Carbon materials have a diverse range of uses, from the manufacture of high-strength materials and components to the use of graphite in nuclear reactors. Due to the range of properties these materials possess, they require a variety of chemical and physical tests to be carried out in order to identify their suitability for a given application. This article outlines the terminology associated with the analysis and physical testing of carbon materials.
Carbon Materials Analysis
The chemical analysis of carbon materials helps to determine their structural make-up, in terms of the elements, compounds and polymers that comprise them. A few common tests are outlined below.
X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)
In this analysis, the carbon materials are subjected to x-rays, which causes them to vibrate in a predictable manner. By measuring the angle and intensity of the x-ray reflections off a sample, the structure of the sample can be determined.
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (AES)
This test combines spectroscopy techniques with atomic emission techniques to measure the chemical composition of the samples. It is used to measure the presence of elements such as carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen.
Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
This test uses nano-sensors to measure the frequency of stretching and bending vibrations of bonds between atoms in a sample. It is most commonly used to measure the presence of oxygen or nitrogen-containing functional groups.
Thermal Analysis
Thermal analysis is used to measure the thermal properties of carbon materials. It can determine the effects of heating and cooling on the material, and the rate of decomposition of the material when heated.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
DSC measures the heat changes of a sample as it is heated and cooled. It can be used to measure various properties, including melting point, thermal stability, and heat capacity.
Physical Testing
As well as chemical analysis, carbon materials are also subjected to a range of physical tests in order to determine their suitability for the application in which they will be used. A few common tests are outlined below.
Bending
This test is used to determine the bending strength of a sample. It is conducted by applying a bending force to the sample until it breaks or cracks. This test is also used to measure the ability of the sample to withstand fatigue.
Tensile
The tensile test measures the tensile strength of the material, which is the force required to break or deform a sample when it is pulled apart. It is typically used to measure the relative strength of a material.
Compression
The compression test is used to measure the ability of the material to withstand compression, which is the force applied when a sample is compressed or bent. This test can be used to measure a material’s resistance to deformation.
Fatigue
The fatigue test is used to measure the ability of a material to withstand cyclic loading. It is used to identify weak spots in a sample and to measure the life of a material when subjected to repeated loading over time.
Impact
The impact test measures the ability of a material to withstand sudden force or shock. It is used to determine the toughness of a material and its resistance to breakage.
In conclusion, chemical and physical tests are used to evaluate the properties of carbon materials. A variety of techniques are used to analyse the materials, such as x-ray diffraction, atomic emission spectroscopy, and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Physical tests, on the other hand, measure the strength, bending, fatigue, and impact resistance of the material. The results of these tests are used to determine the suitability of the material for its intended application.
