Carvões

Carvões refers to carbonaceous materials produced by the destructive distillation of organic matter, primarily wood, under an airtight condition and at high temperatures. This process, known as pyrolysis or carbonization, removes volatile components like water and gases, leaving behind a solid residue rich in carbon. The quality and properties of carvões depend on the type of raw material used and the conditions of pyrolysis, such as temperature and duration.

Historically, carvões have been used for millennia as a fuel source due to their high energy density and cleaner burning compared to raw wood. They were crucial for metallurgy, providing the heat needed for smelting ores, and for domestic heating and cooking. In modern times, while fossil fuels have largely replaced traditional carvões in many industrial applications, they continue to be used for specific purposes. Barbecue charcoal, for instance, is a common form of carvão used for grilling. Activated carvão, a highly porous form, is widely employed in filtration and purification processes, owing to its extensive surface area, which allows it to adsorb impurities from liquids and gases.

The production of carvões can also generate by-products such as charcoal gas, pyroligneous acid, and tar, which have various industrial and chemical applications. While generally considered a sustainable fuel source when produced from sustainably managed forests, the environmental impact of carvão production, including deforestation and air pollution from inefficient burning, needs to be managed responsibly.