1. Chemical Composition:
- Black carbon is a micro-carbon molecule consisting mainly of carbon, and sometimes it may contain trace amounts of other substances such as hydrogen or oxygen, depending on the method of production.
- It is produced via an incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon gases under oxygen deficiency, creating very precise particles of carbon.
2. Physical Properties:
- Black color: As his name suggests, black carbon is characterized by its very deep black color.
- Small particle size: its molecules are very, very small (compared to ordinary carbon) giving it certain properties such as glitter and the ability to absorb light.
- Large surface area: Because of the very fine particle size, black carbon has very wide surface area, giving it a high ability to absorb or react to other materials.
- Light absorption power: It has an exceptional ability to absorb UV rays, making it useful in the manufacture of products that require light protection.
3. Main types of black carbon:
- Black oil carbon: produced using oil as a carbon source. It is mainly used in the tire and rubber industry.
- Plant black carbon: Produced through certain techniques using plant materials as raw materials. This type is used in some special applications.
4. Main uses of black carbon:
a. ” Tire & Rubber Industry :
- Black carbon is mainly used in the tire and rubber industry. Helps improve tyre strength, durability and corrosion, as well as improve electrical conductivity properties.
- It is also used to improve flexibility and resistance to UV light.
b. In the color and paint industry :
- Black carbon is used as a sanding or dye in the making of paints and inks thanks to its rich black colour and properties that allow it to provide heavy coverage.
- Add to many products as pigments to increase absorption ability and adjust color degree.
c. In Plastic Industry :
- Black carbon is added to many plastics to improve durability, UV resistance, and electrical properties. For example, it can be used in plastics exposed to the outdoors.
d. In the ink industry :
- Black carbon is used in the ink industry by converting it into printing ink, where it is used in large quantity in ink printers and laser printers.
H.I. ‘ In pharmaceuticals and preparations :
- Sometimes black carbon is used as an auxiliary substance or auxiliary substance in some cosmetics or medicines.
and. In the electronics industry :
- Because of its ability to absorb electromagnetic radiation, black carbon is used in some electronic applications such as protective paint in some electronic components.
5. Chemical properties of black carbon:
- Interaction with chemicals: Black carbon has the ability to absorb or react to chemicals thanks to its extensive surface area, and is used for applications that require air filtering or absorption of harmful substances.
- Non-reactive: Black carbon is known to be a non-reactive substance in many chemical environments, making it suitable for use in many industries.
6. Health and Environmental Impacts:
- Health effects: There are some concerns about the health effects of black carbon if inhaled at high concentrations, as it can cause respiratory irritation, especially for those exposed to it for prolonged periods such as workers in industries requiring the use of black carbon.
- Environmental impacts: Black carbon is considered environmentally polluting in some cases, especially when released into the atmosphere. Contributes to air pollution and can have a negative impact on human health and the environment.
7. Sustainability and Innovations:
- In the pursuit of sustainability and reduction of pollution, emphasis is placed on the development of more effective and safe methods of black carbon production, so as to avoid negative impacts on health and the environment.
- Researchers are improving black carbon uses in advanced industries such as the solar industry, where it is used to improve the photovoltaic efficiency of certain materials.