Characterization and thermal behaviour of lanthanum tartrate crystals grown from silica gels

Results obtained on characterization of lanthanum tartrate crystals, grown by the gel method, using chemical analysis, x-ray and electron diffraction, infra-red and mass spectroscopy are reported. The thermal behaviour is studied using DTA, TGA and DTG. The decomposition pattern is reported to be typical of a hydrated metal tartrate. Kinetic parameters like order of reaction, frequency factor and activation energy are evaluated. Contracting cylinder kinetic model is found to be the best fit for the decomposition processes involved. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate the material to be diamagnetic. (author)