type AGB stars. The S stars produce dust in their wind that bears a resemblance to the dust produced in some O-rich AGB stars. However, the reported resemblance is mostly based on IRAS/LRS spectra with limited spectral resolution, sensitivity, and wavelength coverage. We investigate the dust composition around S stars using ISO/SWS data that surpass the previous studies in terms of spectral resolution and wavelength coverage. We compare the dust spectra from the 9 sources with the O-rich AGB spectra and a subset of M super-giants. We constructed average dust emission spectra of the different categories. We report the discovery of several previously unreported dust emission features in the S star spectra. The long wavelength spectra of W Aql and pi1 Gru exhibit the "30" micrometer feature attributed to MgS. Two sources exhibit a series of emission bands between 20 and 40 micrometer that we tentatively ascribe to Diopside. We show that the 10-20 micrometer spectra of the S stars are significantly different from the O-rich AGB stars. The O-rich stars exhibit a structured emission feature that is believed to arise from amorphous silicate and aluminium-oxide. The S stars lack the substructure found in the O-rich stars. Instead they show a smooth peak with a varying peak-position from source to source. We suggest that this feature is caused by a family of related material, whose exact composition determines the peak position. The observed trend mimics the laboratory trend of non-stoichiometric silicates. In this scenario the degree of non-stoichiometry is related to the Mg to SiO4 ratio, in other words, to the amount of free O available during the dust grain growth.

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The dust condensation sequence in red super-giant stars

Context: Red super-giant (RSG) stars exhibit significant mass loss through a slow and dense wind. They are often considered to be the more massive counter parts of Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars. While the AGB mass loss is linked to their strong pulsations, the RSG are often only weakly variable. Aim: To study the conditions at the base of the wind, by determining the dust composition in a sample of RSG. The dust composition is thought to be sensitive to the density, temperature and acceleration at the base of the wind. Method: We compile a sample of 27 RSG infrared spectra (ISO-SWS) and supplement these with photometric measurements to obtain the full spectral energy distribution (SED). These data are modelled using a dust radiative transfer code. The results are scrutinised for correlations. Results: We find (1) strong correlations between dust composition, mass-loss rate and stellar luminosity, roughly in agreement with the theoretical dust condensation sequence, (2) the need for a continuous (near-)IR dust opacity and tentatively propose amorphous carbon, and (3) significant differences with AGB star winds: presence of PAHs, absence of 'the' 13 micron band, and a lack of strong water bands. Conclusions: Dust condensation in RSG is found to experience a similar freeze-out process as in AGB stars. Together with the positive effect of the stellar luminosity on the mass-loss rate, this suggests that radiation pressure on dust grains is an important ingredient in the driving mechanism. Still, differences with AGB stars are manifold and thus the winds of RSG deserve separate studies.

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A spatially resolved study of photoelectric heating and [CII] cooling in the LMC

(abridged) We study photoelectric heating throughout the Large Magellanic Cloud. We quantify the importance of the [CII] cooling line and the photoelectric heating process of various environments in the LMC and investigate which parameters control the extent of photoelectric heating. We use the BICE [CII] map and the Spitzer/SAGE infrared maps. We examine the spatial variations in the efficiency of photoelectric heating: photoelectric heating rate over power absorbed by grains. We correlate the photoelectric heating efficiency and the emission from various dust constituents and study the variations as a function of Hαemission, dust temperatures, and the total infrared luminosity. From this we estimate radiation field, gas temperature, and electron density. We find systematic variations in photoelectric efficiency. The highest efficiencies are found in the diffuse medium, while the lowest coincide with bright star-forming regions (~1.4 times lower). The [CII] line emission constitutes 1.32% of the far infrared luminosity across the whole of the LMC. We find correlations between the [CII] emission and ratios of the mid infrared and far infrared bands, which comprise various dust constituents. The correlations are interpreted in light of the spatial variations of the dust abundance and by the local environmental conditions that affect the dust emission properties. As a function of the total infrared surface brightness, S_{TIR}, the [CII] surface brightness can be described as: S_{[CII]}=1.25 S_{TIR}^{0.69} [10^{-3} erg s^{-1} cm^{-2} sr^{-1}]. The [CII] emission is well-correlation with the 8 micrometer emission, suggesting that the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons play a dominant role in the photoelectric heating process.

