CNT, Graphene & Carbon Black

CNT, Graphene & Carbon Black

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are about 100 times stronger than steel of the same diameter, which means that strength can be added to materials without adding much weight. Carbon nanotubes are also elastic, lightweight and highly conductive. These properties (and their long length) make the material ideal for use in many industries like plastics, batteries, electronics, 3D printing, construction and diagnostics.

Unfortunately, their shape makes them easily respirable and many studies have shown they can have a variety of negative effects on human health. Most of the ill effects occur in the lungs, but there are hazards to other organs, too, including the brain, liver and heart. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has designated one type of MWCNT (MWCNT-7) as “possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).” Due to the lack of evidence it is not possible to generalize the toxicity among the many different types of CNTs.

Like carbon nanotubes, graphene is highly conductive, lightweight and thin. Graphene is flat rather than cylindrical. In its pure form it’s a single layer (2D) material.

Dispersed in matrix materials, graphene can display its barrier properties in paint or plastics, conductivity in electronics or strength in tires and fabrics among many other uses.

The bio persistent nature and atomic single layer thickness make graphene nanoplatelets a potential hazard. Research is still ongoing to determine the potential health implications.

Carbon black is produced in large quantities around the world. Its spherical elemental carbon particles are joined together to form complex structures which add blackness, strength in rubber or conductivity to many products.

Carbon black is an essential material in paint, toner, tires and plastics, and is prized for its extreme blackness and conductivity.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has designated carbon black as a Group 2B carcinogen, one that is “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”

Properties

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    200 x higher tensile strength & 6 x lighter than steel
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    Excellent electrical conductivity highest current density, 10^6 x of copper
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    Most impermeable material known
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    Large surface area
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    Transparent & highly flexible
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    Best heat conductor, better than diamond
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    Strong antibacterial properties
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    Large scale manufacturing
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