There are different types of ash tests that can be conducted to determine the ash content in a sample. The most common methods used for ash determination are dry ashing and wet ashing.
Dry Ashing:
Dry ashing is a method where the sample is heated at high temperatures in the presence of various oxidizing agents to remove the presence of water and organic matter. This method is commonly used for the analysis of inorganic residues such as anti-block, reinforcements, fillers, colorants, catalyst residues, etc. The sample is heated in a muffle furnace at a temperature typically ranging from 350°C. The difference in weight of the sample before and after the test is the percentage of ash content.
Wet Ashing:
Wet ashing is a method that determines the ash content in a food sample. It is a faster method compared to other techniques. The sample is first dried to remove any moisture content. Fatty food samples may leave moisture when dried, which can resist spattering. The dried sample is then sprayed with an oxidizing agent and heated in a muffle furnace. The temperature range for wet ashing is typically set at 350°C. The difference in weight of the sample before and after the test is the percentage of ash content.
Both dry ashing and wet ashing methods require the sample to be in powdered form. Contamination of the sample due to the surroundings or the container used to hold the sample should be avoided. The weight of the sample should be between 1 to 10 grams.
It is important to note that the term "ash" is used for primarily organic materials such as fuels and foodstuffs, while the term "loss on ignition" is used for primarily inorganic materials such as rocks and combusted ash. The appropriate method for ash determination may vary depending on the type of sample being analyzed, and parameters such as furnace temperature, residence time in the furnace, number of heating steps, and sample preparation procedures may vary accordingly.
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