| Abstract Scope |
Development of improved coolant and thermal energy salts is crucial to the advancement of energy production and storage. Thus, it is necessary to explore the chemical properties of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. In this study, the thermal decomposition of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and various mole fraction mixtures are investigated utilizing thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) methods. Flow rate, heating rate, and isothermal periods are optimized to investigate the thermal decomposition reactions. The hygroscopic nature of hydroxide salts demands improvement of current thermal purification methods, as moisture is not readily released. However, by developing new thermal purification techniques it can be possible to significantly remove and control all moisture within the hydroxide salt, producing anhydrous material capable of characterization by TGA and DSC analysis methods. |