Growth,structural, crystallisation,thermal decomposition and dielectric behaviour of melaminium bis(hydrogen oxalate) single crystal

Single crystals of melaminium bis (hydrogen oxalate) (MOX) single crystals have been grown from aqueous solution by slow solvent evaporation method at room temperature. X-ray powder diffraction analysis confirms that MOX crystallises in monoclinic system with space group C2/c. The calculated lattice parameters are a = 20.075 ± 0.123 Å b = 8.477 ± 0.045 Å, c = 6.983 ± 0.015 Å, α = 90°, β = 102.6 ± 0.33°, γ = 90° and V = 1,159.73 (Å)³. Thermogravimetric analysis at three different heating rates 10, 15 and 20 °C min^?1 has been done to study the thermal decomposition behaviour of the crystal. Non-isothermal studies on MOX reveal that the decomposition occurs in two stages. Kinetic parameters [effective activation energy (E _a), pre-exponential factor (ln A)] of each stage were calculated by model-free method: Kissinger, Kim–Park and Flynn–Wall method and the results are discussed. A significant variation in effective activation energy (E _a) with conversion progress (α) indicates that the process is kinetically complex. The linear relationship between the ln A and E _a was established (compensation effect). DTA analyses were conducted at different heating rates and the activation energy was determined graphically from Kissinger and Ozawa equation. The average effective activation energy is calculated as 276 kJ mol^?1 for the crystallization peak. The Avrami exponent for the crystallization peak temperature determined by Augis and Bennett method is found to be 1.95. This result indicates that the surface crystallization dominates overall crystallization. Dielectric study has also been done, and it is found that both dielectric constant and dielectric loss decreases with increase in frequency and is almost a constant at high frequency region.     

On non-isothermal kinetics of two Cu-based bulk metallic glasses

In this paper, two Cu-based bulk metallic glasses, Cu₅₅Zr₃₇Ti₈ and Cu₆₁Zr₃₄Ti₅, have been evaluated in thermodynamics and kinetics. The activation energies with the constant values were generalized by different theoretical models. The E _x of Cu₅₅Zr₃₇Ti₈ and Cu₆₁Zr₃₄Ti₅ are 319 ± 12 and 359 ± 12 kJ mol^?1, respectively, implying that the as-cast alloys have a good stability in thermodynamics. On the other hand, variable activation energies were also determined using Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose method, Ozawa–Flynn–Wall method, and Friedman’s method. The results showed that the Ea(x) at the beginning of the crystallization are higher than that at the end of the crystallization in the first exothermic peak. By introducing the local Avrami exponent, n(x), the growth and nucleation mechanisms were discussed. Furthermore, the effects of different activation energies on local Avrami exponent were also given a discussion.     

Non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of Ti<Subscript>20</Subscript>Zr<Subscript>20</Subscript>Hf<Subscript>20</Subscript>Be<Subscript>20</Subscript>(Cu<Subscript>50</Subscript>Ni<Subscript>50</Subscript>)<Subscript>20</Subscript> high-entropy bulk metallic glass

The crystallization transformation kinetics of Ti₂₀Zr₂₀Hf₂₀Be₂₀(Cu₅₀Ni₅₀)₂₀ high-entropy bulk metallic glass under non-isothermal conditions are investigated using differential scanning calorimetry. The alloy shows two distinct crystallization events. The activation energies of the crystallization events are determined using Kissinger, Ozawa and Augis–Bennett methodologies. Further, we observe that similar values are obtained using the three equations. The activation energy of the initial crystallization event is observed to be slightly small as compared to that of the second event. This implies that the initial crystallization event may have been easier to be occurred. The local activation energy (E(x)) maximizes in the initial stage of crystallization and keeps dropping in subsequent crystallization process. The non-isothermal crystallization kinetics are further analyzed using the modified Johnson–Mehl–Avrami (JMA) equation. Further, the Avrami exponent values are observed to be 1.5 < n(x) < 2.5 for approximately the entire period of the initial crystallization event and for most instances (0.1 < x < 0.6) of the second crystallization event, which implies that the mechanism of crystallization is significantly controlled by diffusion-controlled two- and three-dimensional growth along with a decreasing nucleation rate.     