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Detection of `parent' molecules from the inner wind of AGB stars as tracers of non-equilibrium chemistry

Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars are typified by strong dust-driven, molecular outflows. For long, it was believed that the molecular setup of the circumstellar envelope of AGB stars is primarily determined by the atmospheric C/O ratio. However, recent observations of molecules such as HCN, SiO, and SO reveal gas-phase abundances higher than predicted by thermodynamic equilibrium (TE) models. UV-photon initiated dissociation in the outer envelope or non-equilibrium formation by the effect of shocks in the inner envelope may be the origin of the anomolous abundances. We aim at detecting (i.) a group of `parent' molecules (CO, SiO, HCN, CS), predicted by the non-equilibrium study of Cherchneff (2006) to form with almost constant abundances independent of the C/O ratio and the stellar evolutionary stage on the Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB), and (ii.) few molecules, such as SiS and SO,which are sensitive to the O- or C-rich nature of the star. Several low and high excitation rotational transitions of key molecules are observed at mm and sub-mm wavelengths with JCMT and APEX in four AGB stars: the oxygen-rich Mira WX Psc, the S star W Aql, and the two carbon stars V Cyg and II Lup. A critical density analysis is performed to determine the formation region of the high-excitation molecular lines. We detect the four `parent' molecules in all four objects, implying that, indeed, these chemical species form whatever the stage of evolution on the AGB. High-excitation lines of SiS are also detected in three stars with APEX, whereas SO is only detected in the oxygen-rich star WX Psc. This is the first multi-molecular observational proof that periodically shocked layers above the photosphere of AGB stars show some chemical homogeneity, whatever the photospheric C/O ratio and stage of evolution of the star.

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The variable mass loss of the AGB star WX Psc as traced by the CO J=1-0 through 7-6 lines and the dust emission

Low and intermediate mass stars lose a significant fraction of their mass through a dust-driven wind during the Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) phase. Recent studies show that winds from late-type stars are far from being smooth. Mass-loss variations occur on different time scales, from years to tens of thousands of years. The variations appear to be particularly prominent towards the end of the AGB evolution. The occurrence, amplitude and time scale of these variations are still not well understood. The goal of our study is to gain insight into the structure of the circumstellar envelope (CSE) of WX Psc and map the possible variability of the late-AGB mass-loss phenomenon. We have performed an in-depth analysis of the extreme infrared AGB star WX Psc by modeling (1) the CO J=1-0 through 7-6 rotational line profiles and the full spectral energy distribution (SED) ranging from 0.7 to 1300 micron. We hence are able to trace a geometrically extended region of the CSE. Both mass-loss diagnostics bear evidence of the occurrence of mass-loss modulations during the last ~2000 yr. In particular, WX Psc went through a high mass-loss phase (Mdot~5e-5 Msun/yr) some 800 yr ago. This phase lasted about 600 yr and was followed by a long period of low mass loss (Mdot~5e-8 Msun/yr). The present day mass-loss rate is estimated to be ~6e-6 Msun/yr. The AGB star WX Psc has undergone strong mass-loss rate variability on a time scale of several hundred years during the last few thousand years. These variations are traced in the strength and profile of the CO rotational lines and in the SED. We have consistently simulated the behaviour of both tracers using radiative transfer codes that allow for non-constant mass-loss rates.

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The outburst of the eruptive young star OO Serpentis between 1995 and 2006

