Carbon Black

The physical properties of carbon blacks are described. These include the morphology and size distribution of primary particles and aggregates. The microstructure of primary particles is also discussed. The chemical composition and surface chemistry of carbon blacks are described as well as aftertreatment processes to amend their surface properties for different applications. The main production processes are the furnace black, gas black, lampblack, thermal black, and acetylene black processes. The furnace black process is the most widely used process for rubber and specialty black production, while the gas black process is mainly restricted to high-quality specialty blacks and the other processes to special applications. The raw materials for these processes and environmental aspects are described. Testing and analysis include electron microscopy; sorption analysis; determination of carbon black aggregates; special analytical test methods, which are standardized by international standards; and application tests. The uses for rubber reinforcement and for many other industrial applications, e.g. as black and tinting pigment, for UV protection and electrical and antistatic applications, are presented. Economic aspects as well as toxicology and occupational health aspects are discussed.