Tinkering with Glass and Ceramics
It has been said that Apple computers began as a project at home in a garage. Well, we are working on a project not so earth shattering at home. We continually tinker with various projects, some of which involve chemistry. So, we could post this item in analytical or inorganic boards, but chose to post it here since it is a home tinkering project. This project is derived from my ceramic / glass making hobby and has some roots on glaze making / glass making.
Currently, we are mixing various combinations of chemicals together to achieve a final product that contains glass mixture. For instance, we might have silica, sodium, and aluminum in our final product. We know what chemicals we put into the process, but are unsure of the final glass composition due to whatever factors that may not allow for complete combination.
So we thought we would verify the final product. Well, glass is typically the holder of the item to be analyzed and not the item analyzed. So, our GOOGLE, WIKI and library search is in progress, but we thought we would do some brain storming as well.
One thought is to rig a spectrometer (maybe home built) to get the relative composition.
The other approach is to do some chemical analysis where we dissolve the glass and then precipitate out the various components. We could then weigh the various precipitates. Without hitting the books yet, we thought of using hydrofluoric acid for the dissolving. Well, I am not keen as my cohorts on having hydrofluoric acid around let alone acquiring it. But, we press on.
Now we have various pieces of equipment about like a kiln, glassware etc. I also have supplies and equipment that is use in various chemistry home making activities like soap making, bio diesel, brewing etc.
But, we do not have a glass furnace or high end spectrometers. No matter how devoted to citizen science, I have limits to my funds.
So while we are doing our book research, if anyone has suggestions as to an inexpensive or home built device, or other methods, off the top of your heads please post. Especially if you have another approach.
If you have an idea on how to dissolve the glass please post
If you have a suggestion on how to participate the sodium, aluminum or silicon separately please post
If you think we are dummies please post (be kind).
Our goal is not to get precise, just reasonably close.
By the way, we are trying to be safe as possible and adding to our practices and equipment as we proceed. Much of what we are doing is modified accepted ceramic processes typical of many home ceramic studios like I have.
Thanks
Bill
So many projects, so little time.
EDIT
I had to post again since I hit the button before I was done and did not notice