Some Properties of the System Na2O-NaF-B2O2-H2O

It was first shown that the enamel slips which have the best suspnding characteristics contain equal amounts of Na₂O and B₂O₃ and at least a moderate amount of NaF. The solubilities of mixtures of Na₂O, NaF, and B₂O₃ were then investigated. The pH of these solutions and the primary crystalline phases separating on evaporation also were determined. The solubility data obtained at room temperature were summarized. When the solutions were evaporated, NaF was the first crystalline phase to separate from a large proportion of the mixtures investigated. It was concluded that the desirable handling characteristics of enamels whose mill liquors contain the proper proportion of Na₂O, NaF, and B₂O₃ are not due to the formation of complex salts but to the following combination of properties: (1) the presence of salts with a moderate solubility which changes very slightly with temperature, (2) a moderate pH of about 10 in a probably well-buffered solution, (3) a relatively stable crystalline material, NaF, as a primary phase, and (4) a secondary phase which crystallizes slowly with relatively little shrinkage.