Abstract
The results of a detailed calorimetric study of the NaNO3/KNO3 phase behaviour as a function of cation composition are presented. We conclude that the λ-transition in NaNO3 is significantly depressed and broadened by the presence of K+ ions. The α-β-transition in KNO3 is similarly affected. The possibility is considered that the depression of the λ-transition by addition of solute K+ ions is related to random field effects on model lattice transitions involving a continuous order parameter. Some brief remarks are made to contrast the fast ordering kinetics of the λ-transition with the slow kinetics, and structural arrests, obvious in supercooling liquids.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 27-31 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Thermochimica Acta |
Volume | 486 |
Issue number | 1-2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 20 2009 |
Keywords
- Alkali nitrate
- Solid state calorimetry
- λ-Transition
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Instrumentation
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry