I am looking at purchasing some crucibles for doing calcinations and melting small quantities of metals, as well as other high-temperature processes
that involve solid reactants and intermediates.
I see zirconia, alumina, graphite, and porcelain crucibles on eBay. Most hobbyists who I know who melt metal like graphite, but I'm not sure how it
would fare with oxidizing reactants. I remember using porcelain ones in chemistry classes.
What are the advantages / tradeoffs of various types of crucibles, and what kinds do you suggest keeping around for general use?zed - 18-2-2016 at 14:43
Graphite with oxidizing reagents? Expect fire.Magpie - 18-2-2016 at 15:06
I have melted silver in ceramic crucibles that I bought from a gold assay supplier. I believe they are mullite.JJay - 18-2-2016 at 15:29