Carbotérmica

Carbotérmica is a term derived from "carbono" (carbon) and "térmica" (thermal), referring to processes or technologies that utilize high temperatures and carbon-based materials, often in a reducing atmosphere, to achieve specific chemical or physical transformations. These processes are fundamental in various industrial sectors, particularly in metallurgy and the production of certain chemicals.

A primary example of a carbotérmica process is the blast furnace method for iron ore reduction. In this process, coke, a form of carbon, acts as both a fuel and a reducing agent. At extremely high temperatures, the carbon reacts with oxygen in the ore, stripping it away to yield molten iron. Similar principles are applied in the production of other metals like silicon and phosphorus.

Beyond metallurgy, carbotérmica principles are employed in the synthesis of refractory materials and certain carbon allotropes. The high temperatures involved necessitate specialized furnace designs and careful control of atmospheric conditions to optimize product yield and purity. The environmental impact of these processes, often associated with significant carbon emissions, is a key area of ongoing research and development, with efforts focused on improving efficiency and exploring alternative reducing agents or cleaner energy sources.