Thermoanalytical studies of the processing of bulk and thin film BSCCO highT c superconductors by the Edita-Gel route

The decomposition of EDTA gel precursors for BSCCO superconductor manufacture has been studied using STA (TG/DTA) and dilatometry in conjunction with FTIR. Ther thermoanalytical data are discussed in relation to the sequence of phase formation necessary for the production of the 2223 BSCCO superconducting phase. Thin film preparation of Bi-based highT _c superconductors have been carried out on MgO (100). Grain orientation of oxide thin films has been investigated. Well orientated 2212 grains have been achieved, with the (001) planes parallel to the substrate. The EDTA-gel method has been modified by the addition of glycerol to achieve the appropriate viscosity for spin coating. STA has been used to study the decomposition of these modified gels for the formation of thin films.     

Synthesis and thermal decomposition of mixed Gd-Nd oxalates

Several (Gd_1−xNd_x)₂[C₂O₄]₃·nH₂O samples (0≤x≤1) were prepared by a coprecipitation method: the precipitation is quantitative and all the samples are homogeneous in stoichiometry. XRD analyses have shown that a complete solid solution is formed over the whole range of compositions. The dried Gd rich oxalates have initially a low water content which gradually increases with the Nd content. All the oxalates decompose in O₂ around 700°C either into a single mixed oxide or in a mixture of oxides through several steps, which can be ascribed to the loss of water and CO₂.     

Thermal investigations of reactive powder mixtures as precursors for melt-processing of YBa2Cu3O7−x

DTA and XRD measurements were carried out with reactive precursors taken from the YO_1.5-BaO-CuO system in order to investigate mechanisms of YBa₂Cu₃O_7–x formation. The reactions taking place depend strongly on phase composition, phase purity, powder size and heating rate. Among the examined reactive precursors a mixture of 7Y₂O₃+22BaCuO₂+10CuO turned out as the most suited for melt-processing.     

Thermal differential diagnosis of mica mineral group

The following criteria can be used for differential diagnosis of mica mineral group: weight loss < 350°C; weight loss during dehydroxylation (500–1000°C); peak temperature of structural decomposition and formation of high temperature phases; course of dilatometric curves during dehydroxylation and structural decomposition interval (Fig. 1).Using the single criteria by stepwise comparing a complete thermal differentiation is possible between the members of mica mineral group.Dedicated to Dr. Robert Mackenzie on the occasion of his 75th birthday     

An investigation on the solid state pyrolytic decomposition of bimetallic oxalate precursors of Ca, Sr and Ba with cobalt: A mechanistic approach

The mixed metal oxalate precursors, calcium(II)bis(oxalato)cobaltate(II)hydrate (COC), strontium(II)bis(oxalato)cobaltate(II)pentahydrate (SOC) and barium(II)bis(oxalato)cobaltate(II)octahydrate (BOC) have been synthesized and their thermal stability was investigated. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectral and X-ray powder diffraction studies. Thermal decomposition studies (TG, DTG and DTA) in air showed that the compound COC decomposed mainly to CaC₂O₄ and Co₃O₄ at 340 °C, and a mixture of CaCO₃ and Co₃O₄ identified at 510 °C. A mixture of CaCO₃ and Ca₃Co₂O₆ along with the oxides and carbides of both the cobalt and calcium were attributed at 1000 °C as end products. DSC study in nitrogen ascertained the formation of a mixture of CaO and CoO along with a trace of carbon at 550 °C. The mixture species, SrC₂O₄, CoC₂O₄ and Co₃O₄ were generated at 255 °C in case of SOC in air, which ultimately changed to CoSrO₃, SrCO₃ and oxides of strontium and cobalt at 1000 °C. The several mixture species also generated as intermediate at 332 and 532 °C. The DSC study in nitrogen indicated the formation of CoSrO_x (0.5 < x < 1) as end product. In case of BOC in air, a mixture of BaCoO₂, BaO, CoO and carbides are identified as end product at 1000 °C through the generation of several intermediate species at 350 and 530 °C. A mixture of BaO and CoO is identified as end product in DSC study in nitrogen. The kinetic parameters have been evaluated for all the dehydration and decomposition steps of all the three compounds using four non-mechanistic equations. Using seven mechanistic equations, the kind of dominance of kinetic control mechanism of the dehydration and decomposition steps are also inferred. The kinetic parameters, ΔH and ΔS of all the steps are explored from the DSC studies. Some of the decomposition products are identified by IR and X-ray powder diffraction studies.     

