Phase Analysis of the Binary System of Cryolite (Na3AlF6) and Sodium Metasilicate (Na2SiO3)

The phase analysis of cryolite (Na₃AlF₆) and sodium metasilicate (Na₂SiO₃) was performed by thermal analysis. The eutectic system with a region of two immiscible substances at a concentration of Na₂SiO₃ between 42.8 and 46.3 mol‐% was identified and the eutectic temperature determined to (886±2) °C. Based on the results of mass‐loss measurements, it was assumed that the introduced Na₂SiO₃ reacts with Na₃AlF₆ due to the formation of some nonvolatile stable compounds. The stable reaction products were identified by X‐ray diffraction analysis and IR spectroscopy of the spontaneously cooled samples, which established the formation of NaF and stable amorphous aluminosilicate compounds.