I'm trying to do a sulfuric acid treatment on a sample of carbon black resulted from a pyrolytic reaction of scrap tires. This treatment is basically used to get rid of ash and inorganic components of carbon black. After mixing carbon black with sulfuric acid, filtering the solution, and washing it, a two-phase solution is made after 24hours of being static. some of the carbons are on the top of the solution and some of them are at the bottom, the water is in the middle. Can anyone explain what happened here?
Hi !
Stratification of Carbon Black is due to density difference. Treatment of Carbon Black with Sulfuric Acid may remove H and O Atoms (as water components) From Carbon flakes. you can use LPSA (Laser Particle size analysis) test to show the particle distribution before and after acid treatment.
Dear Arezoo Setayesh
Yes, your observation is correct.
When you do acid treatment of carbon black, it introduce functional group such as -COOH and -OH in the carbon matrix and it become little heavy and more hydrophilic in nature. May be due to that they settle down at the bottom. Some of the carbon particle may float due to light weight and hydrophobic in nature when is was at static condition.
Best Regards,
Bapi
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