Cilicant Activated Carbon

Superior Preservation Against Odour & Gases

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Overview

What is activated carbon?
CILICANT’S pharmaceutical grade activated carbon is treated carbon designed for the removal of undesirable odours and gases in packaged pharmaceutical products. The amorphous, highly porous structure of activated carbon affords it a large surface area for the adsorption of gases and volatile organic molecules. Activated carbon may also be used in combination with desiccants to create a hybrid solution for moisture and odour control.

How is activated carbon made?

Most commercial variants of activated carbon are derived from carbonaceous materials such as coconut shells, peat, wood (hardwood and softwood), coal (lignite and bituminous) and fruit stones (e.g. olive pits), among others. The different raw materials produce varying grades of activated carbon. The manufacturing process involves thermal decomposition of raw material followed by high-temperature steam activation at 700-1100°C. This results in a highly porous microcrystalline structure consisting of randomly stacked elementary graphite.

Which grade is best for pharmaceutical applications?

The key considerations in selecting the best grade of activated carbon for use with pharmaceuticals are exceptional purity and performance. CILICANT’S activated carbon is derived from coconut shells which are more dense, microporous, and harder than coal-based raw materials. This results in an excellent adsorbent with low attrition, low dust, high efficiency, and superior purity.

How does activated carbon work?

The lattice structure of CILICANT’S activated carbon, with its intrinsic network of micropores, creates a large surface area for adsorption. Adsorbates (e.g. volatile gases and odours) attach to activated carbon by either physical adsorption or chemisorption. In physical adsorption, adsorbates are weakly trapped within the pores of activated carbon by Van Der Waals forces or London dispersion forces. Chemisorption involves the formation of chemical bonds between adsorbates and activated carbon, creating stronger forces of attraction.

What are the key properties of activated carbon?

While activated carbon has several properties that set it apart as an adsorbent of choice, there are a few that really make it stand out. These properties are highly desirable in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sorbents and they are summarised below.

Activated carbon has an exceptionally large surface area owing to its layered structure. Depending on the grade, activated carbon can have a total surface area anywhere in the range of 300 – 2,000 m2/g. To put this into perspective, a spoonful of this carbonaceous adsorbent would potentially exceed the surface area of a football field. With such a large surface area, lesser amounts of sorbent go a long way in keeping packaged pharmaceutical products free from unpleasant odours during storage.

The stability of activated carbon over wide pH and temperature ranges make it a dependable sorbent. Steam activated carbon stays stable well above its activation temperature. Activated carbon will also remain effective when used with acidic, neutral, or basic products. These properties make activated carbon an ideal adsorbent for use in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals that may be shipped over large distances, in varying thermal and pH environments.

With a mostly inert nature, activated carbon does not decompose the active ingredients of most pharmaceuticals. This is desirable in keeping the stability of drug formulations and minimising any potential loss of potency. Consumers are also protected from the adverse effects of reactions between the sorbent and the drug which may produce harmful by-products.

Activated carbon is non-polar and its hydrophobic nature makes it effective in packaging environments where free moisture may limit the adsorption capacity of other sorbents. When both moisture and odour control are desirable, activated carbon may be combined with any of several desiccants including silica gel, bentonite clay, and calcium oxide, among others. This results in moisture-stable pharmaceuticals with no undesirable organic emissions.

With a yield in the range of 95-98%, activated carbon has excellent adsorbent efficiency levels. The actual yield may vary as a function of a several factors including the nature of the raw material, activation process and concentration of adsorbates. It is advisable to consult your supplier when selecting activated carbon adsorbents to ensure the highest efficiency for your product.

What are the key properties of activated carbon?

While activated carbon has several properties that set it apart as an adsorbent of choice, there are a few that really make it stand out. These properties are highly desirable in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sorbents and they are summarised below.

Large surface area

Activated carbon has an exceptionally large surface area owing to its layered structure. Depending on the grade, activated carbon can have a total surface area anywhere in the range of 300 – 2,000 m2/g. To put this into perspective, a spoonful of this carbonaceous adsorbent would potentially exceed the surface area of a football field. With such a large surface area, lesser amounts of sorbent go a long way in keeping packaged pharmaceutical products free from unpleasant odours during storage.

Thermal and pH stability

The stability of activated carbon over wide pH and temperature ranges make it a dependable sorbent. Steam activated carbon stays stable well above its activation temperature. Activated carbon will also remain effective when used with acidic, neutral, or basic products. These properties make activated carbon an ideal adsorbent for use in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals that may be shipped over large distances, in varying thermal and pH environments.

Inert nature

With a mostly inert nature, activated carbon does not decompose the active ingredients of most pharmaceuticals. This is desirable in keeping the stability of drug formulations and minimising any potential loss of potency. Consumers are also protected from the adverse effects of reactions between the sorbent and the drug which may produce harmful by-products.

Hydrophobicity

Activated carbon is non-polar and its hydrophobic nature makes it effective in packaging environments where free moisture may limit the adsorption capacity of other sorbents. When both moisture and odour control are desirable, activated carbon may be combined with any of several desiccants including silica gel, bentonite clay, and calcium oxide, among others. This results in moisture-stable pharmaceuticals with no undesirable organic emissions.

High efficiency

With a yield in the range of 95-98%, activated carbon has excellent adsorbent efficiency levels. The actual yield may vary as a function of a several factors including the nature of the raw material, activation process and concentration of adsorbates. It is advisable to consult your supplier when selecting activated carbon adsorbents to ensure the highest efficiency for your product.

Where can I get activated carbon?

CILICANT supplies activated carbon for use in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical packaging. The product is available in several configurations including pre-cut sachets, automation-ready strips, and bags. Custom configurations are available upon customer request. For more information on CILICANT’S activated carbon products, feel free to contact us using the details below.

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