Thermal reactions of solid-state amorphized borates and borate glasses

The properties and course of phase transition of amorphous borates obtained by solid-state thermal and mechanical treatment of hydrated borates and melt quenched glasses with the compositions of these borates were studied. Processes of structural relaxation and crystallization were considered.It was found that different methods of preparation of amorphous borates and the differences in their structural ordering resulting from these methods affect the rate and the mechanism of transformations occurring during their heating.Support for this work was provided by the Polish Committee of Scientific Research (KBN) — grant No. 3 P407 034 06.     

Thermal decomposition of mechanically activated arsenopyrite

The changes in specific surface area and structure disorder of mechanically activated arsenopyrite were investigated. The rate of nonoxidative decomposition of mechanically activated arsenopyrite was increased almost 10-times when compared with nonoxidative decomposition of a non-activated sample. An empirical linear relationship was found (r=0.996) between the rate constant of decomposition and the ratio of specific surface to transmission of the absorption band of arsenopyrite at $\bar \nu = 370 cm^{ - 1} $ . This relationship enables us to arrange the reaction 4FeAsS→4FeS+As₄ among structure-sensitive reactions.     

Thermal Decomposition of Axinite

The thermal decomposition of axinite was studied by means of thermal, FTIR and X-ray methods. Dehydroxylation takes place in a rather narrow temperature range, the maximum of the corresponding peak being at ca. 900°C. The decomposition products are anorthite, rankinite and probably also small amounts of other, partly amorphous phases. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Thermal behavior of a mineral mixture of sepiolite and dolomite

An industrial raw material taken from Beypazarı (Ankara, Turkey) region was heated at different temperatures in the 100–1100°C interval for 2 h. The volumetric percentage of particles having diameter below 2 μm in an aqueous suspension of the material held 24 h were determined as 85% by the particle size distribution analysis. The mineralogical composition of the material was obtained as mass% of 81% sepiolite, 15% dolomite, and 4% interparticle water by using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal analysis (TG, DTA) data. The temperature ranges were determined for the dehydrations of the interparticle water and the zeolitic water as 25–340°C, for the dehydration of the bound water as 340–580°C, and for the dehydroxylation of the hydroxyls as 800–833°C in the sepiolite. The zig-zag changes in the specific surface area (S/m² g⁻¹) and specific micro-and mesopore volume (V/cm³ g⁻¹) with the temperature increases were discussed according to the dehydrations and dehydroxylation of the sepiolite.     

Thermal decomposition of vesuvianite

The thermal decomposition of vesuvianite was studied by means of thermal, FTIR and X-ray methods. It was found that two structural forms of vesuvianite, a high-temperature (disordered) and a low-temperature (ordered) one, differ distinctly in the mechanism of their decomposition (dehydroxylation). Dehydroxylation of low vesuvianites begins at lower temperatures (ca. 900°C), and the strong endothermic peak with maximum at ca. 1020°C is usually followed by an exothermic peak. Dehydroxylation of high vesuvianites begins at ca. 1000°C, and the OTA curve usually displays two endothermic peaks not followed by an exothermic effect. The crystallization products of vesuvianite are grossular, gehlenite and anorthite. Vesuvianite melts in the temperature range 1100–1200°C.The authors thank Mr. A. Gawel for kindly recording the X-ray powder diffractograms. This study was supported by KBN grant No 6 P201 018 04.     

Thermal decomposition of the layered double hydroxides of formula Cu6Al2(OH)16CO3 and Zn6Al2(OH)16CO3

Zn-Al hydrotalcites and Cu-Al hydrotalcites were synthesised by coprecipitation method and analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal analysis coupled with mass spectroscopy. These methods provide a measure of the thermal stability of the hydrotalcite. The XRD patterns demonstrate similar patterns to that of the reference patterns but present impurities attributed to Zn(OH)₂ and Cu(OH)₂. The analysis shows that the d003 peak for the Zn-Al hydrotalcite gives a spacing in the interlayer of 7.59 ? and the estimation of the particle size by using the Debye-Scherrer equation and the width of the d003 peak is 590 ?. In the case of the Cu-Al hydrotalcite, the d003 spacing is 7.57 ? and the size of the diffracting particles was determined to be 225 ?. The thermal decomposition steps can be broken down into 4 sections for both of these hydrotalcites. The first step decomposition below 100°C is caused by the dehydration of some water absorbed. The second stage shows two major steps attributed to the dehydroxylation of the hydrotalcite. In the next stage, the gas CO₂ is liberated over a temperature range of 150°C. The last reactions occur over 400°C and involved CO₂ evolution in the decomposition of the compounds produced during the dehydroxylation of the hydrotalcite.     

