Hysteresis in the β-α phase transition in silver iodide

The nature of the beta to alpha phase transition in silver iodide was investigated by conventional and modulated temperature DSC and dielectric property measurements. On cooling, the high temperature phase remained stable 2.5 degrees C below its normal transition temperature even at a very slow cooling rate 0.2 degrees C h(-1). Dielectric property measurements under conventional and microwave heating suggested an anomalous effect of the latter on the beta to alpha phase transition in this material.