Preparation of Raw Materials for Chemical Analysis (By Fusion)

Materials needed:

1. Sodium Carbonate (Analytical Grade)

2. Pre-prepared samples (20 g)
3. HCl 1:1 (1 part H2O, 1-part HCl)
4. Distilled Water

Procedure:

1. Using the analytical balance, place the platinum crucible and weigh 1 gram of pre-prepared
sample.
2. Add Sodium Carbonate up to 8 grams in total (7 grams Sodium Carbonate).
3. Transfer the platinum crucible into the pre-heated muffle furnace and heat it for 1 hour at 950 C.
4. After heating, take out the crucible from the furnace and immediately cool it down by soaking
the outside of the crucible into the bowl of water.
5. Once cooled down to room temperature, place the platinum crucible in the evaporating dish and
slowly add 1:1 HCl solution. While adding, carefully macerate the solution using a stirring rod to
help dissolving the fused sample. Be careful not to poke, tear, or damage the platinum crucible
as it is very malleable and can be easily torn apart. Minimize the reaction as much as possible to
avoid spilling and splashing. Distilled water in wash bottle can be used to wash the samples that
sticks on to the stirring rod, walls of the evaporating dish, etc.
6. When all the sample are completely dissolved in the solution, wash the stirring rod with distilled
water, and check if there are traces of sample that sticks on the surface of the evaporating dish.
If there are any, wash it with distilled water.
7. Transfer the evaporating dish into the hot plate on medium heat and let it evaporate all the
liquid. Make sure not to burn the sample.
8. After heating, remove the dish, set aside, and cool it down.