THERMAL DECOMPOSITION OF SODIUM NITRATE AND THE EFFECTS OF SEVERAL OXIDES ON THE DECOMPOSITION.

Abstract

The thermal decomposition of sodium nitrate and the effects of several oxides, such as silica, titania, zirconia, alumina, and magnesia, on the decomposition were studied up to 900 degree C by means of the thermal analysis, gas analysis, and chemical analysis of the reaction products. The reaction of sodium nitrate and silica was especially investigated in some detail over a wide composition range. The thermal decomposition of sodium nitrate started at about 450 degree C. The gases formed were O//2, NO, and N//2, the formation of N//2 being detected above 680 degree C.