High temperature thermogravimetry of chlorides and sulphates : A study of the application to soils

Quantitative volatilization of NaCl and KCI occurs between 900 and 1200°. CaCl₂ and MgCl₂ are converted to the oxides at lower temperatures. CaSO₄, Na₂SO₄ and K₂SO₄ require the admixture of quartz to catalyse their decomposition with a total loss of SO₃ between 1150 and 1335°. MgSO₄ does not require quartz for its decomposition. The catalytic effects of Al₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ on sulphate decomposition were also examined. The findings were applied to the analysis of saline soils. The thermogravimetric determination of chlorides in soils is subject to several interferences, but the conditions are more favourable for sulphates.