SOLID–LIQUID REACTIONS: PART I. THE DETERMINATION OF SOLID–LIQUID REACTION MECHANISMS

Abstract

A tracer method has been described by Graham, Spinks, and Thorvaldson for investigating the mechanisms of solid–liquid reactions. The present work represents an attempt to develop the theory of this method in detail and thereby allow for a greater variety of experimental conditions. Thus, no restrictions are placed on the compositions of the reacting and product solids, nor on the initial location of the tracer. The effect of exchange between the liquid and both solids is taken into account. Furthermore, two different systems of mechanisms are considered. In the one, which is shown to be the more realistic when rapid, multidirectional "external" exchange is present, mechanisms are classified according to whether or not the reaction proceeds at the surfaces of the solids; in the other, applicable in the absence of "external" exchange or when the exchange is slow, mechanisms are classified according to the degree of mixing with the liquid of successively reacting portions of the reacting solid.