hot plate for testing powder melting points?

[t3chnin3]

I was wondering if anyone uses hot plates to check the powders they get? I have been looking all over and cant seem to find one with a digtal temp setting but im sure theres a small one out there thats not too expensive. Hell, Id settle even for a dial hot plate if it had temps on it. no luck so far. Is this safe? as far as the vials go? They wouldnt crack would they?

thanks.

[t3chnin3]

Has anyone used a hot plate for testing melting points? Sounds to me like a good idea? Wondering about the vials taking the heat or not?

[candle25]

I've baked viles at 275F before. The MP for many hormones are much higher than that though. I don't think hot plates would be very accurate. You need to be sure of the temp you are working at. I'm researching MP apperatus. If I find some at a decent price I'll let ya know.

[candle25]

Here is an old MPA at Ebay: http://cgi.msn.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI...sPageName=WDVW

This might be the route I take: http://www.web-tronics.com/didisostc.html

[t3chnin3]

hmmmm, I never thought to use a solder iron. I also didnt know there was something called a melting point app. I checked e bay for hot plates. nothin very accurate though from whatI seen.

[t3chnin3]

wow the mpa is expensive everywhere. I suppose one could use a thermometer and heated water on a hot plate or stove and dip a glass tube or something with the powder in it till it melts and take the temp. just sounds not so accurate.

[candle25]

Not to mention that water would evaporate long before the MP of the hormone. I've used Propylene Glycol to submerge a test tube in before. It is very crude but it will work. I don't think it is very accurate though. That MP at ebay is an old one, but it would run about 5-7K new. There are some that are more for what we are interested in though. They cost too much as well.

[t3chnin3]

damn somone won the auction for that mpa. I knew i shoulda bid on it last night