OO Serpentis is a deeply embedded pre-main sequence star that went into outburst in 1995 and gradually faded afterwards. Its eruption resembled the well-known FU Orionis-type or EX Lupi-type outbursts. Since very few such events have ever been documented at infrared wavelengths, our aim is to study the temporal evolution of OO Ser in the infrared. OO Ser was monitored with the Infrared Space Observatory starting 4 months after peak brightness and covering 20 months. In 2004-2006 we again observed OO Ser from the ground and complemented this dataset with archival Spitzer obsevations also from 2004. We analysed these data with special attention to source confusion and constructed light curves at 10 different wavelengths as well as spectral energy distributions. The outburst caused brightening in the whole infrared regime. According to the infrared light curves, OO Ser started a wavelength-independent fading after peak brightness. Later the flux decay became slower but stayed wavelength-independent. The fading is still ongoing, and current fading rates indicate that OO Ser will not return to quiescent state before 2011. The outburst timescale of OO Ser seems to be shorter than that of FUors, but longer than that of EXors. The outburst timescale and the moderate luminosity suggest that OO Ser is different from both FUors and EXors, and shows similarities to the recently erupted young star V1647 Ori. Based on its spectral energy distribution and bolometric temperature, OO Ser seems to be an early class I object, with an age of < 10^5 yr. The object is probably surrounded by an accretion disc and a dense envelope. Due to the shorter outburst timescales, the viscosity in the circumstellar disc of OO Ser is probably an order of magnitude higher than usual for FUors.

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Continuum emission around AGB stars at 1.2 mm

It is generally acknowledged that the mass loss of Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars undergoes variations on different time scales. We constructed models for the dust envelopes for a sample of AGB stars to assess whether mass-loss variations influence the spectral energy distribution (SED). To constrain the variability, extra observations at millimetre wavelengths (1.2 mm) were acquired. From the analysis of the dust models, two indications for the presence of mass-loss variations can be found, being (1) a dust temperature at the inner boundary of the dust envelope that is far below the dust condensation temperature and (2) an altered density distribution with respect to rho(r) \propto r^{-2} resulting from a constant mass-loss rate. For 5 out of the 18 studied sources a two-component model of the envelope is required, consisting of an inner region with a constant mass-loss rate and an outer region with a less steep density distribution. For one source an outer region with a steeper density distribution was found. Moreover, in a search for time variability in our data set at 1.2 mm, we found that WX Psc shows a large relative time variation of 34% which might partially be caused by variable molecular line emission.

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Spitzer spectroscopy of carbon stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud

We present Spitzer Space telescope spectroscopic observations of 14 carbon-rich AGB stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud. SiC dust is seen in most of the carbon-rich stars but it is weak compared to LMC stars. The SiC feature is strong only for stars with significant dust excess, opposite to what is observed for Galactic stars. We argue that in the SMC, SiC forms at lower temperature than graphite dust, whereas the reverse situation occurs in the Galaxy where SiC condenses at higher temperatures and forms first. Dust input into the interstellar medium by AGB stars consists mostly of carbonaceous dust, with little SiC or silicate dust. Only the two coolest stars show a 30-micron band due to MgS dust. We suggest that this is due to the fact that, in the SMC, mass-losing AGB stars generally have low circumstellar (dust) optical depth and therefore effective heating of dust by the central star does not allow temperatures below the 650 K necessary for MgS to exist as a solid. Gas phase C$_2$H$_2$ bands are stronger in the SMC than in the LMC or Galaxy. This is attributed to an increasing C/O ratio at low metallicity. We present a colour-colour diagram based on Spitzer IRAC and MIPS colours to discriminate between O- and C-rich stars. We show that AGB stars in the SMC become carbon stars early in the thermal-pulsing AGB evolution, and remain optically visible for $\sim 6 \times 10^5$ yr. For the LMC, this lifetime is $\sim 3 \times 10^5$ yr. The superwind phase traced with Spitzer lasts for $\sim 10^4$ yr. Spitzer spectra of a K supergiant and a compact HII region are also given.

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Probing the mass-loss history of AGB and red supergiant stars from CO rotational line profiles I. Theoretical model -- Mass-loss history unravelled in VY CMa

