Carbon Black Production
Carbon black is used in a variety of products including tyres, plastics, inks, pigments and paint for both industrial and consumer products. Carbon black is an important material used in many industries and one that is made in a variety of ways. Depending on how it will be used, the production of carbon black can be customized to the desired properties.
Firstly, the process of making carbon black begins with the burning of hydrocarbon feedstock. Depending on the desired properties of the carbon black, various amounts of oxygen can be added to burn the hydrocarbon and create a stream of smoke and soot including mostly carbon particles. This stream of smoke and soot is then cooled, removing the excess heat. It is then collected, usually using cyclones or filters, and separated out into different sizes. This stage of the process is used to select the particles with the desired properties for the carbon black.
Next, these particles are treated with either an oxidizing or reducing agent. The oxidizing agent reacts with the carbon particles, causing some of them to become completely oxidized. The specific characteristics of the carbon black are then formed according to how long and at what temperature the treating process lasts for. This reaction yields the carbon black product which is black in color and made up of predominately carbon particles.
From here, the carbon black is typically refined for production and to remove any impurities or smoke. This is done through a steam stripping process. The carbon black is then heated in a pressure vessel with the steam reducing the oxygen content in the material and yielding the desired properties.
The properties of the resulting carbon black depend on the refining process and the feedstock used. Typically it will be darker in color, have a higher risk of particle agglomeration, form larger particles and be more thermally stable.
Carbon black also has a range of different applications and is used in a variety of industries. In plastics, it is used as a pigment, giving the plastic a color and making it more robust. As a rubber reinforcer, it helps improve the strength and durability of the rubber. This is especially important in high performance materials like tires. In paints, it gives gloss, opacity and stiffness. Unfortunately, it is also associated with a range of health risks as it can contain small amounts of potentially harmful compounds.
In conclusion, carbon black is an important material used in many industries ranging from automotive to cosmetics. It is produced from the burning of hydrocarbon feedstock and refined to remove impurities. The properties of the resulting carbon black depend on the refining and the feedstock used. Carbon black has numerous applications from tires to plastics; however, it can also come with health risks.
