¿WHAT IS CARBON?
Carbon (from Latin: Carbo) is a chemical element of atomic
number 6, atomic mass 12.01, symbol C. As a member of the carbonide group of
the periodic table of elements. It is solid at room temperature. Depending on
the formation conditions, it can be found in nature in various alotropic forms,
amorphous and crystalline carbon in the form of graphite or diamond
respectively. It is the basic pillar of organic chemistry; About 16 million
carbon compounds are known, increasing this number by about 500,000 compounds
per year. It forms 0.2% of the earth's crust.
The isotope
The isotope 11C
has neutrons at its nucleus. The isotope C has 9 neutrons in its nucleus. All
carbon isotopes have 6 protons. Therefore, its atomic mass will depend on the
number of neutrons, and the sum of protons + neutrons will give us the desired isotope.
-Characteristics
Carbon is an element remarkable for several reasons. Its
alotropic forms include one of the softest substances (graphite) and one of the
hardest (the diamond) and, from the economic point of view, is cheaper
materials (coal) and one of the most expensive ( Diamond). Moreover, it has a
high affinity for chemically bonding with other small atoms, including other
carbon atoms with which it can form long chains, and its small atomic radius
allows it to form multiple bonds. Thus, with oxygen forms carbon dioxide, vital
for the growth of plants (see carbon cycle); With hydrogen it forms numerous
compounds denominated generically hydrocarbons, essential for the industry and
the transport in the form of fossil fuels; And combined with oxygen and
hydrogen form a wide variety of compounds, such as essential fatty acids for
life, and esters that give fruit flavor; It is also a , through the
carbon-nitrogen cycle, of part of the energy produced by the Sun.
Aplications
The main industrial use of carbon is as a component of
hydrocarbons, especially fossil fuels (petrolium and natural gas). Of petroleum,
gasolines, kerosene and oils are obtained by distillation in the refineries,
being also the raw material used in the production of plastics. The second is
being imposed as an energy source by its cleaner combustion. We use carbon
fiber in the race cars for his low weight and resistance
Carbon-14
Carbon fiber is a
synthetic fiber made up of fine filaments 5-10 millimeters in diameter and
composed mainly of carbon.1 Each carbon fiber is the union of miles of carbon
filaments. It is a synthetic fiber because it is made from polyacrylonitrile.
It has mechanical properties similar to steel and is as light as wood and
plastic. Because of its hardness it has greater resistance to impact than
steel.
The main application is the manufacture of composite materials, in most cases - approximately 75% - with thermosetting polymers. The polymer is usually epoxy resin, of the thermostable type, but may also be associated with other polymers, such as polyester or vinyl ester.
The main application is the manufacture of composite materials, in most cases - approximately 75% - with thermosetting polymers. The polymer is usually epoxy resin, of the thermostable type, but may also be associated with other polymers, such as polyester or vinyl ester.
