Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC)

Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC) is the moisture level where wood neither gains nor loses water, balancing with surrounding air humidity Measurements of Equilibrium Moisture Content 1) Hygroscopic Methods: Static Equilibrium Method: The material is placed in a controlled environment (constant temperature and relative humidity) until no further weight change occurs. Dynamic Method: The material is … Read more

Drying

Objectives of Drying Preservation: Removing moisture from materials to prevent spoilage and microbial growth. Weight Reduction: Reducing the weight for easier handling, storage, and transportation. Volume Reduction: Decreasing the volume for efficient storage and packaging. Consistency: Achieving a specific consistency or texture in products, particularly in food processing. Preparation for Further Processing: Preparing materials for additional processes … Read more

Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO₄)

Preparation of Magnesium Sulphate: Prepared by reacting magnesium carbonate with sulfuric acid: Properties: White, crystalline powder Odorless Soluble in water Bitter, saline taste Chemical formula: MgSO₄ Uses: As an osmotic laxative to treat constipation As a bath additive to soothe muscle aches and pains In agriculture as a magnesium source for plants Storage of Magnesium … Read more

Cathartics

Cathartics

Introduction to Cathartics: Cathartics, also known as laxatives, are substances that promote bowel movements and relieve constipation. They are used in treating various gastrointestinal disorders, including constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and for bowel preparation before diagnostic procedures or surgeries. Types of Cathartics: 1) Bulk-Forming Laxatives: Mechanism: Increase the bulk and water content of the … Read more

Magnesium Hydroxide Mixture (Mg (OH)₂)

Properties of Magnesium Hydroxide: White, crystalline powder Odorless Slightly soluble in water Chemically stable Chemical formula: Mg(OH)₂ Preparation of Magnesium Hydroxide: Produced by reacting magnesium chloride with sodium hydroxide. Chemical Reaction: “MgCl” 〗_2+2″NaOH”→〖”Mg(OH)” 〗_2+2″NaCl” Magnesium hydroxide precipitates out and is then filtered, washed, and dried. Uses: As a non-systemic antacid to treat acid indigestion, heartburn, … Read more

Aluminium Hydroxide Gel (Al (OH)₃)

Properties of Aluminium Hydroxide Gel: White amorphous powder or gel Odorless and tasteless Insoluble in water Chemically stable and non-toxic Chemical formula: Al(OH)₃ Preparation of Aluminium Hydroxide Gel: Produced by reacting aluminum sulfate with sodium hydroxide. Chemical Reaction: $ 〖”Al” 〗_2 (〖”SO” 〗_4 )_3+6″NaOH”→2〖”Al(OH)” 〗_3+3〖”Na” 〗_(2〖”SO” 〗_4 )$ Aluminum hydroxide precipitates out and is then … Read more

Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO₃)

Properties of Sodium Bicarbonate: White crystalline powder Odorless Soluble in water Slightly alkaline taste Decomposes at high temperatures Chemical formula: NaHCO₃ Preparation (Solvay Process): Prepared industrially by-passing carbon dioxide and ammonia through a concentrated sodium chloride (brine) solution. Sodium bicarbonate precipitates out and is then filtered, washed, and dried. Uses of Sodium Bicarbonate: As a … Read more

Antacids

Introduction to Antacids: These are medications used to neutralize stomach acid, providing relief from symptoms like heartburn, indigestion, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). They work by increasing the pH of stomach contents, alleviating discomfort and promoting healing of the esophagus and stomach lining. Mechanism of Action: Antacids neutralize excess hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach. … Read more

Dilute Hydrochloric Acid (Dil. HCl)

Preparation of Dilute Hydrochloric Acid: Prepared by carefully adding concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl) to water in a volumetric flask. It is crucial to add acid to water slowly to prevent excessive heat release and splashing. Properties: Colorless to slightly yellow liquid with a strong, pungent odor. Strong acid, readily dissociating into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and … Read more

Acidifiers

Introduction to Acidifiers Acidifiers, also known as acidulants, are substances that lower the pH of a solution, making it more acidic. They are used in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, for purposes such as flavor enhancement, preservation, and pH adjustment. They can be classified based on their origin, chemical nature, or function. Classification … Read more