Kissinger equation versus glass transition phenomenology

The applicability of the Kissinger equation for the evaluation of apparent activation energy corresponding to glass transition kinetics is examined. Theoretically simulated data based on the generally accepted Tool–Narayanaswamy–Moynihan model were used to represent relevant cases of structural relaxation behavior. The values of the apparent activation energy determined by the Kissinger equation were, despite the linearity of the dependencies, in major disagreement with the original values of ?h ^* used for the simulation of the source data. Furthermore, a large dependence of the ?h _Kis ^* evaluation (performed using the Kissinger equation) on the thermal history of the glass was found. The latter represents an unacceptable systematic error in the methodology, implying the incorrectness of the Kissinger equation usage for the evaluation of “glass transition activation energy”. This study addresses the currently widespread (incorrect) usage of the Kissinger equation for the above-mentioned purpose.     

A study of thermal and dielectric behavior of melaminium perchlorate monohydrate single crystals

Single crystals of melaminium perchlorate monohydrate (MPM) have been grown from aqueous solution by slow solvent evaporation method at room temperature. X-ray powder diffraction analysis confirms the title crystal crystallizes in the triclinic (P-1) structure and the calculated lattice parameters are a = 5.6275 ± 0.0780 Å, b = 7.6926 ± 0.1025 Å, c = 12.0878 ± 0.2756 Å, α = 103.89 ± 1.01°, β = 94.61 ± 0.92°, γ = 110.22 ± 0.81°, and V = 468.95 Å³. The thermal decomposition behavior of MPM has been studied by means of thermogravimetric analysis at three different heating rates 5, 10, and 20 °C min^?1. The values of effective activation energy (E _a), pre-exponential factor (ln A) of each stage of thermal decomposition for all heating rates were calculated by model free method: Kissinger, Kim–Park, and Flynn–Wall method. A significant variation of effective activation energy (E _a) with conversion (α) indicates that the process is kinetically complex. The linear relationship between the A and E _a values was established (compensation effect). Dielectric study has also been carried out and it is found that both dielectric constant (ε′) and dielectric loss (ε″) decreases with increase in frequency.     

Synthesis, electrical and thermal properties of Bi4V2−xMexO11 (x = 0.0 and 0.02) ceramics

Polycrystalline ceramic samples of Bi₄V_2?xMe_xO₁₁ (Me = Nb, Zr, Y and Cu and x = 0.0 and 0.02) have been synthesized by standard solid state reaction method using high purity oxides. The formation of the compounds have been analysed by X-ray diffraction method. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss and AC conductivity as a function of frequency and temperature have been measured. The dielectric studies indicate that the material is highly lossy and hence its AC conductivity increases with the increase of temperature. The DC conductivity of material has been measured as a function of temperature from room temperature to 380 °C and its activation energy was calculated using the relation σ = σ ₀exp (?E _a/kT). The modulated differential scanning calorimetry has been used to investigate the effect of substitution on the heat capacity and heat flow of the compounds. The results are discussed in detail.     

Kinetic analysis for non-isothermal decomposition of un-irradiated and gamma-irradiated potassium bromate

The thermal decomposition of un-irradiated and gamma-irradiated potassium bromate (KBrO₃) was performed under non-isothermal conditions at different heating rates (5, 10, 15 and 20 K min^?1). The data was analysed using isoconversional and non-isoconversional methods. The kinetic parameters of thermal decomposition process were obtained by three model-free isoconversional methods: Flynn–Wall–Ozawa, Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose and Friedman. Irradiation enhances the decomposition and the effect increases with the irradiation dose. The activation energy decreases on irradiation. Kinetic analysis of data in view of various solid-state reaction models showed that the decomposition of un-irradiated and irradiated anhydrous KBrO₃ is best described by the Avrami–Erofeev model equation, [?ln(l?α)]^1/2 = kt.     

Thermodynamic properties and heat capacities of Co (BTC)1/3 (DMF) (HCOO)

A novel metal organic framework [Co (BTC)_1/3 (DMF) (HCOO)] _n (CoMOF, BTC = 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylate, DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide) has been synthesized solvothermally and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, X-ray powder diffraction, and FT-IR spectra. The molar heat capacity of the compound was measured by modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) over the temperature range from 198 to 418 K for the first time. The thermodynamic parameters such as entropy and enthalpy versus 298.15 K based on the above molar heat capacity were calculated. Moreover, a four-step sequential thermal decomposition mechanism for the CoMOF was investigated through the thermogravimetry and mass spectrometer analysis (TG-DTG-MS) from 300 to 800 K. The apparent activation energy of the first decomposition step of the compound was calculated by the Kissinger method using experimental data of TG analysis.     

