Classification of Carbon Materials
Carbon materials have been used for thousands of years, since ancient times for writing, heating, cooking, and creating tools. Even today, these materials are essential in everyday life and are used in many different applications. Carbon compounds can be found not only in everyday objects but also in industrial processes, automotive components and components in semiconductor, solar and aerospace technology. Carbon is one of the most versatile materials and its properties depend on the specific allotropes as well as the structure and characteristics of the material. Carbon materials can be classified into several categories.
Based on their composition, carbon materials can be classified into three different categories: elemental carbon, carbon compounds and composites. Elemental carbon includes graphite, diamond, carbon black and charcoal. Carbon compounds are those materials, which are composed of carbon as a major element and also with other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Examples of carbon compounds include carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and graphite intercalation compounds (GICs). Composites are materials composed of two or more distinct materials. Carbon composites typically include a carbon matrix reinforced with other materials such as glass or Kevlar.
Carbon materials can also be classified by their form or structure. Amorphous carbon has a randomly disordered structure, while nano structured carbon is highly ordered and possess unique properties that differ to those of amorphous carbon or graphite. Nanotubes and fullerenes are examples of nano structured carbon materials which exhibit remarkable strength and heat resistance.
The properties of carbon materials are largely dependent on their structure. For example, graphite is soft and slippery, while diamond is extremely hard. Carbon nanotubes have unique mechanical, electrical and thermal properties that make them suitable for advanced applications such as electronic and biomedical devices. Fullerenes are molecules of carbon atoms arranged in C60 and C76 structures, which are extremely light and stable.
Due to its unique properties and potential applications, carbon materials are used in many different industries. Carbon fibres are used in the manufacture of aircraft components and other aerospace applications due to its light weight strength. Carbon compounds are also used in making rubber, glasses and lubricants. Carbon nanotubes are used in electronics and computer science and have even been used to increase the strength of concrete and steel. Carbon materials can also be used to create sensors, portable electrical systems, and antennas.
In conclusion, carbon materials are extremely versatile, with different forms, structures, and properties. Depending on the desired properties and applications, these materials can be classified according to their composition, form and structure. Carbon materials are used in numerous industries and applications ranging from aerospace, automotive, and energy to electronics and biomedical applications.
