A DSC study of the NaNO3–KNO3 system using an innovative encapsulation technique

An innovative encapsulation technique designed for the DSC high temperature measurements of the volatile samples is presented in this study. Stainless steel crucibles with a screwed bolt were developed for this purpose. The technique was demonstrated on the phase diagram measurement of the NaNO3–KNO3 system and the obtained results are presented in this study. Up to date two thermodynamic assessments of the NaNO3–KNO3 phase diagram have been made, one characterized by a single eutectic point with limited solubilities in the solid state in both NaNO3 and KNO3 rich corners, whereas the other version prefers a continuous solid solubility with minimum on the liquidus line. Based on our results we confirm limited solubilities in the solid state.