Activated charcoal or Activated carbon is considered as a universal antidote. It is carbonaceous which is an extremely porous and absorptive medium and has a complex structure consisting of carbon atoms. A potent natural agent used for treating diverse problems. Do not confuse it with charcoal briquettes which are used for lighting barbecues.
Activated charcoal is pure and processed to be made more porous to trap toxins and chemicals.
That’s not all.
This soft, black and stable form of carbon is used in daily life for an end number of treatments. It treats skin, teeth, water, detoxes your body and many diseases. One simple natural agent makes our daily life easy and nearly everyone makes use of it in some form, but we are simply not aware.
It is from peat, hardwood, softwood, bituminous coal, ignition of coal, coconut shells, olive pits and several other materials that are made of carbon.
Activated charcoal or carbon is made from charcoal or coal and it is activated either by heating at high temperatures or infused with acids, bases or salts like, phosphoric acid, potassium hydroxide or zinc chloride and then heated at a temperature ranging between 450-900 degree Celsius. Both procedures enhance the adsorption capability of charcoal.
Some broad classification of activated charcoal is listed below
PAC or Powdered Activated Carbon: It is made of powdered or fine granules. These are crushed or ground carbon particles with an average diameter of .15 to .25mm and then it passes through 50 to 80 mesh sieve.
GAC or Granular Activated Carbon: The particle size is bigger than the PAC and preferred for the adsorption of gases and vapor because the rate of diffusion is quick. It is ideal for water or liquid applications.
EAC or Extruded Activated Carbon: It is made of extruded or cylindrical shape carbon which is ideal for air and gas applications. The mechanical strength is high and dust content is low.
IAC or Impregnated Activated Carbon: These porous activated carbons are impregnated with inorganic elements like iron, calcium, Aluminum, iron, etc. These carbons are rich in antiseptic and antimicrobial properties useful for treating coal-fired generation plants, flue gases, etc.
PCAC or Polymers Coated Activated Carbons: the polymer coated activated carbon is used for water treatment. These activated carbons are coated with a biological polymer which works as a permeable coat and doesn’t block pores. Remaining PCAC is used for hemoperfusion (a large volume of blood passes through the bed of PCAC and GAC to remove toxins substances).
ACC or Activated Carbon Cloth: This type of carbon is available in the form of fiber and cloth which is used as protective socks, gloves, and clothing used by the military. It is used for protective masks, wound dressings, to protect the aircraft from degradation or discoloration, purifying water and many more things.
BAC or Biochar Activated Charcoal: Biochar carbons are produced with the pyrolysis process (a Process which takes less time in activation depending on temperature and therefore carbon emissions are also low here) and these are the recent carbons of activated charcoal family. These are environment-friendly and greener.
Fortunately, there is no such unpleasant reaction of activated charcoal to date. Whether it’s taking in food or medication form or as beauty care, any negative impact is not proven in any of its various forms. People having medication should consult with their doctor before consuming any oral product of activated charcoal. However, it can absorb the medicinal property of any medicine.
