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1. | Place ~2 cm3 of undried sample into a centrifuge tube with 25 mL of acetic acid (10% solution). |
2. | Mix well, and let sit until the reaction ceases (using the agitator in the chem lab helps). |
3. | Shake well again to ensure the reaction has stopped (i.e., no more bubbles). |
4. | Spin sample in the centrifuge (15 min at 1500 rpm) |
5. | Decant the acetic acid solution and dispose of the acid solution properly. |
6. | Add 25 mL of DI to the centrifuge tube and centrifuge again for 15 min at 1500 rpm. |
7. | Decant the clear water. |
8. | Repeat the "wash cycle" (Steps 5 and 6) with DI. Wash at least 3X |
Separating Clay
There are various methods for separating clay from coarser material. Those listed below are methods used onboard. Discuss with the scientist(s) if other methods should be used.
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