Context: Mass loss plays a dominant role in the evolution of low mass stars while they are on the Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB). The gas and dust ejected during this phase are a major source in the mass budget of the interstellar medium. Recent studies have pointed towards the importance of variations in the mass-loss history of such objects. Aims: By modelling the full line profile of low excitation CO lines emitted in the circumstellar envelope, we can study the mass-loss history of AGB stars. Methods: We have developed a non-LTE radiative transfer code, which calculates the velocity structure and gas kinetic temperature of the envelope in a self-consistent way. The resulting structure of the envelope provides the input for the molecular line radiative calculations which are evaluated in the comoving frame. The code allows for the implementation of modulations in the mass-loss rate. This code has been benchmarked against other radiative transfer codes and is shown to perform well and efficiently. Results: We illustrate the effects of varying mass-loss rates in case of a superwind phase. The model is applied to the well-studied case of VY CMa. We show that both the observed integrated line strengths as the spectral structure present in the observed line profiles, unambiguously demonstrate that this source underwent a phase of high mass loss (~ 3.2E-4 Msun/yr) some 1000 yr ago. This phase took place for some 100 yr, and was preceded by a low mass-loss phase (~ 1E-6 Msun/yr) taking some 800 yr. The current mass-loss rate is estimated to be in the order of 8E-5 Msun/yr. Conclusions: In this paper, we demonstrate that both the relative strength of the CO rotational line profiles and the (non)-occurrence of spectral structure in the profile offer strong diagnostics to pinpoint the mass-loss history.

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Spitzer observations of acetylene bands in carbon-rich AGB stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud

We investigate the molecular bands in carbon-rich AGB stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), using the InfraRed Spectrograph (IRS) on board the Spitzer Space Telescope (SST) over the 5--38 micron range. All 26 low-resolution spectra show acetylene (C2H2) bands at 7 and 14 micron. The hydrogen cyanide (HCN) bands at these wavelengths are very weak or absent. This is consistent with low nitrogen abundances in the LMC. The observed 14 micron C2H2 band is reasonably reproduced by an excitation temperature of 500 K. There is no clear dilution of the 14 micron band by circumstellar dust emission. This 14 micron band originates from molecular gas in the circumstellar envelope in these high mass-loss rate stars, in agreement with previous findings for Galactic stars. The C2H2,column density, derived from the 13.7 micron band, shows a gas mass-loss rate in the range 3x10^-6 to 5x10^{-5} Msun yr-1. This is comparable with the total mass-loss rate of these stars estimated from the spectral energy distribution. Additionally, we compare the line strengths of the 13.7 micron C2H2 band of our LMC sample with those of a Galactic sample. Despite the low metallicity of the LMC, there is no clear difference in the C2H2 abundance among LMC and Galactic stars. This reflects the effect of the 3rd dredge-up bringing self-produced carbon to the surface, leading to high C/O ratios at low metallicity.

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A Spitzer mid-infrared spectral survey of mass-losing carbon stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud

We present a Spitzer Space Telescope spectroscopic survey of mass-losing carbon stars (and one oxygen-rich star) in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The spectra cover the wavelength range 5--38 micron. They show varying combinations of dust continuum, dust emission features (SiC, MgS) and molecular absorption bands (C2H2, HCN). A set of four narrow bands, dubbed the Manchester system, is used to define the infrared continuum for dusty carbon stars. The relations between the continuum colours and the strength of the dust and molecular features are studied, and are compared to Galactic stars of similar colours. The circumstellar 7-micron C2H2 band is found to be stronger at lower metallicity, from a comparison of stars in the Galaxy, the LMC and the SMC. This is explained by dredge-up of carbon, causing higher C/O ratios at low metallicity (less O). A possible 10-micron absorption feature seen in our spectra may be due to C3. This band has also been identified with interstellar silicate or silicon-nitrite dust. The line-to-continuum ratio of theSiC and MgS bands shows some indication of being lower at low metallicity. The MgS band is only seen at dust temperatures below 600 K. We discuss the selection of carbon versus oxygen-rich AGB stars using the J-K vs. K-A colours, and show that these colours are relatively insensitive to chemical type. Metal-poor carbon stars form amorphous carbon dust from self-produced carbon. The formation efficiency of oxygen-rich dust depends more strongly on metallicity. We suggest that in lower-metallicity environments, the dust input into the Interstellar Medium by AGB stars is efficient but may be strongly biassed towards carbonaceous dust, as compare to the Galaxy.

