Thermal decomposition of syngenite, K2Ca(SO4)2·H2O

The thermal decomposition of syngenite, K2Ca(SO4)2·H2O, formed during the treatment of liquid manure has been studied by thermal gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, high temperature X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared emission spectroscopy (IES). Gypsum was found as a minor impurity resulting in a minor weight loss due to dehydration around 100 °C. The main endothermic dehydration and decomposition stage of syngenite to crystalline K2Ca2(SO4)3 and amorphous K2SO4 is observed around 200 °C. The reaction involves a solid-state re-crystallisation, while water and the K2SO4 diffuse out of the existing lattice. The additional weight loss steps around 250 and 350 °C are probably due to presence of larger syngenite particles, which exhibit slower decomposition due to the slower diffusion of water and K2SO4 out of the crystal lattice. A minor endothermic sulphate loss around 450 °C is not due to the decomposition of syngenite or its products or of the gypsum impurity. The origin of this sulphate is not clear.