I have a confession:

I <3 aluminum foil and can’t do chemistry without it.

When I first saw researcher friends using it, I was dumbfounded: what’s up with all the aluminum foil in your labs?

I’ve since become a convert: it’s a cheap, clean, impervious to spills, versatile, multitasking material that no lab should be without. Go out and buy a few rolls right now.  You’ll save money and frustration after only one use.

Here are only a few reasons why you should have a roll at hand in your chemistry lab:

• Need a smooth, clean, spill-proof surface? Hey, presto! Just roll some out onto your workbench. When you’re done working, cleanup is a snap! Crumple it up, and toss it into the recycling bin. A sheet of aluminum foil won’t let spills touch your bench, is clean, and is a nice smooth surface.
• Weigh boats.
• Temporary container. (mine look exactly like my weigh boats)
• A quick funnel.
• A smooth surface to pour out a material for setting into a sheet.
• A place to rest a stirring rod or magnetic stir bar without contaminating your entire work area. Read the rest of this entry »