How can the dry matter of a sample be determined?

1. Prepare the containers: crucible with lid to be placed in the drying oven for 30 mins at 103°C.
2. After removing the crucible and its lid, place them in a desiccator for 45 mins. Accurately weigh the crucible with its lid to define the tare weight M_t
3. Place approximately 5 g of the sample (powdered, if it is solid) in the crucible with its lid. Accurately weigh this initial mass of the sample: M_ws.
4. Place the sample and the crucible lid in the drying oven at the recommended temperature (e.g. T=103°C). At the total desiccation time t, remove the materials from the drying oven and place them in the desiccator for 40 mins. Close the crucible with its lid and weigh.
5. Read off the exact mass M_ds.