Thermal analysis of goethite

Differential scanning calorimetry shows two endotherms at 75 and 225°C for synthetic goethite. The latter endotherm is strongly asymmetric on the low temperature side. The endotherms were attributed to the loss of water and the dehydroxylation of the goethite. The temperature of the endotherms and the enthalpy of the phase change were found to be linear functions of the percentage of aluminium substitution into the goethite. High-resolution thermogravimetric analysis of goethite showed three mass loss steps, occurring at ~175, 196 and 263°C. The temperatures of these mass loss steps and the percentage of mass loss were also linearly related to the degree of Al substitution. The use of infrared emission spectroscopy confirmed the temperature of dehydroxylation. The observation of the low temperature dehydroxylation of goethite and its relation to ancient aboriginal cave art is discussed. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Thermal analysis of beaverite in comparisonwith plumbojarosite

The thermal decomposition of beaverite and plumbojarosite was studied using a combination of thermogravimetric analysis coupled to a mass spectrometer. The mineral beaverite Pb(Fe,Cu)₃(SO₄)₂(OH)₆ decomposes in three stages attributed to dehydroxylation, loss of sulphate and loss of oxygen, which take place at 376 and 420, 539 and 844°C. In comparison three thermal decomposition steps are observed for plumbojarosite PbFe₆(SO₄)₄(OH)₁₂ at 376, 420 and 502°C attributed to dehydroxylation; loss of sulphate occurs at 599°C; and loss of oxygen and formation of lead occurs at 844 and 953°C. The temperatures of the thermal decomposition of the natural plumbojarosite were found to be less than that for the synthetic jarosite. A comparison of the thermal decomposition of plumbojarosite with argentojarosite is made. The understanding of the chemistry of the thermal decomposition of minerals such as beaverite, argentojarosite and plumbojarosite and related minerals is of vital importance in the study known as ‘archeochemistry’.     

Thermal decomposition of the synthetic hydrotalcite iowaite

The thermal stability and thermal decomposition pathways for synthetic iowaite have been determined using thermogravimetry in conjunction with evolved gas mass spectrometry. Chemical analysis showed the formula of the synthesised iowaite to be Mg_6.27Fe_1.73(Cl)_1.07(OH)₁₆(CO₃)_0.336.1H₂O and X-ray diffraction confirms the layered structure. Dehydration of the iowaite occurred at 35 and 79°C. Dehydroxylation occurred at 254 and 291°C. Both steps were associated with the loss of CO₂. Hydrogen chloride gas was evolved in two steps at 368 and 434°C. The products of the thermal decomposition were MgO and a spinel MgFe₂O₄. Experimentally it was found to be difficult to eliminate CO₂ from inclusion in the interlayer during the synthesis of the iowaite compound and in this way the synthesised iowaite resembled the natural mineral.     

Dehydration and dehydroxylation of reduced charge montmorillonite

Reduced charge montmorillonites (RCM) were prepared by the thermal treatment of lithiumsaturated montmorillonite. Samples prepared by mild thermal treatment with lithium contained more water sorbed than the original montmorrilonite. When RCMs were prepared, part of the lithium cations reacted with hydroxyl groups in the octahedral sheet and released protons, which reacted with the structure. Acid treatment probably enhanced the surface area. which was reflected in the amount of water sorbed. Deprotonation of hydroxyl groups was proved by the measurements of the ignition loss. The heating of lithium saturated montmorillonite at higher temperatures brough about the collapse of the interlayers and a decrease in the amount of water sorbed.     

Thermal decomposition of the synthetic hydrotalcite woodallite

The thermal stability and thermal decomposition pathways for synthetic woodallite have been determined using thermogravimetry in conjunction with evolved gas mass spectrometry. Chemical analysis showed the formula of the synthesised woodallite to be Mg_6.28Cr_1.72Cl(OH)₁₆(CO₃)_0.36⋅8.3H₂O and X-ray diffraction confirms the layered LDH structure. Dehydration of the woodallite occurred at 65°C. Dehydroxylation occurred at 302 and 338°C. Both steps were associated with the loss of carbonate. Hydrogen chloride gas was evolved over a wide temperature range centred on 507°C. The products of the thermal decomposition were MgO and a spinel MgCr₂O₄. Experimentally it was found to be difficult to eliminate CO₂ from inclusion in the interlayer during the synthesis of the woodallite compound and in this way the synthesised woodallite resembled the natural mineral.     

