Carbon black

Abstract

There are many additives employed in the plastics industry. Among the most versatile is carbon black. It is used to provide colour, opacity, protection from ultraviolet light, electrical properties, thermal conductivity, and even reinforcement. Advanced production methods have enabled carbon black suppliers to develop a wide range of carbon black grades that, in turn, provide plastics processors with additive selections geared to specific end-use properties. Selection of the proper carbon black is critical to successful end-use performance. Unlike some plastics additives, carbon black is not simply added to the mix. It must be dispersed into a resin system, and the quality of the dispersion is essential to performance. This chapter discusses the fundamentals of carbon black, its selection in plastics applications, and dispersion equipment and techniques.