The difference between black carbon and carbon black

In the chemical industry, the morphological diversity of carbon is a miracle of nature. Black carbon and carbon black, as two common carbon forms, although they are black in appearance, but they have significant differences in physical, chemical properties and practical applications. In-depth understanding of their differences will help us to better choose the right carbon materials to meet different industrial needs.

1. uses and application scenarios of the difference

Because of its excellent optical properties and coloring ability, carbon black is widely used in chemical industry, electronics, construction and other fields. In the electronics industry, carbon black is used as a color guide and dispersant to enhance the light guide performance of materials; in construction, it is used as a waterproof material and filler to improve the durability of products. Carbon black has the functions of coloring, dispersing and shielding ultraviolet rays in the coating industry, and has become an important part of high-performance materials.

In contrast, the application field of black carbon is relatively limited. It is mainly used as a by-product in the coal processing process and has special uses in some specific fields. For example, in some industrial furnaces, black carbon may be used for specific combustion processes, but in daily industrial applications, black carbon is far less useful than carbon black.

2. black carbon and carbon black characteristics analysis

From a physical point of view, there is a significant difference in apparent density between black carbon and carbon black. The apparent density of black carbon is usually above 1.2g/cm³, while the apparent density of carbon black is between 0.8-1.2g/cm³. This difference affects their use scenarios. For example, the high apparent density of black carbon makes it more suitable for structures that require high-strength support, while the medium apparent density of carbon black makes it more suitable for use as a filler.

The presence of carbon nanotubes has a profound effect on the properties of both. The carbon nanotubes contained in the black carbon have higher mechanical strength and heat resistance, and are suitable for use in high-temperature environments. Carbon black does not contain carbon nanotubes, and its mechanical strength and heat resistance are relatively poor, but its specific surface area is larger, and it is more suitable for use as a filler.

3. black carbon and carbon black preparation method

The preparation of black carbon needs to go through the process steps of high temperature calcination and screening, and its formation process needs specific calcination temperature and time. The preparation of carbon black is more simple, generally only coal can be dry distillation and screening. Therefore, the preparation process of black carbon is more complicated and the cost is higher.

In terms of chemical properties, there are significant differences in the composition of black carbon and carbon black. Black carbon contains more organic substances and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, so that it has a stronger adsorption capacity. Carbon black is mainly composed of inorganic carbon, and its chemical properties are more stable, and it is suitable for occasions that require higher chemical stability.

4. black carbon and carbon black application field comparison

In the electronics industry, the application of black carbon and carbon black has its own characteristics. Black carbon can play an important role in electronic packaging because of its unique color and physical properties, while carbon black is more used in conductive materials and optical materials.

In the field of construction, the application of black carbon and carbon black is also significantly different. Black carbon may be used in specific waterproof materials, while carbon black is more used in decorative materials and waterproof materials.

From the perspective of environmental protection, the application of black carbon and carbon black in environmental protection materials is also different. Black carbon may be used to make new environmentally friendly materials, while carbon black is more used to make harmless materials.

Black carbon and carbon black, two seemingly similar forms of carbon, but each has its own merits. When choosing carbon materials, we need to make informed choices based on specific application scenarios and performance requirements. By understanding the difference between black carbon and carbon black, we can make better use of these two materials to promote the development of industry and technology.