What is the difference between graphitization and carbonization?

What is graphitization?

Graphitization is an industrial process in which carbon is converted into graphite. It is a microstructural change that occurs in carbon or low-alloy steel that is exposed to 

temperatures between 425 and 550 degrees Celsius for extended periods of time, such as a thousand hours. This is a form of embrittlement. For example, the microstructure 

of carbon-molybdenum steel usually contains pearlite (a mixture of ferrite and carburite). When this material is graphitized, it results in the decomposition of the pearlite into

 ferrite and randomly dispersed graphite. This causes embrittlement of the steel and a moderate reduction in strength when these graphite particles are randomly distributed 

throughout the matrix. However, we can prevent graphitization by using materials with higher electrical resistance that are less sensitive to graphitization. In addition, we can 

prevent graphitization by modifying the environment (e.g., by increasing the pH or reducing the chloride content. There is another method of preventing graphitization which

 involves the use of coatings. Cathodic protection of cast iron.

What is carbonization?

Carbonization is an industrial process in which organic matter is converted to carbon. The organic matter we are considering here includes plant and animal carcasses. The 

process occurs through destructive distillation. It is a pyrolytic reaction and is considered a complex process in which we can observe many simultaneous chemical reactions. 

For example, dehydrogenation, condensation, hydrogen transfer and isomerization. Carbonylation is different from carbonation because carbonylation is a much faster process 

because it reacts many orders of magnitude faster. Typically, the amount of heat applied controls the degree of carbonization and the residual content of foreign elements. For 

example, at a temperature of 1200 K, the carbon content of the residue is about 90% by weight, while at a temperature of about 1600 K, the carbon content of the residue is 

about 99% by weight. Typically, carbonization is an exothermic reaction, which we can make self-sustaining or use as an energy source that does not form any traces of carbon 

dioxide gas. However, if the biological material is exposed to sudden changes in heat (e.g., in a nuclear explosion), the biomass carbonizes as quickly as possible and becomes 

solid carbon.

What is the difference between graphitization and carbonization?

Graphitization and carbonization are both are two industrial processes that involve carbon as a reactant or product. However, while carbonization involves the conversion of 

organic matter into carbon, graphitization involves the conversion of carbon into graphite. Carbonization is therefore a chemical change, while graphitization is a microstructural 

change.