Uses Of Carbon : You Need To Know

Carbon is an element that is ubiquitous in our lives. Its atomic number is 6, and the symbol is c. Occupies an important position in the periodic table. From ancient times, human use of charcoal for heating, to modern science and technology, various kinds of carbon base materials shine brightly. Carbon use is wide and far-reaching. People often ask: what are the uses of carbon? This article will elaborate on the use of carbon in a number of fields, including energy, material science, chemical industry, biomedical and other fields.

The use of carbon in the field of energy

Carbon in fossil fuel

In fossil fuels is one of the most important forms of carbon in the field of energy. Coal, oil and gas are common sources of energy in our daily lives. They contain a lot of carbon. Coal, for example, is mainly formed by the long geological processes of ancient plant remains, with high carbon content. When coal burns, carbon and oxygen react to release a lot of heat energy for power generation, heating, etc.. It is a more traditional use of carbon in the field of energy. However, this combustion mode also produces a large amount of carbon dioxide and other temperature chamber gases. These have a certain impact on the environment.

• New carbon energy materials

With the development of science and technology, new carbon energy materials are gradually emerging. For example, materials such as carbon nanotubes have great application potential in the field of batteries. They can improve the performance of the battery, increase the conductivity and stability of the battery. And thus improve the energy storage efficiency of the battery. It is of great significance for the new energy vehicles and renewable energy storage and other aspects. And it is an innovative use of carbon in the field of modern energy.

Common uses of carbon in material science

• Metal carbide

Metal carbide is a compound formed by carbon and metal elements, which has excellent physical properties. Such as high hardness and high melting point. For example, tungsten carbide, it is widely used in the manufacture of tools, molds and so on. These tools play a key role in mechanical processing and other industries. It can effectively cut and shape various metal materials, which is one of the important uses of carbon in material science.

• Carbon fiber material

Carbon fiber is a kind of high strength and high modulus fiber with carbon content of more than 90%. Its weight is light and strong. It is widely used in aerospace, sports equipment and other fields. In aircraft manufacturing, the use of carbon fiber materials can reduce the weight of the aircraft. So it will improve flight efficiency. In sports, the badminton racket, tennis racket and other equipment made by carbon fiber can provide better flexibility and operability. This is popular with athletes.

• Carbon black materials

Carbon black materials are indispensable in modern industry. In the rubber industry, carbon black is an important reinforcing agent. After the addition of carbon black rubber products, such as tires, its wear resistance, tear resistance and strength have been greatly improved. And it can adapt to a variety of complex road conditions and driving conditions. In ink manufacturing, carbon black is used as a pigment to give the ink good blackness and hiding power. This ensures the bright color and clear image of the printed matter.

• Carbon brush

Carbon brushes play a key role in electrical equipment. In the motor, the carbon brush is responsible for passing the external electrical flow to the rotor windings. So the motor can operate normally.  The carbon brush has good electrical conductivity and self-lubrication. So in the process of high-speed friction with the commutator, it can ensure the stable transmission of current. And it can also reduce wear, and extend the service life of the motor. It is widely used in many electrical equipment such as power tools, industrial motors and generators.

The use of carbon in chemistry

Carbon in organic synthesis

In organic chemical synthesis, carbon is the core element. Many organic compounds cannot be synthesized without carbon. For example, through the formation of carbon-carbon bonds, a variety of complex organic molecules can be synthesized. Such as drugs, fragrances, plastics, etc.. Many common plastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, etc., are carbon-based polymer compounds. And these plastics are widely used in daily life, from packaging materials to household items.

• Activated carbon materials

Activated carbon is a carbon material with highly developed pore structure. And its specific surface area is very large. In the chemical industry, activated carbon is mainly used for adsorption and separation. For example, in the water treatment process, activated carbon can absorb harmful substances in the water, thereby purifying the water quality. In terms of air purification, activated carbon can also adsorb harmful gases such as formaldehyde, benzene, etc.. It provides people with a healthy indoor environment. This is one of the important uses of carbon in daily life.

