CATALYTIC EFFECT OF METAL OXIDES ON THERMAL-DECOMPOSITION REACTIONS .I. MECHANISM OF MOLTEN-PHASE THERMAL DECOMPOSITION OF POTASSIUM CHLORATE AND OF POTASSIUM CHLORATE IN MIXTURES WITH POTASSIUM CHLORIDE AND POTASSIUM PERCHLORATE

The thermal decomposition of potassium chlorate was investigated by means of differential thermal analysis (dta), thermogravimetric analysis (tga), and differential thermogravimetric analysis (dtga). Nonisothermal decomposition to the final decomposition products occurred via an intermediate disproportionation reaction 2KClO3 → KClO4 + KCl + O2. The reaction was verified by isothermal experiments at low temperatures and stepwise analysis of the thermogravimetric analysis residues. Addition of potassium chloride, one of the final reaction products, decelerated the reaction at low temperatures and high potassium chloride concentrations but accelerated the reaction at high temperatures and intermediate potassium chloride concentrations. Addition of potassium perchlorate did not catalyze the thermal decomposition. There is indication, however, that a eutectic is formed.