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!