Synthesis and characterization of activated carbon produced from natural fibers

• Grant number: 12/51644-2
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Technical Reserve for Institutional Research Infrastructure
• Start date: May 01, 2013
• End date: April 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Aparecido dos Reis Coutinho
• Grantee: Aparecido dos Reis Coutinho
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia, Arquitetura e Urbanismo. Universidade Metodista de Piracicaba (UNIMEP). Instituto Educacional Piracicabano. Santa Bárbara D'Oeste , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This research project aims at the production and characterization of natural carbon from natural fibers (ACNF), similar to those of carbon molecular sieves with high specific surface area available in the international market. Will be explored raw materials from renewable resources, such as natural fibers: jute, sisal and coconut. The ACNF be obtained by treatment of the raw materials through physical activation in an oxidizing atmosphere. The first phase of the project will consist of mounting "system carbonization and activation," which will consist of chamber activation, vacuum system, injection system and inert gas oxidant, programming and temperature control system and a mechanic movement of the fibers. The second step is the development of the activation process and the use of macroscopic characterization techniques such as immediate and elemental analysis as well as density. However, microscopic arrangements require the use of precursors of characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, systematic determination of porosity and pore size distribution and especially the determination of the specific surface area. The third step will be the application of ACNF produced in the removal of environmental contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). That is, the ACNF will be applied specifically for removing components of oils in water. Assays will be performed to remove oils derived from petroleum in water, such as fuel oils and lubricating oils. The samples of impregnated ACNF oils are analyzed by the techniques of thermal decomposition (TG-DSC), gas chromatography, and liquid chromatography analysis of the combustion gases. As this project is multidisciplinary, will feature the collaboration of researchers from very UNIMEP and researchers from other institutions, in the development and construction of equipment, development of the production process, as well as the need to use special equipment available characterization in other institutions. (AU)