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Amorphous alumina in the extended atmosphere of Alpha Orionis

In this paper we study the extended atmosphere of the late-type supergiant Alpha Orionis. Infrared spectroscopy of red supergiants reveals strong molecular bands, some of which do not originate in the photosphere but in a cooler layer of molecular material above it. Lately, these layers have been spatially resolved by near and mid-IR interferometry. In this paper, we try to reconcile the IR interferometric and ISO-SWS spectroscopic results on Alpha Orionis with a thorough modelling of the photosphere, molecular layer(s) and dust shell. From the ISO and near-IR interferometric observations, we find that Alpha Orionis has only a very low density water layer close above the photosphere. However, mid-IR interferometric observations and a narrow-slit N-band spectrum suggest much larger extra-photospheric opacity close to the photosphere at those wavelengths, even when taking into account the detached dust shell. We argue that this cannot be due to the water layer, and that another source of mid-IR opacity must be present. We show that this opacity source is probably neither molecular nor chromospheric. Rather, we present amorphous alumina (Al2O3) as the best candidate and discuss this hypothesis in the framework of dust-condensation scenarios.

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ESO-VLT and Spitzer spectroscopy of IRAS05328-6827: a massive young stellar object in the Large Magellanic Cloud

We present the first thermal-infrared spectra of an extra-galactic Young Stellar Object (YSO), IRAS05328-6827 in the HII region LHA 120-N148 in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The observed and modelled spectral energy distribution reveals a massive YSO, M=20 Msun, which is heavily-embedded and probably still accreting. The reduced dust content as a consequence of the lower metallicity of the LMC allows a unique view into this object, and together with a high C/O ratio may be responsible for the observed low abundance of water ice and relatively high abundances of methanol and CO2 ices.

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The profiles of the 3 to 12 $μ$m PAH features

We present spectra of the 3.3 $μ$m and 11.2 $μ$m PAH features of a large number of (extra-) galactic sources, obtained with ISO-SWS. Clear variations are present in the profiles of these features. The sources are classified independently based on the 3.3 and 11.2 $μ$m feature profiles and peak positions. Correlations between these classes and those based on the 6--9 $μ$m features (Peeters et al. 2002) are found. Also, these classifications depend on the type of object. The observed pronounced contrast in the spectral variations for the CH modes (3.3 and 11.2 $μ$m bands) versus the CC modes (6.2, 7.7 and 8.6 $μ$m bands) is striking : the peak wavelengths of the features attributed to CC modes vary by $\sim$15--80 cm$^{-1}$, while for the CH modes the variations are $\sim$4--6.5 cm$^{-1}$. We summarize existing laboratory data and theoretical calculations of PAH molecules and complexes. In contrast to the 6.2 and 7.7 $μ$m components which are attributed to PAH cations, the 3.3 $μ$m feature appears to originate in neutral and/or negatively charged PAHs. We attribute the variations in peak position and profile of these features to the composition of the PAH family. The variations in FWHM of the 3.3 $μ$m feature remains an enigma while those of the 11.2 $μ$m can be explained by anharmonicity and molecular structure. The possible origin of the observed contrast in profile variations between the CH modes and the CC modes is highlighted.

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PAHs and crystalline silicates in the post-AGB star IRAS 16279-4757

IRAS 16279-4757 belongs to a group of post-AGB stars showing both PAH bands and crystalline silicates. We present mid-infrared images, that resolve the object for the first time. The morphology is similar to that of the `Red Rectangle' (HD 44179), the prototype object with PAHs and crystalline silicates. A two-component model and images suggest a dense oxygen-rich torus, an inner, low-density carbon-rich region and a carbon-rich bipolar outflow. The PAH bands are enhanced at the outflow, while the continuum emission is concentrated towards the center. Our findings support the suggestion that mixed chemistry and morphology are closely related. We discuss the ISO/SWS spectra of IRAS 16279-4757. Several bands in the ISO/SWS spectrum show a match with anorthite: this would be the first detection of this mineral outside the solar system. Compared to HD 44179, the shapes of PAH bands are closer to those of planetary nebulae, possibly related to a population of small PAHs present HD 44179, but absent around IRAS 16279-4757. Detailed examination of the spectra shows the individual character of these two objects. The comparison suggests that the torus found in IRAS 16279-4757 may have formed more recently than that in HD 44179.

