The effect of protective environments on the determination of melting temperatures of decomposable materials

Abstract

Abstract Comparative investigations for the determination of melting temperatures of decomposable compounds have been carried out by four different methods. It was shown that by the use of an inert gas atmosphere, or by immersing the samples in silicon oil, one could often achieve a higher decomposition temperature. However, it was never possible to prevent decomposition completely. A comparison between the determination of melting temperature in a controlled gas atmosphere and by the silicon oil method is more favorable to the silicon oil method. With the silicon oil method a much greater enhancement in melting temperature has been achieved without the need for expensive apparatus. A gas filled or evacuated capillary tube is advantageous for use with those samples that are soluble in the silicon oil, or that evaporate before melting occurs.