Thermal decomposition of PTFE in the presence of silicon,calcium silicide,ferrosilicon and iron

Simultaneous TG/DTA has been used to study the thermal decomposition of binary compositions containing polytetrafluoroethene (PTFE) with silicon (Si), calcium silicide (CaSi₂), ferrosilicon (FeSi) or iron (Fe) powders. In nitrogen and under dynamic heating program the thermal decomposition of Si/PTFE and CaSi₂/PTFE is an exothermic process. The other two compositions decompose endothermically. In each case the decomposition reactions show first-order kinetics but only iron does not change considerably the kinetics of PTFE depolymerization. The constants of the decomposition rate at 850 K for silicon containing reducers are about four times higher than those of PTFE and Fe/PTFE. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Study on the decomposition kinetics of FOX-7 and HNF

At TNO Prins Maurits Laboratory the characterisation and application of energetic materials is one of the main research topics. In this respect, the activities are focussed on using thermal analysis techniques such as TG/DTA and DSC. Standard DSC and TG/DTA techniques usually apply a linear temperature increase. During this gradual temperature change, the sample may pass certain phase changes related to different crystal structures, followed by a melting/decomposition of the material. In this way physicochemical properties like phase change temperatures, melting point, enthalpy of melting, decomposition temperature, etc. can be determined. By applying different heating rates, an analysis of the decomposition kinetics can be performed as well, which gives additional information on the decomposition process of the material. In this way the activation energy of the decomposition process and the 'shelf-life' of the material, when stored at a certain temperature, can be assessed. In a co-operation with the Technical University of Aachen, two relatively new and promising energetic materials were investigated: FOX-7 and HNF. FOX-7, or 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene, is a less sensitive explosive, which could find application as a substitute of RDX (less sensitive but with preservation of performance). Hydrazinium nitroformate (HNF) is an oxidiser with potential use as a high-performance, chlorine-free ingredient in rocket propellants. The results of the TG/DTA and DSC tests, as well as the results of the analysis of the decomposition kinetics of these two materials, will be reported and discussed in this paper. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Preparation and characterization of superconducting YBa<Subscript>2</Subscript>(Cu<Subscript>1−x</Subscript>Cr<Subscript>x</Subscript>)<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>8</Subscript> oxides by thermal analysis

In this study the formation of chromium substituted YBa₂Cu₄O₈ (Y-124) superconductors has been investigated by TG/DTA measurements. The YBa₂(Cu_1−xCr_x)₄O₈ ceramics with nominal compositions of x=0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.20 have been prepared by an aqueous sol-gel method using aqueous mixtures of the corresponding metal acetates and nitrates. Homogeneous precursor gels were obtained by complexing metal ions with tartaric acid. To assist the interpretation of the results obtained the synthesis products were additionally characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and resistivity measurements. It was determined that doping the YBa₂Cu₄O₈ phase with chromium has a strong effect on the phase purity and superconducting properties of the synthesis products.     

The thermal decomposition of zirconium oxyhydroxide

The thermal decomposition of zirconium oxyhydroxides prepared by the mixture of aqueous zirconium oxychloride solutions and aqueous solutions of sodium hydroxide or ammonium hydroxide under various conditions has been examined by thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction study and infrared spectrophotometry. As a result, it is seen that the thermal decomposition of zirconium oxyhydroxide, in which the composition is ZrO_2-x(OH)_2xyH₂O where x2 and 1y<2, proceeds according to the following process:

A study on the thermal decomposition of iron-cobalt mixed hydroxides

Thermal decomposition of pure Fe(OH)₃ and mixed with Co(OH)₂ were studied using TG, DTA, kinetics of isothermal decomposition and electrical conductivity measurements. The thermal products were characterized by X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy. The TG and DTA analysis revealed the presence of Co²⁺ retards the decomposition of ferric hydroxide and the formation of -Fe₂O₃. The kinetics of decomposition showed that the mixed samples need higher energy to achieve thermolysis. The investigation of thermal products of mixed samples indicated the formation of cobalt ferrite on addition ofx=1 or 1.5 cobalt hydroxide. The electrical conductivity accompanying the thermal decomposition decreases in presence of low ratio of Co²⁺ (x=0.2) via the consumption of holes created during thermal analysis. The continuous increase in values on increasing of Co²⁺ concentration corresponded to the electron hopping between Fe²⁺ and Co³⁺.

