Thermal Decomposition of Solids and Melts describes the results of investigations into the mechanisms and kinetics involved in the thermal decomposition of solid and liquid substances via thermochemical analysis (TA). The main features of these thermal decomposition reactions are explained within and the observed anomalies are interpreted. New methods of TA measurement and calculation have been developed, which permit the precision and accuracy of determination of kinetic parameters to be increased substantially. Reliable kinetic characteristics have been obtained and the decomposition mechanisms for several substances have been interpreted. These include different classes of compounds:

"This book covers the results of investigations into the mechanisms and kinetics of thermal decompositions of solid and liquid substances on the basis of thermochemical analyses of the processes. In the framework of the proposed ideas, the main features of these reactions are explained and many problems and unusual phenomena, which have accumulated in this field are interpreted. New methods of TA measurement and calculation have been developed, which permit the precision and accuracy of determination of kinetic parameters to be increased substantially. Reliable kinetic characteristics have been obtained and the decomposition mechanisms for several tens of substances have been interpreted. These include different classes of compounds: crystalline hydrates, oxides, hydroxides, nitrides, azides, nitrates, sulfates, carbonates and oxalates. TOC:Preface.- Abbreviations.- Introduction.- Part I. Thermal Decomposition: Primary Concepts.-Mechanism.- Kinetics.- Methodology.- Part II. Interpretation and Quantitative Analysis of the Effects, Phenomena and Regularities Accompanying the Decomposition: Decomposition Conditions and the Molar Enthalpy.- The Self-cooling Effect.- The Topley-Smith Effect.- Impact of Vapour Condensation on the Enthalpy Change.- Thermochemical Analysis of the Composition of the Primary Decomposition Products.- Effect of the Crystalline Structure of a Substance on the Composition of the Primary Decomposition Products.- Evaporation Coefficients.- The Kinetic Compensation Effect.- Part III. Thermal Decomposition of Individual Substances: Instruments for Thermogravimetric Measurements.- Measurement Conditions and Procedures for Thermogravimetric Studies.- Evaporation and Decomposition of Some Substances.- Final Conclusions.- Appendices.- Subject Index."

Thermal Decomposition: Basic Concepts.- Historical Overview.- Decomposition Mechanism.- Decomposition Kinetics.- Methodology.- Interpretation and Quantitative Analysis of the Effects and Phenomena Accompanying Thermal Decomposition.- Decomposition Conditions and the Molar Enthalpy.- The Self-cooling Effect.- The Topley-Smith Effect.- Impact of Vapour Condensation on the Reaction Enthalpy.- Thermochemical Analysis of the Composition of the Primary Products.- Effect of the Reactant Crystal Structure on the Composition of the Primary Decomposition Products.- Vaporization Coefficients.- The Kinetic Compensation Effect.- Conclusions.- Thermal Decomposition of Individual Substances.- Instruments for Thermogravimetric Measurements.- Measurement Conditions and Procedures for Isothermal Thermogravimetric Studies.- Sublimation and Decomposition Reactions.- Final Remarks.