Thermal decomposition of jarosites of potassium,sodium and lead

Summary Jarosites are a group of minerals formed in evaporite deposits and form a component of efflorescence. As such the minerals can function as cation and heavy metal collectors. Thermogravimetry coupled to mass spectrometry has been used to study three Australian jarosites which are predominantly K, Na and Pb jarosites. Mass loss steps of K-jarosite occur over the 130 to 330 and 500 to 622°C temperature range and are attributed to dehydroxylation and desulphation. In contrast the behaviour of the thermal decomposition of Na-jarosite shows three mass loss steps at 215 to 230, 316 to 352 and 555 to 595°C. The first mass loss step for Na-jarosite is attributed to deprotonation. For Pb-jarosite two mass loss steps associated with dehydroxylation are observed at 390 and 418°C and a third mass loss step at 531°C is attributed to the loss of SO₃. Thermal analysis is an excellent technique for the study of jarosites. The analysis depends heavily on the actual composition of the jarosite.     

Thermal decomposition of synthetic hydrotalcites reevesite and pyroaurite

A combination of high resolution thermogravimetric analysis coupled to a gas evolution mass spectrometer has been used to study the thermal decomposition of synthetic hydrotalcites reevesite (Ni₆Fe₂(CO₃)(OH)₁₆·4H₂O) and pyroaurite (Mg₆Fe₂(SO₄,CO₃)(OH)₁₆·4H₂O) and the cationic mixtures of the two minerals. XRD patterns show the hydrotalcites are layered structures with interspacing distances of around 8.0. Å. A linear relationship is observed for the d(001) spacing as Ni is replaced by Mg in the progression from reevesite to pyroaurite. The significance of this result means the interlayer spacing in these hydrotalcites is cation dependent. High resolution thermal analysis shows the decomposition takes place in 3 steps. A mechanism for the thermal decomposition is proposed based upon the loss of water, hydroxyl units, oxygen and carbon dioxide.     

Thermal behaviour of dimethylgold(III) carboxylates

The thermal properties of dimethylgold(III) carboxylates of general formula [(CH₃)₂Au(OOCR)]₂ (R=methyl (1), tert-buthyl (2), trifluoromethyl (3), or phenyl (4)) in solid state have been investigated by the thermogravimetric analysis. The temperature dependences of saturated vapour pressure of complexes have been studied by the Knudsen effusion method with mass spectrometric indication. The thermodynamic parameters Δ_sub H _T ⁰ and Δ_sub S _T ⁰ of the sublimation processes have been calculated. Thermal decomposition of the vapour of complexes 1 and 2 has been studied by means of high temperature mass spectrometry in vacuum, and by-products of decomposition have been determined.     

Thermal decomposition of liebigite

Summary A combination of high resolution thermogravimetric analysis coupled to a gas evolution mass spectrometer has been used to study the thermal decomposition of liebigite. Water is lost in two steps at 44 and 302°C. Two mass loss steps are observed for carbon dioxide evolution at 456 and 686°C. The product of the thermal decomposition was found to be a mixture of CaUO₄ and Ca₃UO₆. The thermal decomposition of liebigite was followed by hot-stage Raman spectroscopy. Two Raman bands are observed in the 50°C spectrum at 3504 and 3318 cm^-1 and shift to higher wavenumbers upon thermal treatment; no intensity remains in the bands above 300°C. Three bands assigned to the υ₁ symmetric stretching modes of the (CO₃)^2- units are observed at 1094, 1087 and 1075 cm^-1 in agreement with three structurally distinct (CO₃)^2- units. At 100°C, two bands are found at 1089 and 1078 cm^-1. Thermogravimetric analysis is undertaken as dynamic experiment with a constant heating rate whereas the hot-stage Raman spectroscopic experiment occurs as a staged experiment. Hot stage Raman spectroscopy supports the changes in molecular structure of liebigite during the proposed stages of thermal decomposition as observed in the TG-MS experiment.     

Thermal behaviour of composites aluminosilicate-calcium phosphates

A new type of aluminosilicate matrix calcium phosphate crystallites composites (ACPC) was synthesized and studied for osseous bone applications. The room temperature synthesis of the aluminosilicate matrix and composites was described. Thermal treatments of compounds allowed the adaptability of some parameters (pH, porosity and mechanical properties). Structure of heat treated composites were characterized by XRD and FTIR. The influence of thermal treatment on the mechanical properties, the porosity and the pH was studied for two temperatures (250 and 500°C). Results evidenced the ability to control the pH, the high level of porosity (»70%) and the good mechanical properties, allowing to consider that ACPC are potential biomaterials for osseous bone application.     

