A ceramic crucible is a laboratory item used to contain items that are to be heated to elevated temperatures. A ceramic crucible is a laboratory material that is used to heat, melt, burn, and calcine substances. As it is made of ceramic, it can withstand high temperatures. Often used in the gravimetric analysis.
Ceramic crucibles are used to carry out quantitative gravimetric determinations of various substances. Some crucibles have small holes in their lower part. These allow to carry out a filtration process, which is very useful when making gravimetric measurements.
These instruments are highly resistant to temperature changes, can operate at a maximum temperature of 1100 ° C, are made of graphite and clay, their expansion is minimal, and have high chemical resistance.
What is the ceramic crucible for?
Crucibles are used in quantitative gravimetric determinations, an analysis measuring the mass of the substance to be analyzed. A residue or precipitate resulting from an analysis method is collected or filtered into an ash-free solution or element in common crucibles. The crucible and the element to be analyzed are pre-pressed with high precision and then incinerated in the furnace. The filter paper will burn without a trace.
The sample and the crucible are allowed to cool in a desiccator and the ashes will be subjected to gravimetric analysis.
How is ceramic crucible used?
To melt or heat with the extrusion dies, it is necessary to use flames or tongs to remove it from the flame. Before using it, it is necessary to preheat it to eliminate any humidity trace that could alter the analyses to be carried out.
If the crucible contains a substance, which is heating up, you should never point it at your face, body, or lab partner.
The crucible should be allowed to cool in a desiccator. Once the crucible is cool, the dead can undergo a new gravimetric analysis.
Crucible Types
The crucible is an instrument that has been used for a long time. For this reason, there are different types, since, over the years, more models have been created, adapting to the needs of each investigation.
The difference is centered in the material with which the crucible is made and this changes depending on the area of use. Not all elements should be treated in the same way. There are currently three different types of crucibles:
Ceramic crucible
Used in the laboratory for its properties as it is an excellent material for working with chemical substances.
Graphite crucible
This is one of the most used. Graphite is a polymorph of carbon and is used as a crucible due to its non-stick properties and its resistance to heat, withstanding temperatures of up to 1500 ° C. It is used for metal casting.
Silicon Carbide Crucible
Silicon carbide is a semiconductor material almost as hard as diamond. It has a good thermal conductivity that makes it have a better heat distribution. They also have resistance to chemical erosion. They are used mostly in metal casting, although they tend to be more expensive than ceramic or graphite.
Ceramic Crucible Characteristics
The ceramic crucible is an instrument that is used for a specific function, although thanks to its design, it is also highly versatile. Crucibles have similar characteristics, even though they are made of different materials, but an advantage of the ceramic crucible is its easy production and, therefore, affordability without compromising its quality.
Currently, the most widely used crucible is the ceramic one, so if you need to make one, this is an excellent option. Although it largely depends on the use that you are going to give it; in the same way, you must take into account its characteristics:
- Ceramic is a translucent off-white material.
- It is a concave container.
- Some models come with a lid. It must be of the same material.
- High heat resistance up to 1050 ° C
- Its surface is smooth. It does not present porosity.
- Offers you resistance to chemical corrosion
Something important to note is that corrosion resistance is not as good for HF acids. Also, among the presentations of the same, you can find models in different sizes, but the most used are around 30 to 50 ml and among the aesthetic preferences, there may be different colors, but this varies according to the manufacturer.
Importance of the Ceramic Crucible
The ceramic crucible is a very useful instrument; Thanks to its thermal resistance, it can be used as a container for heating, melting or calcining various samples. Without this process, many of the tests and analyses of substances would not be possible to carry out, at least not optimally, because the conjunction of the crucible characteristics is required for this.
Other instruments are used to heat substances in the laboratory, such as the Thiele tube. However, it could not be used to fulfill the functions of the crucible. It would end up with corrosion or deformedness. For reasons like this, you must remember to give the proper use to your instruments.
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