DESOTEC QC lab: Molasses solution
The Molasses number (DSTM 16) is a measure of the decolorizing capacity and is an indicator of the macro pore and transport pore structure of activated carbon. An amount of pulverised carbon is mixed and heated with a standard molasses solution for a period of time. The Molasses number is expressed as the relative amount of colour removed by an activated carbon compared to a standard carbon. So the higher the molasses number, the better the product.
Normally, it is impossible to compare molasses numbers of different suppliers as the value depends on several factors:
- Molasses standard solution;
- pH of the test;
- Buffered or unbuffered molasses solution;
- Standard carbon;
- Type of test.
Some molasses test methods are expressed as the amount of carbon required to obtain a certain decolorization of a standard molasses solution. Activated carbons with a lower molasses number then have a better decolourisation capacity in this type of test methods.
Need more info on the decolorizing capacity of activated carbon? Be sure to contact us!