In the field of medicine

Biocarbon material

Biocarbon material has good biocompatibility, and has been widely used in tissue engineering and other fields. For example, biocarbon materials can be used as scaffold materials to help cells grow and repair tissue. It can simulate the microenvironment of human tissue, promote the regeneration of damaged tissue. And it can provide new ideas and methods for medical treatment.

• Carbon-based drug carrier

Carbon nanomaterials can also be used as drug carriers. Because of its unique physical and chemical properties, it can effectively load drugs and achieve drug targeted delivery. This helps improve the therapeutic effect of drugs, reduce the side effects of drugs on normal tissues. And it has great potential in the treatment of diseases such as cancer.

The use of carbon in other fields

In agriculture

In agriculture, the role of carbon is not to be underestimated. For example, organic fertilizers are rich in carbon. This can improve soil structure, increase soil fertility, and promote the growth of crops. In addition, carbon dioxide can be used as gas fertilizer at a certain concentration to improve the efficiency of plant photosynthesis. Thereby increasing the yield of crops.

In art and culture

From ancient charcoal paintings to modern carbon black pigments, carbon has a long history in art and culture. Charcoal is a common tool for painting, which can produce rich lines and tones. Carbon black is widely used in ink, paint and other fields to add color and texture to artwork and prints.

Uses of carbon in daily life

In daily life, carbon is incorporated into a variety of good things, such as fishing rods and toner. Carbon fiber fishing rods are favored by fishing friends. The traditional fishing rod is often heavy, easy to fold and other short board. It is overcome by carbon fiber. Its light weight, fishing friends hold for a long time not tired. High strength, can easily cope with big fish pulling. Good elasticity, sensitive signal transmission when the fish bite the hook, powerful buffer, reduce running fish, make fishing more enjoyable.

Toner plays an important role in the office printing scene. In laser printers and copiers, the toner particles are fine and uniform. And the electrical conductivity and absorption are good. When working, the static electricity is adsorbed on the sensitive drum, imaging according to the signal. And then transfer the paper and heat fixing, so that the text image is clearly presented. Students printing materials, office documents processing professionals, etc., are inseparable from the toner. It ensures the smooth paper information, is the daily office learning assistant.

The uses of various allotropes of carbon

Graphite

Graphite is a common allotrope of carbon and has many uses. In writing tools, graphite is made into pencil leads. And its soft texture can leave clear marks on the paper, which is convenient for people to write and draw. The lubrication properties of graphite make it an excellent lubricant. And in the machinery industry, it is often used to reduce the friction between machine parts and improve the operating efficiency and service life of equipment. In the field of electrode materials, graphite electrodes are widely used in industrial processes such as electrolytic aluminum and steel smelting due to their good electrical conductivity and high temperature resistance. And they are used as conductive medium in electrolytic cells to promote chemical reactions.

Nanobubes

As a new type of carbon allotrope, carbon nanotubes have shown amazing application prospects. In terms of electronic device miniaturization, carbon nanotubes can be used to make transistors and integrated circuits at the nanoscale. Its excellent electrical performance can achieve higher electron migration speed and lower power consumption. It is expected to promote the further development of electronic information technology. So electronic products are more miniaturized and high performance. In the field of material super-strengthening, adding carbon nanotubes to matrix materials such as polymers, metals or ceramics can significantly improve the strength, toughness and stiffness of the material. For example, adding carbon nanotubes to aerospace composites can further enhance the material’s impact resistance. And it ensures the safe operation of aircraft in extreme environments.

Conclusión

Carbon, as an important element, is used in all aspects of our life. From traditional fossil fuels in the energy field to new energy materials. From various high-performance materials in material science to organic synthesis and adsorption materials in the chemical industry. Besides, from tissue repair in biomedical field and drug carrier to the application of agriculture and art and culture, carbon plays an irreplaceable role.