Non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of a Si–Ca–P–Mg bioactive glass

In this work, the crystallization process of a SiO₂–3CaO·P₂O₅–MgO glass was studied by non-isothermal measurements using differential thermal analysis carried out at various heating rates. X-ray diffraction at room and high temperature was used to identify and follow the evolution of crystalline phases with temperature. The activation energy associated with glass transition, (E _g), the activation energy for the crystallization of the primary crystalline phase (E _c), and the Avrami exponent (n) were determined under non-isothermal conditions using different equations, namely from Kissinger, Matusita & Sakka, and Osawa. A complex crystallization process was observed with associated activation energies reflecting the change of behavior during in situ crystal precipitation. It was found that the crystallization process was affected by the fraction of crystallization, (x), giving rise to decreasing activation energy values, E _c(x), with the increase of x. Values ranging from about 580 kJ mol^?1 for the lower crystallized volume fraction to about 480 kJ mol^?1 for volume fractions higher than 80 % were found. The Avrami exponents, calculated for the crystallization process at a constant heating rate of 10 °C min^?1, increased with the crystallized fraction, from 1.6 to 2, indicating that the number of nucleant sites is temperature dependent and that crystals grow as near needle-like structures.     

Effect of Re addition on the crystallization,heat treatment and structure of the Cu–Ni–Si-Cr alloy

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to investigate the thermal behavior and non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of the Fe₆₇Nb₅B₂₈ metallic glasses prepared by melt-spinning method. DSC traces exhibit that the crystallization takes place through a single exothermic reaction, and it processes a good thermal stability in thermodynamics. The activation energies for nucleation and grain growth processes were calculated to be 536 ± 22 and 559 ± 20 kJ mol^?1 by Kissinger equation, respectively, and 551 ± 24 and 574 ± 20 kJ mol^?1 by Ozawa equation, respectively. It means that the grain growth process is more difficult than the nucleation process. The variation of local Avrami exponent n(x) with crystallized fraction x demonstrates that the crystallization mechanism varies at different stages. The n(x) is larger than 2.5 at the initial stage of 0 < x < 0.3, implying a mechanism of diffusion-controlled three-dimensional growth with increasing nucleation rate. The n(x) decreases from 2.5 to 1.5 in the range of 0.3 < x < 0.65, suggesting that the crystallization belongs to three-dimensional nucleation and grain growth with decreasing nucleation rate. And n(x) lies between 1.0 and 1.5 in the range of 0.65 < x < 0.95, indicating that the crystallization corresponds to the growth of particles with an appreciable initial volume. Low-temperature annealing corresponds to the precipitation of α-Fe, Fe₂B, and Fe₂₃B₆ phases, and further annealing leads to the formation of α-Fe, Fe₂B, and FeNbB phases. The magnetic properties in relation to microstructure change of the Fe₆₇Nb₅B₂₈ metallic glasses are discussed.     

Synthesis,electrical and thermal properties of Bi4V2−xMexO11 (Me=Nb,Zr, Y and Cu with x = 0.0 and 0.06) ceramics

Polycrystalline ceramic samples of Bi₄V_2?xMe_xO₁₁ (Me=Nb, Zr, Y and Cu and x = 0.0 and 0.06) have been synthesized by standard solid state reaction method using high purity oxides. The formation of the compounds have been analysed by X-ray diffraction method. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss and AC conductivity as a function of frequency and temperature have been measured. The dielectric studies indicate that the material is highly lossy, and hence, its AC conductivity increases with the increase of temperature. The DC conductivity of material has been measured as a function of temperature from room temperature to 723 K and its activation energy was calculated using the relation σ = σ ₀exp (?E _a/kT). The modulated differential scanning calorimetry has been used to investigate the effect of substitution on the phase transition (heat capacity and heat flow) of the compounds. The results are discussed in detail.     

