[Osmond]

Hey,

I have a problem: I'm using BaF2 as window material, and it is whitened during the usage. Any ideas what is reason for this? Window is used at ambient air, and it it placed in front of Si3N4 IR source (temperature about 1200 C). I suspect that BaF2 reacts with moisture. What compounds could form, if BaF2 reacts with water. BaO, Ba(OH)2,...?

Any information or comments would be appreciated.

[Borek]

It doesn't have to react, it is enough that it is slightly soluble and recrystallizes on the surface after being put in contact with a moisture. That will already yield matted surface.

[Osmond]

It doesn't have to react, it is enough that it is slightly soluble and recrystallizes on the surface after being put in contact with a moisture. That will already yield matted surface.

Thanks for the reply, good point. I also observed some spectral changes at region 1300-1450 cm-1 with IR spectrometer, which refers to actual reaction of BaF2. At the moment I'm trying to identify observed peaks, but it would much easier if I would have some sort idea what it could be.