Is it Possible to Make an MWIR Lens from Melted Table Salt?

In summary, the conversation is discussing the possibility of creating an MWIR lens from table salt by melting and casting it. The primary concern is the safety of heating and melting table salt, as well as whether it will solidify into a monolithic piece without using specific methods. There are some papers available on the Czochralski method for creating crystals from salt, and finished crystals can also be purchased.
  • #1
Artlav
162
1
I was thinking of making an MWIR lens from table salt, which is quite transparent for it.
That needs a big, monolithic cylinder of salt - 3x1 cm.
Now, growing it the classic-oversaturated-solution way would take forever, if feasible at all.
And i want to try to just melt some salt and cast the piece that way.

So, primary question - what kind of safety concerns are there about heating up and melting table salt?
Would it just melt, or start decomposing/reacting somehow?

And a secondary question - is there a point?
That is, would it solidify into something monolithic without using Kyropoulos method or similar?

Bonus question - given the goal above and a set of household materials, how would you proceed to achieve it?
 
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  • #2
It should work. There are some relating papers but most of them are fee-based. Here is a free paper with a brief description of a Czochralski method:

http://144.206.159.178/ft/566/62884/1067612.pdf

You can also buy finished crystals:

http://www.2spi.com/catalog/submat/substr.shtml
 
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Related to Is it Possible to Make an MWIR Lens from Melted Table Salt?

1. How does NaCl (table salt) melt?

NaCl melts when it is heated to a temperature of 801 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, the strong bonds between the sodium and chloride ions break, allowing the solid crystals to turn into a liquid.

2. Will the melting point of NaCl change if it is dissolved in water?

The melting point of NaCl will not change if it is dissolved in water. This is because the melting point is determined by the strength of the bonds between the ions, and dissolving in water does not affect these bonds.

3. Can NaCl melt at room temperature?

No, NaCl cannot melt at room temperature. It requires a much higher temperature of 801 degrees Celsius to melt.

4. What happens to the properties of NaCl when it melts?

When NaCl melts, it undergoes a physical change from a solid to a liquid. This means that its properties, such as density and volume, will change. However, its chemical properties will remain the same.

5. Is melting NaCl an endothermic or exothermic process?

Melting NaCl is an endothermic process, meaning it requires heat energy to break the bonds between the ions. This is why the temperature of the substance must be raised to 801 degrees Celsius for it to melt.

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