Uses For Activated Charcoal

What is Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a fine, odorless, black powder that is widely used in applications that require absorbing properties. It is derived from waste products such as wood, charcoal, and bamboo that have been superheated. The most notable difference between charcoal and activated charcoal is that activated charcoal has more pores, higher surface area, and is purer than regular charcoal. It has uses in a wide array of industry and home applications and is considered a safe product.

Hardwood Based vs. Charcoal Based

Hardwood based activated charcoal is produced from specially sourced wood and sawdust. Chemical activation is performed with phosphoric acid as the activating agent. Phosphoric acid is evaporated out and washed to ensure the final product is chemical free. Hardwood based activated charcoal has more adsorbent due to its large surface area and increased volume of pores compared to activated carbon from other sources. Therefore, purification occurs in a shorter amount of time with less amounts of carbon required, thereby reducing waste. Hardwood based charcoal is often used in color removal, water treatments, and purification and decolorization of edible oils.

Charcoal based activated carbon is produced from subjection of coal to a 2 step heating process. The initial heating step exposes charcoal to very high temperatures around 600-900 degrees Celsius followed by superheating to 600-1200 degrees Celsius in the presence of oxygen. This allows for formation of more pore structures which in turn creates more usable surface area to increase adsorbent properties. Charcoal based activated carbon is also used in potable water purification, wastewater treatment, medical and pharmaceutical, and chemical purification.

What does Activated Carbon Remove

In general, activated carbon removes organic compounds best, and very few inorganics. Several factors impact the ability of activated carbon to adsorb, including the molecular weight, polarity, solubility, and concentration. Volatile organic compounds such as toluene, xylene, benzene, oils, and some chlorinated compounds are the most common target chemicals filtered using activated carbon. In the cannabis industry, it is used to remove odors, colors, and chemical contaminants. The type of activated carbon chosen is all based on the application and use intended by the user.

Benefits and Uses of Activated Carbon

There is ongoing research into the growing number of health benefits associated with activated carbon. The kidneys are considered the filtration system of the human body. It filters any undigested toxins and drugs including urea, a byproduct of protein digestion. Activated charcoal is effective at removing toxins that are derived from urea. Studies have indicated that ingestion of a small amount of activated charcoal resulted in improvement in kidney function among individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In the skincare industry, activated charcoal helps to draw out microparticles such as dirt, toxins, and bacteria from the surface of the skin, thereby allowing for ease of removal. Additionally, teeth whitening products contain activated charcoal to remove bacteria that cause yellowing of the teeth and decolorizes.

Where to Buy Activated Charcoal

LabAlley’s Hardwood based Activated Carbon (Charcoal) Powder Food Grade and Charcoal based activated carbon can be bought online, locally or call 512-668-9918 to order bulk sizes. Lab Alley Brand Activated Carbon (Charcoal) Powder Food Grade is for sale in bulk sizes and is in stock. Handy individual consumer size containers for DIY projects are leak resistant. This high quality compound is made in America. It is a high purity chemical substance that is ideally suited for scientific, development, analytical, clinical, medical, research and testing applications. Activated Carbon (Charcoal) Powder Food Grade is delivered quickly to laboratories, factories and businesses in safe chemical resistant containers.

Manufacturing size drums, IBC totes, pallet loads and bulk industrial production scale quantities are shipped from Lab Alley’s U.S.-based distribution centers by LTL freight carriers. Email customerservice@laballey.com if you have questions about buying Activated Carbon (Charcoal) Powder Food Grade.

The chemical formula for Activated Carbon (Charcoal) Powder Food Grade is C. Download the Activated Carbon (Charcoal) Powder Food Grade MSDS/SDS to get safety tips and health hazard information. Activated Carbon (Charcoal) Powder Food Grade should be carefully handled, stored in a cool dry place and chemical waste should be disposed of properly and safely.

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