Novel Methods for Gas Generating Reactions

Abstract

A study was made on a Hydrox mixture (1) to determine its reactivity during storage in a sealed container. The reaction, written as NaNO₂ + NH₄Cl → NaCl + N₂ + 2H₂O presents some difficulties for normal thermal procedures. The volatility of ammonium chloride interferes with kinetic studies by thermogravimetry. Examination of the reaction in a sealed system by normal DTA techniques is not feasible because of the pressure generated by the reaction gases. However, a sample cell designed to compensate for the volatility of the ammonium salt, enabled weight-loss studies to be made in an open system. A closed system study was made by a novel “bursting capsule” technique. The results from the two methods allowed a satisfactory characterization of the reaction.