---

Zusammenfassung Mittels TG, DTA und der Kinetik von Messungen der isothermen Zersetzung und der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit wurde die Zersetzung von Fe(OH)₃ in reinem Zustand und vermengt mit Co(OH)₂ untersucht. Die thermischen Produkte wurden mittels Röntgendiffraktion und IR-Spektroskopie charakterisiert. TG und DTA zeigen, daß die Zersetzung von Eisen(III)-hydroxid und die Bildung von -Fe₂O₃ durch Gegenwart von Co²⁺ verzögert wird. Die Zersetzungskinetik zeigt, daß die Mischproben mehr Energie für die Thermolyse benötigen. Die Untersuchung der thermischen Produkte zeigt die Bildung von Cobaltferrit bei Zusatz vonx=1 oder 1,5 Cobalthydroxid. Die elektrische Leitfähigkeit nimmt bei der thermischen Zersetzung in Gegenwart von niedrigen Co²⁺-Konzentrationen (x=0.2) durch Verbrauch der bei der Thermoanalyse geschaffenen Löcher ab. Das monotone Ansteigen der -Werte bei steigender Co²⁺-Konzentration stimmt mit dem Überspringen von Elektronen zwischen Fe²⁺ und Co³⁺ überein.

     

Preparation and thermal decomposition of indium hydroxide

Summary Indium hydroxides were prepared by the mixing of aqueous indium nitrate solution with sodium or ammonium hydroxide solutions under various conditions. The thermal decomposition of the resulting materials was examined by thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction study and infrared spectroscopy. It has been found that sodium hydroxide solution is more suitable than the addition of ammonium hydroxide solution to prepare indium hydroxide in well crystallization; the thermal decomposition of indium hydroxide, in which the composition is In(OH)₃·xH₂O where x￡2, proceeds according to the following process: In(OH)₃·xH₂O?cubic In(OH)₃?cubic In₂O₃     

Non-isothermal kinetic study of the thermal decomposition of diaminoglyoxime and diaminofurazan

Data on the thermal stability of organic materials such as diaminofurazan (DAF) and diaminoglyoxime (DAG) was required in order to obtain safety information for handling, storage and use. These compounds have been shown to be a useful intermediate for the preparation of energetic compounds. In the present study, the thermal stability of the DAF and DAG was determined by differential scanning calorimetery (DSC) and simultaneous thermogravimetery-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) techniques. The results of TG analysis revealed that the main thermal degradation for the DAF and DAG occurs in the temperature ranges of 230–275°C and 180–230°C, respectively. On the other hand, the TG-DTA analysis of compounds indicates that DAF melts (at about 182°C) before it decomposes. However, the thermal decomposition of the DAG started simultaneously with its melting. The influence of the heating rate (5, 10, 15 and 20°C min⁻¹) on the DSC behaviour of the compounds was verified. The results showed that, as the heating rate was increased, decomposition temperatures of the compounds were increased. Also, the kinetic parameters such as activation energy and frequency factor for the compounds were obtained from the DSC data by non-isothermal methods proposed by ASTM E698 and Ozawa. Based on the values of activation energy obtained by ASTM and Ozawa methods, the following order in the thermal stability was noticed: DAF>DAG.     

Thermal decomposition study of cobalt(II)-mixed ligand complexes with aliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acids and imidazole

The thermal decomposition study of Co(II)–malate, tartarate and phthalate complexes with imidazole was monitored by TG, DTG and DTA analysis in static atmosphere of air. The complexes and their calcination products were characterized by IR spectroscopy. The decomposition course and steps were analyzed and the kinetic parameters of the non-isothermal decomposition were calculated. The results revealed that the decomposition processes of these complexes are the best described by a random nucleation mechanism. The stability order found for these complexes follows the trend tartarate>phthalate>malate in terms of the dicarboxylic acid ligands.     

Thermal decomposition study on mixed ligand thymine complexes of divalent nickel(II) with dianions of some dicarboxylic acids

Thermal decomposition of mixed ligand thymine (2,4-dihydroxy-5-methylpyrimidine) complexes of divalent Ni(II) with aspartate, glutamate and ADA (N-2-acetamido)iminodiacetate dianions was monitored by TG, DTG and DTA analysis in static atmosphere of air. The decomposition course and steps of complexes [Ni(C₅H₆N₂O₂)(C₄H₅NO₄)²⁻(H₂O)₂]·H₂O, [Ni(C₅H₆N₂O₂)(C₅H₇NO₄)²⁻(H₂O)₂]·H₂O and [Ni(C₅H₆N₂O₂)(C₆H₈N₂O₅)²⁻(H₂O)₂]·1.5H₂O were analyzed. The final decomposition products are found to be the corresponding metal oxides. The kinetic parameters namely, activation energy (E*), enthalpy (ΔH*), entropy (ΔS*) and free energy change of decomposition (ΔG*) are calculated from the TG curves using Coats–Redfern and Horowitz–Metzger equations. The stability order found for these complexes follows the trend aspartate > ADA > glutamate.     

Effects of metal salts on the thermal decomposition of edta-gel precursors for ferroelectric ceramic powders

Raw chemicals such as metal nitrates and chlorides were found to affect the thermal decomposition behaviour of EDTA-gel precursors used for the production of ceramic powders. Fine, homogeneous ceramic powders were produced from nitrate solutions while chlorides gave segregated phases. In studies on the production of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) using chlorides, the segregation and loss of lead was observed and shown to be caused by the formation and evaporation of PbCl₂. Thermal analysis (DTA/TG) quantitatively proved the suggested reaction mechanism for this phase segregation. Crystallization of the desired perovskite phase of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and barium titanate (BT) initiated at temperatures as low as 250°C in the nitrate-EDTA precursors. Water of crystallization and formation of BaCO₃ in the barium titanate precursor were suggested to account for differences in the observed decompositional behaviours of the BT and PZT precursors.     

Thermoanalytical methods in the study of inorganic thin films

Thermoanalytical (TA) methods are relatively seldom applied for assessing the physical and chemical proeprties of thin films, but they can be used in studies of composition, phase transitions and film—substrate interactions. In the present paper the possibilities of TA methods in thin film studies are reviewed. The thermoanalytical methods considered are the classical TG and DTA/DSC methods but some complementary methods will also be briefly mentioned. The main emphasis is given to true thin films. Details of sample preparation are also given. An important application of TA methods is characterization of precursors for the CVD growth of thin films, and this is also discussed.     

Thermal decomposition of silver cyano complex and characterization its decomposition products by ETA,DSC, DTA and TG

It was found by DTA and TG that [Phenyl₂I][Ag(CN)₂] in the solid state is chemically stable on heating in argon up to 160°C. During heating to higher temperatures it decomposes, forming volatile products such as [Phenyl]I, [Phenyl]NC and (CN)₂ [1]. After heating the sample to 500°C metallic silver resulted. The volatile and intermediate solid products were analysed by IR-spectroscopy.It was found by means of DTA and ETA that an isophase reversible transition takes place when the sample is heated and cooled, not higher than 100°C. At heating higher than 100°C the sample melts (melting pointT _m=135°C). The enthalpy melting was determined by means of DSC (H=–28 kJ·mol^–1).By means of ETA the disorder degree of the final decomposition product was estimated. The value of the activation energy of radon diffusion in the temperature range 720°–500°C equals 32.6 kJ·mol^–1.Dedicated to Prof. I. N. Bekman Moscow State University at the occasion of his 50th birthday     

TG/DTA/MS of poly(methyl methacrylate), The Role of the Oxidative Environment

Degradation of relatively large particle size, 0.5 mm of Type-G PMMA (Rohm and Haas) were conducted with thermogravimetric analysis and evolved gas measurements using quadrupole mass spectrometer under conditions of mass transport limitation. In addition, differential thermal analysis was performed in order to furnish information with regards to exothermic or endothermic reactions associated with the degradation. The tests were conducted in an inert environment of pure N₂ and oxygenated environment. The results indicated one step degradation process in pure N₂ and the degradation process is endothermic. As the O₂ fraction increases the degradation process is transformed to exothermic. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Thermal analysis and the processing of electronic and magnetic ceramics

Control of processing parameters, in both conventional ceramic routes and novel gel processing routes, is vital in the production of electronic and magnetic ceramics. The role of thermal analysis in the provision of basic data for the understanding of both types of processing route is discussed with special emphasis being placed upon the production of 1–2–3 YBCO superconductors and MgO-based soft ferrite materials for TV deflection unit applications.