Synthesis, structure and thermal properties of phosphophyllite, Zn2Fe(PO4)2·4H2O

Abstract

Phosphophyllite, an important material in the coating of steels for rust prevention, has been synthesized in bulk from aqueous solution. A deuteriated sample has been studied by powder neutron diffraction and the structure refined in order to locate accurately the water molecule distribution. The thermal decomposition of this compound, studied by thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, is discussed in relation to its structure and its use as a precoat.