Determination of dry matter
How can the dry matter of a sample be determined?
- Prepare the containers: crucible with lid to be placed in the drying oven for 30 mins at 103°C.
- 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 Mt
- 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: Mws.
- 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.
- Read off the exact mass Mds.