Moisture content is a crucial parameter in various industries, and its accurate determination is essential. The official methods for moisture content determination are standardized and provide reliable results. The two primary methods are:
The Karl Fischer Titration method involves the volumetric determination of water content in a sample. It utilizes a Karl Fischer reagent, which contains iodine, sulfur dioxide, and a base in an anhydrous solvent. The titration endpoint is reached when the iodine present in the reagent reacts entirely with the water in the sample.
The Gravimetric Method involves the direct weighing of the water lost from the sample during drying. A known mass of the sample is placed in a drying oven or desiccator and heated at a controlled temperature until a constant weight is achieved. The loss of mass is determined and expressed as the moisture content.
In addition to the official methods, several other techniques can be used to determine moisture content, including:
The choice of method for determining moisture content depends on factors such as the accuracy required, the sample type, and the available resources.