Physicochemical properties and theoretical explanation of ZnCd(SCN)4 crystal

The crystal density and Mohs hardness of zinc cadmium thiocyanate (ZCTC), ZnCd(SCN)(4) have been measured at room temperature. The specific heat of the crystal is 699.5 J mol(-1) K-1 at 300 K. The thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) along the a and c axes, respectively, is interpreted on the basis of crystal structure. The thermal decomposition process is characterized by thermogravimetry analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC). The intermediates and final products of the thermal decomposition were identified by X-ray powder diffraction at room temperature. The high-temperature effect in air on the optical transmission of the crystal was also studied. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.