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The Unidentified InfraRed Features after ISO

The Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) has provided the first complete mid-IR spectra for a wide range of objects. Almost all of these spectra are dominated by the well-known infrared emission features at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, and 11.2 $μ$m, the so-called Unidentified Infra-Red (UIR) features. Besides the major features, there is an array of minor features and broad plateaux stretching from 3 to 20 $μ$m which reveal subtle details of conditions in the emission zones and properties of the carriers. Generally attributed to the vibrational relaxation of UV-pumped Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon molecules (PAHs) containing some 50--100 C-atoms, these UIR spectra are a treasure trove of information. The ISO spectra have, for the first time, allowed a systematic analysis of the spectral characteristics of the UIR features in a wide variety of environments. The peak positions, profiles, and relative strengths of the major features vary from source to source and spatially within sources. These specific profiles are not unique to certain object types but can occur within each individual source. Here, we review ISO and recent ground-based observations and assess some of their implications.

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MgS in detached shells around carbon stars. Mining the mass-loss history

We investigate the dust composition of detached shells around carbon stars, with a focus to understand the origin of the cool magnesium-sulfide (MgS) material around warm carbon stars, which has been detected around several of these objects. We build a radiative transfer model of a carbon star surrounded by an expanding detached shell of dust. The shell contains amorphous carbon grains and MgS grains. We find that a small fraction of MgS dust (2% of the dust mass) can give a significant contribution to the IRAS 25 micron flux. However, the presence of MgS in the detached shell cannot be inferred from the IRAS broadband photometry alone but requires infrared spectroscopy. We apply the model to the detached-shell sources R Scl and U Cam, both exhibiting a cool MgS feature in their ISO/SWS spectra. We use the shell parameters derived for the molecular shell, using the CO submillimetre maps. The models, with MgS grains located in the detached shell, explain the MgS grain temperature, as derived from their ISO spectra, very well. This demonstrates that the MgS grains are located at the distance of the detached shell, which is a direct indication that these shells originate from a time when the stellar photosphere was already carbon-rich. In the case of R Scl, the IRAS photometry is simultaneously explained by the single shell model. In the case of U Cam, the IRAS photometry is under predicted, pointing to a contribution from cooler dust located even further away from the star than the molecular shell. We present a simple diagnostic to constrain the distance of the shell using the profile of the MgS emission feature. The emission feature shifts to longer wavelength with decreasing grain temperature. One can therefore infer a temperature and a corresponding distance to the star from the observed profile. (abridged)

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The circumstellar envelope of the C-rich post-AGB star HD 56126

We present a detailed study of the circumstellar envelope of the post-asymptotic giant branch ``21 micron object'' HD 56126. We build a detailed dust radiative transfer model of the circumstellar envelope in order to derive the dust composition and mass, and the mass-loss history of the star. To model the emission of the dust we use amorphous carbon, hydrogenated amorphous carbon, magnesium sulfide and titanium carbide. We present a detailed parametrisation of the optical properties of hydrogenated amorphous carbon as a function of H/C content. The mid-infrared imaging and spectroscopy is best reproduced by a single dust shell from 1.2 to 2.6 arcsec radius around the central star. This shell originates from a short period during which the mass-loss rate exceeded 10^(-4) M_sun/yr. We find that the strength of the ``21'' micron feature poses a problem for the TiC identification. The low abundance of Ti requires very high absorption cross-sections in the ultraviolet and visible wavelength range to explain the strength of the feature. Other nano-crystalline metal carbides should be considered as well. We find that hydrogenated amorphous carbon in radiative equilibrium with the local radiation field does not reach a high enough temperature to explain the strength of the 3.3-3.4 and 6-9 micron hydrocarbon features relative to the 11-17 micron hydrocarbon features. We propose that the carriers of these hydrocarbon features are not in radiative equilibrium but are transiently heated to high temperature. We find that 2 per cent of the dust mass is required to explain the strength of the ``30'' micron feature, which fits well within the measured atmospheric abundance of Mg and S. This further strengthens the MgS identification of the ``30'' micron feature.

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