What are graphitization and carbonization, and what’s the difference?

What is graphitization?

Graphitization is an industrial process in which carbon is converted to graphite. This is the microstructure change that occurs in carbon or low-alloy steels exposed to temperatures of 425 to 550 degrees Celsius for long periods of time, say 1,000 hours. This is a kind of embrittlement. For example, the microstructure of carbon-molybdenum steels often contains pearlite (a mixture of ferrite and cementite). When the material is graphitized, it causes the pearlite to decompose into ferrite and randomly dispersed graphite. This results in embrittlement of the steel and a modest reduction in strength when these graphite particles are randomly distributed throughout the matrix. However, we can prevent graphitization by using materials with higher resistance that are less sensitive to graphitization. In addition, we can modify the environment by, for example, increasing pH or reducing chloride content. Another way to prevent graphitization involves using a coating. Cathodic protection of cast iron.

What is carbonization?

Carbonization is an industrial process in which organic matter is converted to carbon. The organics we are considering here include plant and animal carcasses. This process occurs by destructive distillation. This is a pyrolytic reaction and is considered a complex process in which many simultaneous chemical reactions can be observed. For example, dehydrogenation, condensation, hydrogen transfer and isomerization. The carbonization process is different from the carbonization process because carbonization is a faster process because it reacts many orders of magnitude faster. In general, the amount of heat applied can control the degree of carbonization and the amount of foreign elements remaining. For example, the carbon content of the residue is about 90% by weight at 1200K and about 99% by weight at about 1600K. In general, carbonization is an exothermic reaction, which can be left to itself or used as an energy source without forming any trace of carbon dioxide gas. However, if the biomaterial is exposed to sudden changes in heat (such as in a nuclear explosion), the biomaterial will carbonize as quickly as possible and become solid carbon.

Graphitization is similar to carbonization

Both are important industrial processes that involve carbon as a reactant or product.

What is the difference between graphitization and carbonization?

Graphitization and carbonization are two industrial processes. The main difference between carbonization and graphitization is that carbonization involves converting organic matter to carbon, while graphitization involves converting carbon to graphite. Thus, carbonization is a chemical change, while graphitization is a microstructure change.