Abstract:
The catalytic decomposition of KClO3 is studied in the presence of MnO2, activated carbons and sodium sulphide. This investigation describes the use of thermogravimetry as a convenient technique to investigate catalytic activity of a simple chemical reaction. It is observed that the MnO2 catalyst decreases the decomposition temperature from 480 to 350 degrees C while the activated carbons cause its decomposition at 320-325 degrees C. At the same time the carbons undergo facile gasification. Presence of Na2S was the most effective as it induced the carbon-catalysed decomposition of KClO3 at a temperature as low as 220 degrees C, a temperature at which the carbons were stable and no gasification was observed.
