Carbonize

To convert a substance into carbon or a carbon-rich residue, typically through the action of heat, as in pyrolysis, or by the removal of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. This process usually involves a loss of volatile compounds and a reduction in volume, leaving behind a black, brittle material resembling charcoal or coke. Carbonization can occur naturally over long periods, such as with the formation of coal, or artificially in controlled environments for industrial purposes like creating activated carbon.

Carbonize meaning with examples

• The archaeologist carefully examined the ancient wooden artifacts, noting the extent to which they had carbonized over centuries buried in the earth. The heat and pressure had transformed the wood, preserving their shapes as fragile, carbon-based outlines. This carbonization allowed the scientists to study the wood’s cellular structure despite the degradation of the organic material.
• In the process of manufacturing charcoal, the wood is carbonized by controlled heating in a low-oxygen environment. This prevents combustion while driving off volatile compounds, leaving behind nearly pure carbon. The efficiency of the process is crucial in producing a high-quality fuel source, as poorly carbonized wood may produce excessive smoke and burn poorly.
• The intense heat from the wildfire rapidly carbonized the vegetation, turning trees into charred skeletons and grasses into ash. The process devastated the landscape. Researchers documented the extent of the damage to understand the effects of the fire on the ecosystem and the subsequent carbon sequestration changes.
• When food is burnt in the pan and the sugar content carbonizes. The heat will create a hard carbon crust, which will need strong cleaning techniques to remove. The sugar, which acts as fuel, has become carbon, changing its appearance and it will change its flavor.