Non-isothermal crystallisation kinetics study on Se90−xIn10Sbx (x = 0, 1, 2, 4, 5) chalcogenide glasses

The non-isothermal crystallisation kinetics of Se_90?xIn₁₀Sb_x (x = 0, 1, 2, 4, 5) chalcogenide glasses prepared by a conventional melt quenching technique was studied using the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement at different heating rates 5, 7, 10 and 12 °C min^?1. The values of the glass transition temperature T _g and the crystallisation temperature T _c are found to be composition and heating rate dependent. The activation energy of glass transition E _g, Avrami index n, dimensionality of growth m and activation energy of crystallisation E _c have been determined from different models.     

Thermal stability and crystallization kinetics of ternary Se–Te–Sb semiconducting glassy alloys

This paper presents the results of kinematical studies of glass transition and crystallization in glassy Se_85?x Te₁₅Sb _x (x = 2, 4, 6 and 8) using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). From the dependence on heating rates of, the glass transition temperatures (T _g), and temperature of crystallization (T _p) the activation energy for glass transition (E _g) and the activation energy for crystallization (E _c) are calculated and their composition dependence can be discussed in term of the average coordination number and cohesive energy. The thermal stability of Se_85?x Te₁₅Sb _x was evaluated in terms of criterion ΔT = T _c ? T _g and kinetic criteria K(T _g) and K(T _p). By analyzing the crystallization results, the crystallization mechanism is characterized. Two (two- and three-dimensional growth) mechanisms are working simultaneously during the amorphous–crystalline transformation of the Se₈₃Te₁₅Sb₃ alloy while only one (three-dimensional growth) mechanism is responsible for the crystallization process of the chalcogenides Se_85?x Te₁₅Sb _x (x = 4, 6 and 8) glass. The phases at which the alloy crystallizes after the thermal process have been identified by X-ray diffraction.     

Structural, electrical, and thermal properties in Ca-doped fresnoite ceramics

Polycrystalline ceramic samples of Ca-doped fresnoite of general formula Ba_2?x Ca _x TiSi₂O₈ (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1) have been prepared by standard solid state reaction technique using high purity oxides and carbonates. The formation of the single phase compound and its structural parameters were investigated by X-ray diffraction followed by Rietveld refinement using non-centrosymmetric space group P4bm. The bond distances between atoms in a unit cell for all the compounds were also calculated which supports the structural results analyzed by Rietveld analysis. The frequency and temperature dependent dielectric constant and ac conductivity of all the compounds have been measured. The real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant increases with the increase of temperature. The activation energy (E _a) calculated from ac conductivity increases from x = 0.0 to 0.4 and then decreases from x = 0.8 to 1.0. The modulated differential scanning calorimetry has been used to investigate the effect of substitution on the specific heat, heat flow, and other thermal parameters of the compounds.     

Thermodynamics of formation of β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes with four series of surfactant homologs

We report on a titration microcalorimetric study of the formation of β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes with the members of series of anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactant homologs containing even numbers of carbon atoms in the alkyl chains. n-Alkyltrimethylammonium bromides (C_xTAB, x = 6–16), sodium n-alkyl sulfates (SC_xS, x = 6–12), sodium n-alkanesulfonates (SC_xSN, x = 6–12), and N,N-dimethylalkylamine-N-oxides (DC_xAO, x = 8–12) were selected for use. The stoichiometry, the binding constant, and the changes in enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy of the complexation reactions were determined at 298 K. It was found in each case that the complexation is favored by both the enthalpy and the entropy changes and that the thermodynamics of the process is affected far more strongly by the length of the alkyl chain than by the nature of the headgroup.     

Synthesis,thermal decomposition and dielectric behavior of bis(thiourea)silver(I)nitrate

New semi-organic bis(thiourea)silver(I)nitrate (TuAgN) single crystals have been grown from slow evaporation solution growth technique. Single crystal X-ray diffraction study reveals that the crystal belongs to orthorhombic system with the non-centrosymmetric space group C2221 and the calculated cell parameters are a = 33.3455 (6) Å, b = 45.2957 (7) Å, c = 20.3209 (5) Å, α = β = γ = 90°, and V = 30692.8 (10) Å ³. The thermal stability and decomposition behavior of TuAgN compound have been studied by thermogravimetric analysis at three different heating rates 5, 10, and 15 °C min^?1. The effective activation energy (E _a) and pre-exponential factor (ln A) of thermal decomposition of thiourea from TuAgN compound at three different heating rates are estimated by model free methods: Arrhenius, Flynn–Wall, Kissinger, and Kim–Park. The calculated effective activation energies were found to vary with the fraction (α) reacted. The compensation effect between the (ln A) and (E _a) has also been studied. Dielectric properties of TuAgN crystal have been studied in a wide range of frequencies and temperatures. AC conductivity has also been carried out.     

