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| Powder | Granular | Pellets | Impregnated Carbon |
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Activated Carbon
Activated carbon is a porous carbonaceous material with a very high (internal) surface area. The manufacturing of activated carbon from non porous charcoal is called activation. During this process a large number of pores of various sizes is generated by interaction of steam and carbon dioxide with the raw material at high temperatures (700-900°C). The structure of the remaining carbon-framework depends on the type of raw material, which characterizes the pore size distribution as well as the mechanical stength of the activated carbon. Therefore a very hard raw material, like coconut shells, makes a very hard and abrasion resistant activated carbon.
Silcarbon activated carbons are mainly manufactured from coconut shells, bituminous coal, anthracite or wood. Each type of raw material gives its own characteristic pore structure and are used for different applications.
Adsorption
The term "adsorption" is defined as the enrichment of materials on the surface of a solid. This enrichment is caused primarily by physical forces, the so-called "Van der Waals forces". Due to the enormous internal surface area activated carbon is an excellent and efficient adsorbing substance, which binds (mainly organic) materials from its surrounding media.
External form of activated carbons
Activated carbon exists as:
• powder: powdered carbons
• granules: granular carbons (fine, medium and coarse)
• pellets: pelletized carbons
