Making Carbon pellets with PVA

In summary, the conversation discusses making carbon pellets using polyvinyl alcohol as a binder and the need to measure their conductivity without being influenced by the PVA. One suggestion is to heat the pellets to 300 degrees to evaporate the PVA, but concerns are raised about the reaction between Carbon and PVA at this temperature and the formation of Carbon Dioxide. The solution offered is that PVA will not react with Carbon at 300 degrees and its presence in the pellet will have minimal impact on conductivity if limited to <2%. The speaker asks for other suggestions on how to approach this issue.
  • #1
copper-head
31
8
Hey there.
I am making Carbon pellets using polyvinyl alcohol as a binder to help shape the pellets. I would like to measure the pellet's conductivity without being hindered or influence by the conductivity of the PVA. One way to do it is to heat the pellets to 300 degrees and evaporate the PVA that way, however I am not certain about the reaction between Carbon and PVA at this temperature, also about the formation of Carbon Dioxide which would occur at this temperature as well.
Does anyone have a suggestion of how to approach this subject?
 
  • #3
If anyone is interested, here's a possible answer: PVA will not react with Carbon at 300 degree. The resistivity of PVA will play a minimal role in over all conductivity of the pellet if its presence is limited to <2%.
 

1. How do you make carbon pellets with PVA?

Making carbon pellets with PVA involves mixing carbon powder with a solution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and then shaping the mixture into pellets before drying and heating them in an oven.

2. What is the purpose of using PVA in making carbon pellets?

PVA acts as a binder in the mixture, helping to hold the carbon powder together and form solid pellets. It also helps to prevent the pellets from crumbling or breaking apart during the drying and heating process.

3. What type of carbon powder is best to use for making carbon pellets?

Activated charcoal or graphite powder are commonly used for making carbon pellets as they have a high carbon content and are readily available. However, other forms of carbon such as coconut shell or wood can also be used.

4. How long does it take to make carbon pellets with PVA?

The entire process of making carbon pellets with PVA can take anywhere from 1-2 hours, depending on the amount of pellets being made and the drying and heating time required.

5. What is the advantage of using carbon pellets over other forms of carbon?

Carbon pellets have a higher surface area compared to larger pieces of carbon, making them more effective in adsorbing and trapping pollutants and impurities. They are also easier to handle and transport due to their small size and uniform shape.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
914
  • DIY Projects
3
Replies
93
Views
6K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
497
  • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
131
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
583
  • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
3K
Back
Top