Carbon black is a solid form of carbon that comes in the form of powder or pellets. It’s an essential material found in many of the products we use every day. In fact, nearly every man-made product that is black contains carbon black.
What are common uses of carbon black?
This high-tech material is most commonly used to reinforce rubber, such as in tires and mechanical rubber goods like hoses, seals, and belts. In inks and coatings, carbon black serves as an excellent black pigment, producing a deep black shade. It also reinforces polymers, protecting them from the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Additionally, carbon black helps conduct electricity in batteries, making it a versatile and ubiquitous material.
What are the chemical properties of carbon black?
Allow us to get a bit technical for the experts. Chemically, carbon black is a colloidal form of elemental carbon, similar to graphite in its microstructure. It is characterized by extremely small particles and a high specific surface area (SSA). Carbon black usually contains more than 95% carbon. Depending on the production process and the raw materials used, it may also contain small amounts of chemically bound oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur. The physical and chemical properties of each grade of carbon black are kept within narrow specifications to ensure consistency and quality.
Why is carbon black important?
Carbon black’s versatility makes it crucial in various industries. For example:
- Automotive: It strengthens tires and other rubber components, enhancing durability and performance.
- Printing: It provides the deep black color in inks, ensuring high-quality prints.
- Batteries: It improves the conductivity of batteries for electric vehicles, battery energy storage systems and dry cell batteries, contributing to better performance.
Learn More
For a deeper dive into the world of carbon black, check out this article by Orion scientists: “Carbon Black” in the Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology Online, available on the Wiley Online Library.
