Thermoanalytical investigations of the decomposition course of copper oxysalts

The thermal decomposition course of copper acetate monohydrate (CuAc) was examined on heating up to 600°C at various rates, by TG, DTA and DSC. Non-isothermal kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were determined in air or nitrogen. SEM was used to describe the decomposition course and the solid products were identified by IR and XRD analysis. The results indicated that CuAc was dehydrated at 190°C and then partially decomposed at 220°C, giving rise to CuO in addition to a minor portion of Cu₂O and Cu₄O₃. The last two oxides seemed to facilitate the decomposition of the rest of the anhydrous acetate. Cu₂O and Cu₄O₃ were oxidized in air at >400°C, in a process that did not occur in nitrogen.It is a pleasure to thank the Queen's University of Belfast, particularly the staff of the Electron Microscope Unit for assistance in obtaining the electron micrographs. Thanks are also due to the Egyptian Government for the granted fellowship.