ACF is a flexible form of activated carbon. The activated carbon fabric is mechanically weak but highly porous in nature. Due to this, it possesses unique characteristics as compared to conventional activated carbon, which is commonly used in granular, palletised, powdered and moulded form. Due to a thin fibrous shape in activated carbon fabric, a fast intraparticle adsorption kinetics takes place in gas and liquid phase adsorption.

Molecules/atoms of pollutants have an affinity towards activated carbon fabric surface by physical adsorption at low temperatures.


In physical adsorption there is a Van Der Waals interaction, having a long range, but weak forces. Molecules of pollutant bouncing across the activated carbon fabric surface gradually loses its energy and finally comes to rest on it. Due to weak bonds in the physical adsorption molecules can be removed from the activated carbon fabric surface by giving a heat energy. This property is utilised in regenerating activated carbon fabric.