Phase Transitions in KNO₃–KNO₂ Mixed Crystals

Abstract

Effects of KNO₂ added to KNO₃ fused crystals on the phase transitions were studied. It turned out that the addition of 3 mol % KNO₂ makes the phase III (ferroelectric phase) unstable, which is consistent with the conclusion from γ-ray irradiation study. With the advantage of absence of the phase III the possibility of growing KNO₃–KNO₂ single crystals by a double Bridgman method was examined. Transparent crystals were obtained successfully.