Activated carbon

The structure of activated carbon is composed of graphitic plates. These plates are connected by carbon-carbon bonds, which create the porous structure and give an extensive internal surface area, which is where adsorption occurs. The internal surface area of activated carbon can range from 400m²/g up to 2000m²/g.

By controlling the process of carbonization and activation, a variety of active carbons having different porosity can be obtained. Activated carbons are available in powdered and non-powder forms. Non-powdered forms include granular, pellet (extruded) and textile form. Usual industrial raw materials used to manufacture activated carbon include wood, peat, nutshells, lignite, bituminous coal and various polymers.

Activated carbon from Kuraray has been used in many areas of daily life since the early 1960’s. Today, it makes an important contribution to actively protecting people and the environment. Kuraray became one of the leading global producers of activated carbon in 2018 when it acquired Calgon Carbon.

As well as coal-, wood- and coconut-based activated carbon products, Kuraray markets technical purification and disinfection systems and services based on activated carbon, UV light, diatomaceous earth and perlite.

Kuraray’s activated carbon products are suitable for over 700 applications. In addition to the treatment of drinking water and wastewater, they are used in many environmental protection applications.