Carbon Black is a fine black powder produced by the incomplete combustion of heavy petroleum products such as tar, coal tar, and ethylene cracking tar. It is widely used as a reinforcing filler in rubber products, particularly in tires, and as a color pigment in plastics, paints, and inks. Its unique properties such as high surface area, particle size, and structure make it an essential material in various industries. In this article, we will delve into the different grades of Carbon Black – 220, 330, 550, and 660 – and their specific applications and properties.
Carbon Black 220
Introduction
Carbon Black 220, also known as N220, is a high-structure, medium surface area carbon black. It is primarily used as a reinforcing agent in rubber products, especially in tire treads, where it enhances durability and performance.
Properties of Carbon Black 220
- Particle Size: Carbon Black 220 has a particle size ranging from 24 to 30 nanometers, making it a fine powder with a high surface area.
- Surface Area: The specific surface area of Carbon Black 220 is around 120 m²/g, which contributes to its reinforcing properties.
- Structure: It has a high structure, meaning it has a complex network of aggregates that provide strength and elasticity to rubber compounds.
- Oil Absorption Number (OAN): Carbon Black 220 has an OAN of approximately 114 ml/100g, indicating its high structure and ability to interact with rubber matrices.
Applications of Carbon Black 220
- Tire Treads: Carbon Black 220 is extensively used in the production of tire treads, providing superior wear resistance, traction, and overall performance.
- Mechanical Rubber Goods: It is used in various mechanical rubber goods such as conveyor belts, hoses, and gaskets to enhance their strength and durability.
- Industrial Rubber Products: Carbon Black 220 is also used in industrial rubber products like seals, gaskets, and engine mounts, where high durability and performance are required.
Carbon Black 330
Introduction
Carbon Black 330, also known as N330, is a medium structure, medium surface area carbon black. It is one of the most commonly used grades of carbon black in the rubber industry due to its versatility and balanced properties.
Properties of Carbon Black 330
- Particle Size: Carbon Black 330 has a particle size ranging from 26 to 30 nanometers.
- Surface Area: The specific surface area of Carbon Black 330 is around 80 m²/g, providing a balance between reinforcing properties and processability.
- Structure: It has a medium structure, offering a good balance between strength and flexibility in rubber compounds.
- Oil Absorption Number (OAN): Carbon Black 330 has an OAN of approximately 102 ml/100g.
Applications of Carbon Black 330
- Tire Carcass: Carbon Black 330 is widely used in the tire carcass to enhance the strength, durability, and overall performance of the tire.
- Inner Liners: It is also used in tire inner liners to improve air retention and resistance to heat and flexing.
- Extruded Rubber Products: Carbon Black 330 is used in extruded rubber products like profiles, cables, and hoses, providing a good balance between strength and flexibility.
- General Rubber Goods: Its versatility makes it suitable for use in a wide range of general rubber goods, including seals, gaskets, and molded products.
Carbon Black 550
Introduction
Carbon Black 550, also known as N550, is a medium structure, low surface area carbon black. It is primarily used in applications requiring good processing characteristics and moderate reinforcement.
Properties of Carbon Black 550
- Particle Size: Carbon Black 550 has a particle size ranging from 40 to 48 nanometers, making it larger than Carbon Black 220 and 330.
- Surface Area: The specific surface area of Carbon Black 550 is around 40 m²/g, providing moderate reinforcement.
- Structure: It has a medium structure, offering a good balance between processability and mechanical properties.
- Oil Absorption Number (OAN): Carbon Black 550 has an OAN of approximately 90 ml/100g.
Applications of Carbon Black 550
- Rubber Compounds: Carbon Black 550 is widely used in rubber compounds for applications that require good processing characteristics and moderate reinforcement, such as rubber belts, hoses, and gaskets.
- Plastics: It is used as a pigment and reinforcing agent in plastic products, providing color and improving mechanical properties.
- Inks and Coatings: Carbon Black 550 is also used in inks and coatings to provide color, UV protection, and improved durability.
Carbon Black 660
Introduction
Carbon Black 660, also known as N660, is a low structure, low surface area carbon black. It is used in applications where good processability and low hysteresis are required, such as in inner tubes and rubber profiles.
Properties of Carbon Black 660
- Particle Size: Carbon Black 660 has a particle size ranging from 54 to 60 nanometers, making it one of the coarser grades of carbon black.
- Surface Area: The specific surface area of Carbon Black 660 is around 35 m²/g, providing low reinforcement.
- Structure: It has a low structure, offering good processability and low hysteresis in rubber compounds.
- Oil Absorption Number (OAN): Carbon Black 660 has an OAN of approximately 74 ml/100g.
Applications of Carbon Black 660
- Inner Tubes: Carbon Black 660 is widely used in the production of inner tubes for tires, providing good processability and low hysteresis.
- Rubber Profiles: It is used in rubber profiles for automotive and industrial applications, offering good dimensional stability and low hysteresis.
- Wire and Cable Insulation: Carbon Black 660 is used in wire and cable insulation to provide color and improve mechanical properties.
- Footwear Soles: It is also used in the production of footwear soles, providing good processability and moderate reinforcement.
Conclusion
Carbon Black is a versatile and essential material used in various industries due to its unique properties and ability to enhance the performance of rubber and plastic products. Each grade of Carbon Black – 220, 330, 550, and 660 – offers specific properties and benefits, making them suitable for different applications.
