For efficient and contamination-free grinding processes, mortar and pestle are available in 7 different materials (no undesired abrasion):
- Hardened steel (density 7.6 g/cm3; hardness ≤ 250 HB, medium abrasion resistance):
typically used for pulverizing medium-hard to hard and brittle samples
- Stainless steel (density 7.7 g/cm3; hardness ≤ 245 HB, medium abrasion resistance):
typically used for pulverizing medium-hard to hard and brittle samples. Stainless steel is also used for homogenizing frozen yeast cells.
- Tungsten carbide (density 14.8 g/cm3; hardness 93.6 HRA; high abrasion resistance):
used for grinding very hard, brittle sample materials. By using tungsten carbide, contamination of the sample with iron is prevented.
- Agate (density 2.65 g/cm3; hardness 6.5 – 7 Mohs, low abrasion resistance)
a highly pure natural material suitable for pulverizing soft to medium-hard or fibrous samples.
- Sintered aluminum oxide (density 3.9 g/cm3; hardness 1750 HV, medium abrasion resistance):
a ceramic material suitable for grinding soft to medium-hard or fibrous samples. It is mainly used for heavy-metal-free grinding processes.
- Zirconium oxide (density 6.05 g/cm3; hardness 1250 HV, high abrasion resistance):
a ceramic material suitable for pulverizing medium-hard to hard and fibrous samples. It is typically used for heavy-metal-free grinding processes.
- Hard porcelain (density 2.4 g/cm3; hardness 1200 HV, high abrasion resistance):
a ceramic material suitable for grinding medium-hard to hard or fibrous samples. It is mainly used for heavy-metal-free grinding or pharmaceutical samples.
Please note: The grinding tool material should be harder than the sample. For further information on materials please see the document “Material Analyses of Equipment & Accessories“ in the Downloads section.
