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- Definition: Inorganic residue remaining after the combustion of combustible substances. It is the residue that remains after burning a material, which cannot be further burned.
- Characteristics:
- Composition: Primarily consists of minerals and non-combustible materials.
- Forms: Can vary from fine powder to granular or even crystalline forms depending on the material that was burned.
- Color: Typically gray or white, though it can vary based on the type of material.
- Determination Methods:
- Standard Procedures: Ash content is determined by heating the sample to a high temperature (usually around 550°C) until all combustible material is burned off, leaving only the inorganic residue. This is done according to specified methods such as those outlined by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) or other relevant standards.
- Analysis: The residue is then weighed to determine the ash content of the original sample.
- Applications and Significance:
- Material Testing: In industries such as metallurgy, agriculture, and food processing, ash content is an important quality control measure.
- Environmental Studies: Ash content in materials like coal can affect combustion efficiency and environmental impact.