Deviation of activation energy caused by neglecting a temperature term in Ozawa Equation

In the non-isothermal kinetic equation, the temperature integral from 0 to T ₀ never equals to zero, so a deviation of activation energy is introduced when the term is neglected. We propose a new evaluation method on Ozawa Equation. The results show that neglecting this term in Ozawa Equation leads to large activation energy errors, when small absolute values of Δx = x − x ₀(x = E/RT). The deviation of the activation energy is less than 0.55% when |Δx| > 5, but may exceed 10% if |Δx| < 2. The application of this method on the dehydration of CaC₂O₄· H₂O shows that the theoretical error was close to the actual error.     

Effect of antimony on glass transition and thermal stability of Se<Subscript>78−x</Subscript>Te<Subscript>18</Subscript>Sn<Subscript>2</Subscript>Sb<Subscript>x</Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis> = 0, 2, 4 and 6 at.%) multicomponent glassy alloys

Multicomponent glassy alloys Se_78?xTe₁₈Sn₂Sb_x (x?=?0, 2, 4 and 6) have been synthesized using melt quench technique. The prepared samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction technique and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Glass transition kinetics of Se_78?xTe₁₈Sn₂Sb_x (x?=?0, 2, 4 and 6 at.%) glassy alloys has been examined using DSC. DSC runs have been recorded at different heating rates (5, 10, 15 and 20 K min^?1) for each sample under investigation. Heating rate dependence of glass transition temperature (T_g) has been studied using Lasocka empirical relation. The activation energy of glass transition has been evaluated using Kissinger and Moynihan’s relation. The effect of antimony concentration on glass transition temperature and activation energy has been investigated in the prepared samples. Glass-forming ability and thermal stability of Se_78?xTe₁₈Sn₂Sb_x (x?=?0, 2, 4 and 6) glassy alloys have been monitored through the evaluation of thermal stability using Dietzal relation, Hurby parameter, and Saad and Poulin parameter. The above-mentioned parameters are found to be compositionally dependent, which indicates that among the studied glass samples the stability is maximum for Sb at 2% content.     

Fully reversible hydrogen absorption and desorption reactions with Sc(Al1−xMgx), x=0.0, 0.15, 0.20

The hydrogen storage properties of Sc(Al_1−xMg_x), x=0.0, 0.15, 0.20, have been studied by X-ray powder diffraction, thermal desorption spectroscopy, pressure-composition-isotherms and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Hydrogen is absorbed from the gas phase at 70 kPa and 400 °C under the formation of ScH₂ and aluminium with magnesium in solid solution. The reaction is fully reversible in vacuum at 500 °C and shows the hydrogenation-disproportionation-desorption-recombination (HDDR) behaviour. The activation energy of desorption was determined by the Kissinger method to 185 kJ/mol. The material is stable up to at least six absorption-desorption cycles and there is no change in particle size during cycling.     

DSC-TG studies on kinetics of curing and thermal decomposition of epoxy–ether amine systems

The cure behavior of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A with a simple ether amine (4,7,10, trioxa -1,13, tridecane diamine), system I and a polyether amine (polypropylene glycol block polyethylene glycol block polypropylene glycol bis 2 amino propyl ether), system II was compared by Differential Scanning Calorimetry. The exothermicity of the curing reaction of system I is higher than that of system II (316 ± 15 J g^?1 for System I and 230 ± 15 J g^?1 for system II). Kinetic parameters viz., activation energy, pre-exponential factor, and rate constant for curing were evaluated by Kissinger method and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose isoconversion method. Both systems showed low glass transition temperatures and System II shows a much lower T _g (?38 °C) than system I (26 °C). The thermogravimetric analysis of the two cured epoxy amine systems showed comparable thermal stability.