What are the assigned carbon?
Carbon has the most stable allocopy of any element due to its unique chemical binding properties. Some carbon allotrops, such as graphite and diamond, occur naturally; Others, such as nanotubes, must be made in the laboratory. The abundance and versatility of Carbon makes it one of the most studied materials in nanotechnological research and its allotrops have a wide range of useful properties, such as high tensile strength and high melting.
Amorphic carbon and graphite are the two most common allotrops and form most of the natural carbon compounds such as coal and soot. The amorphous carbon has no specific crystal structure, like most glasses. Carbon atoms in graphite are arranged in layers; Each layer has strong ties that hold it together, but the layers do not connect heavily and can be easily a question. Pure pyrolytic graphite, where all layers are arranged in the same plane, is extremely strong, thermal resistant material is used in high -stress, highLot environments. Graphite leads electricity and can be used as a moderator for nuclear reactors.
Diamond, the second natural allotrop carbon, has stiff, interconnection of the crystal structure. Diamond is one of the most difficult known substances and is used in industry to grind and cut materials. The transparency and durability of the diamond is highly valued as a gem and jewelry has changed diamond mining to a multimillion dollar industry. Diamond can be produced synthetically from other allotrops, but for creating extremely high temperatures and pressures.
Other more exotic allotrops include buckyballs, nanotubes and carbon nanofoam. This occurs naturally in the soot and has been found in at least one planetary nebula, although they can also be created synthetically. Buckyballs are closed, NaomS carbon spherical networks, which form interconnected Pentagons and hexagons. Carbon nanotubes share the same withThe trructure like graphite, but instead of having a pile of layers, the nanotube was wrapped around and bonds with each other, forms a long cylinder. Carbon nanotubes have a very high tensile strength, which makes them attractive as new building materials, although they are not nearly as strong under compression.