The first use of charcoal comes from the black pigment used in
European cave paintings around 32 000 years ago. It is possible
that the earliest use of charcoal as a fuel in the smelting of
copper began over 7000 years ago. The first definite evidence of
human involvement with charcoal as a fuel goes back to
5500 years ago in the Middle East and Southern Europe, when
the Egyptians, who were expert metal workers, discovered the
smelting of iron using charcoal.
Graphite is crystallized carbon and usually
appears as soft, black scales. There are two types of graph ite, natural and artificial (activated). Natural and synthetic
graphite may be mixed with each other or contain other
additives.
Charcoal has been used since the earliest times for several of
purposes, including medicine and art, but by far its most
important use has been as a metallurgical, cooking, industrial,
and automotive fuel. Charcoal is used as a conventional fuel
where an intense heat is wanted. Charcoal was also used
historically as a source of carbon black in chemical reactions
by grinding it up. In this form charcoal was a constituent of
formulas for mixtures such as gunpowder and was important to
early chemists. Due to its high surface area, charcoal can be
used as a catalyst, a filter, or an adsorbent.
GLASSY CARBON is an amorphous form of carbon produced by partially burning or oxidizing wood or other organic matter.
A black powder or granular mixed with a tar or starch and water binder pressed into regular lumps or briquettes. Heats slowly and ignites in air especially if wet.
Flammable. Insoluble in water.
Explosions have occurred when liquid air contacts organic matter. A cracked tube of activated charcoal immersed in liquid air exploded violently [J. Sci. Inst. 5:24 1928]. Zinc chlorate and charcoal (or finely divided organic material) form mixtures that may ignite or explode. Ignition or explosion may be caused by friction, percussion, or shock [U.S. Army Ordnance Safety Manual 1951].
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Incomplete combustion forms toxic carbon monoxide.
Carbon itself has no
toxic action, but it contains impurities that
may be toxic. Fire hazard: reacts with liquid
air, Ba(ClO3)2, BrFj, Cl0, Ca(ClO3)2, ClF2,
F2, H2O2, Mg(ClO3)2, (O2 + wood),
perchlorates, peroxides, (P + air), K +
KClO3, mo3, Ru04, AgNO3, NaClO3,
(AgCl + NaO2), S, (S + NaNO3),
Zn(ClO3)2. Heats spontaneously, particularly
when wet, freshly calcined, or tightly packed,
and it can ignite and burn. Slight explosion
hazard when exposed to heat or flame. To
fight fire, use water, mist, foam, or dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it
emits acrid smoke and fumes.
Natural graphite is used in foundry
facings, steel making lubricants, refractories, crucibles,
pencil “lead,” paints, pigments, and stove polish. Artificial
graphite may be substituted for these uses with the excep tion of clay crucibles; other types of crucibles may be pro duced from artificial graphite. Additionally, it may be used
as a high temperature lubricant or for electrodes. It is uti lized in the electrical industry in electrodes, brushes, con tacts, and electronic tube rectifier elements; as a constituent
in lubricating oils and greases; to treat friction elements,
such as brake linings; to prevent molds from sticking
together; and in moderators in nuclear reactors. In addition,
concerns have been expressed about synthetic graphite in
fibrous form. Those exposed are involved in production of
graphite fibers from pitch or acrylonitrile fibers and the
manufacture and use of composites of plastics, metals, or
ceramics reinforced with graphite fibers.
Due to its large surface area, charcoal exerts its effects by
absorbing a wide variety of drugs and chemicals. After the
toxic substance attaches to the surface of the charcoal and
because charcoal is not absorbed, it stays inside the GI tract,
being eliminated in the feces along with the charcoal. In
single-dose therapy, activated charcoal adsorbs the toxic
substance ingested, and thus inhibits GI absorption and
prevents or reduces toxicity.
UN1362 Carbon, activated, Hazard Class: 4.2;
Labels: 4.2-Spontaneously combustible material, International.
The presence of charcoal in a compound elevates the Koc value,
resulting in reduction of mobility of compounds through the
sediment and soil.
Charcoal is stable under ambient environmental conditions.Hazardous short-term degradation products of charcoal are not
likely.
Charcoal and its products of degradation are not toxic.
Special remarks on the products of biodegradation are not
available.
Graphite is a strong reducing agent and
reacts violently with oxidizers, such as fluorine, chlorine
trifluoride, and potassium peroxide. Forms an explosive
mixture with air. May be spontaneously combustible in air.
Do not incinerate. Carbon
(graphite) fibers are difficult to dispose of by incineration.
Waste fibers should be packaged and disposed of in a land fill authorized for the disposal of special wastes of this
nature, or as otherwise may be required by law.
