Hiilettämällä

Hiilettämällä, often translated as charring or carbonization, is a process where organic materials are heated in the absence of oxygen. This controlled burning at high temperatures decomposes the material, driving off volatile compounds like water and hydrogen, and leaving behind a carbon-rich residue. The degree of charring can vary depending on the temperature and duration of the process, influencing the properties of the resulting char.

This technique has a long history, dating back to prehistoric times when humans discovered its ability to preserve wood and make it more durable for construction and tools. The charring process alters the cellular structure of the wood, making it resistant to rot and insect infestation. It is also the fundamental principle behind the creation of charcoal, a fuel source used for millennia in cooking, metallurgy, and artistic applications.

Beyond fuel, charring is employed in various modern industries. In agriculture, biochar, a form of charcoal produced by charring biomass, is used as a soil amendment to improve fertility, water retention, and carbon sequestration. In materials science, charring can be a step in the production of specialized carbon materials with unique electrical or mechanical properties. The specific outcome of hiilettämällä is highly dependent on the starting material and the precise conditions of the thermal decomposition.