Thermal behaviour of synthetic pyroaurite-like anionic clay

Thermal behaviour of synthetic pyroaurite-like anionic clay with molar ratio Mg/Fe=2 was studied in the range of 60-1100°C during heating in air. TG/DTA coupled with evolved gas analysis, emanation thermal analysis (ETA), surface area measurements, XRD, IR and Mössbauer spectroscopy were used. Microstructure changes characterized by ETA were in a good agreement with the results of surface area measurements and other methods. After the thermal decomposition of the pyroaurite-like anionic clay, which took place mainly up to 400°C, a predominantly amorphous mixture of oxides is formed. A gradual crystallization of MgO (periclase) and Fe₂O₃ (maghemite) was observed at 400-700°C by XRD. The MgFe₂O₄ spinel and periclase were detected at 800-1100°C. The spinel formation was also confirmed by Mössbauer spectroscopy.     

Thermal decomposition of Cd(CH3COO)2·2H2O studied by a coupled TG-DTA-MS method

The thermal decomposition of cadmium acetate dihydrate in helium and in air atmosphere has been investigated by means of a coupled TG-DTA-MS method combined with X-ray diffraction analysis. Dehydration of Cd(CH₃COO)₂·2H₂O is a two-stage process with Cd(CH₃COO)₂·H₂O as intermediate. The way of Cd(CH₃COO)₂ decomposition strongly depends on the surrounding gas atmosphere and the rate of heating. CdO, acetone and CO₂ are the primary products of decomposition in air. In helium decomposition goes by two parallel and consecutive reactions in which intermediates, Cd and CdCO₃, are formed. Metallic cadmium oxidizes and cadmium carbonate decomposes giving CdO. Some of the metallic cadmium, depending on the heating rate and the concentration of oxygen, evaporates. Acetone is partially oxidized in secondary reactions with oxygen. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Kinetic parameters of unsaturated polyester resin modified with poly(ε -caprolactone)

The mineral sabugalite (HAl)_0.5[(UO₂)₂(PO₄)]₂⋅8H₂O, has been studied using a combination of energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, dynamic and controlled rate thermal analysis techniques. X-ray diffraction shows that the starting material in the thermal decomposition is sabugalite and the product of the thermal treatment is a mixture of aluminium and uranyl phosphates. Four mass loss steps are observed for the dehydration of sabugalite at 48°C (temperature range 39 to 59°C), 84°C (temperature range 59 to 109°C), 127°C (temperature range 109 to 165°C) and around 270°C (temperature range 175 to 525°C) with mass losses of 2.8, 6.5, 2.3 and 4.4%, respectively, making a total mass loss of water of 16.0%. In the CRTA experiment mass loss stages were found at 60, 97, 140 and 270°C which correspond to four dehydration steps involving the loss of 2, 6, 6 and 2 moles of water. These mass losses result in the formation of four phases namely meta(I)sabugalite, meta(II)sabugalite, meta(III)sabugalite and finally uranyl phosphate and alumina phosphates. The use of a combination of dynamic and controlled rate thermal analysis techniques enabled a definitive study of the thermal decomposition of sabugalite. While the temperature ranges and the mass losses vary due to the different experimental conditions, the results of the CRTA analysis should be considered as standard data due to the quasi-equilibrium nature of the thermal decomposition process. The online version of the original article can be found at     

Preparation and Thermal behaviour of Transition Metal Complexes of 4,5-Imidazoledicarboxylic Acid

Some new transition metal imidazolehydrogendicarboxylate hydrates of empirical formula M(Himdc)2·nH₂O (H ₂ imdc=4,5-imidazoledicarboxylic acid), where n=2 for M=Mn, Ni, Zn, Cd and n=3 for M=Co, have been prepared in aqueous solution. The compounds have been characterized by analytical, electronic and IR spectroscopic, thermal analysis and X-ray powder diffraction studies. Electronic spectroscopic data suggest that the Co and Ni compounds are of spin free (high spin) type with octahedral geometry. For these compounds, the IR bands in the region 1750-1710 cm^-1 has been assigned to stretching vibrations of the non-ionized carboxylic group, confirming that the ligand is monoionized. IR spectra also suggest the unidentate co-ordination behaviour of carboxylate (v_asy =1570 and v_sym=1390 cm^-1) groups of the imidazoledicarboxylate monoanion. The thermal behaviour of these compounds has been studied by simultaneous TG-DTA techniques. All of these compounds are dihydrates except cobalt which is a trihydrate. Thermal decomposition studies show that they lose two water molecules endothermally in the range 200-270°C to give their anhydrous compounds, indicating that these water molecules are coordinated to the metal. The anhydrous compounds further decompose exothermally in the range 300-620°C to leave the respective metal oxides via the metal oxalate intermediates. Whereas the manganese compound undergoes pyrolytic cleavage in a single step to give the manganese carbonate as the final residue. Isomorphic nature of these compounds is evident from XRD data. Six-coordination for the metal atoms has been proposed based on the thermal analysis, visible and IR spectroscopic results. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.