Growth and Studies of the New Crystal Formed with NaCl and CaCl₂

Abstract

We have attempted to grow the single crystals of Na₃CaCl₅·2H₂O from aqueous solutions by the slow evaporation method. Crystals up to a size of 6 × 4 × 2 mm³ were obtained. Atomic absorption spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements have shown the incommensurate nature of the grown crystals. Thermogravimetric measurement has confirmed the presence of water of crystallization. Microhardness measurement showed the soft nature. DC conductivity measurements at various temperatures indicate that the crystal formed is an ionic conductor. Dielectric measurements were also carried out.

Keywords:

• AAS measurement
• AC conductivity
• Crystal growth
• DC conductivity
• Dielectric constant
• Dielectric loss factor
• Dielectric properties
• Incommensurate crystals
• Lattice parameters
• Na₃CaCl₅·2H₂O
• Single crystals
• Solution method
• Thermogravimetric analysis
• XRD

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Authors N. M. and C. K. M. thank Dr. M. A. Khandaswamy (Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore) and Dr. Babu Varghese (IIT Madras, Chennai).