Defined as a by-product of oil, carbon black powder enhances the durability of rubber products such as tires, hoses and gaskets. Carbon black manufacturers also use this dark substance to produce coatings applied to automotive primers, black carbon fiber used for textiles, power cables for electronics and printer toner ink.
Manufacturers process carbon black by feeding oil material, or feedstock, through high-temperature heat reactor machines. The material, which also includes natural gas, mixes with some air to go through partial combustion, resulting in the burning of carbon and hydrogen. The partially burned hydrogen and carbon decompose to form the carbon black powder. Three categories are generally used to produce carbon black, including channel-, furnace- and thermal-grade. Scraper blades are used to remove channel carbon black, while bag filters are used to divide and manufacture furnace and thermal carbon black. When locating carbon black powder, carbon black ink or other carbon black products for special projects, make sure to:
1. Acquire carbon black products made from different materials that allow for different capabilities.
2. Evaluate safe storage and handling facilities for your carbon black products.
3. Research carbon black cost to get a fair, competitive rate. Some carbon black distributors may match competitors' prices.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Find carbon black products that are made from different materials and allow multiple capabilities
Carbon black manufacturers produce the chemical for color and tinting purposes. Carbon black can also be used as an emulsion and dispersion agent as well as add to rubber material. Locate carbon black distributors that provide an inventory of powder, channel, furnace and thermal carbon black.
I recommend: Technical Industries, Inc. supplies variations of carbon black ink, carbon black powder and other carbon black products.
National Coating Corporation supplies black carbon fiber for automotive equipment, woven glass, cloth and films.
Cancarb manufactures thermal carbon black, which is derived from natural gas and used for plastics or graphite.
Make room for safe storage and handling facilities for carbon black products
Separate equipment or facilities should be used to store carbon black materials. Storing carbon black in a dry, low-temperature area prevents contamination. Extra equipment such as carbon black pumps and vacuums aid in carbon black production and handling.
I recommend: Primasonics International Limited provides carbon black silos and cleaning filters.
PIAB features vacuum conveyors for easy cleanup of carbon black powder, carbon black ink and thermal carbon black.
Search for reasonably priced industrial carbon black products
Buy carbon black from wholesalers and distributors, or if you're manufacturing or selling carbon black products, compare prices of other dealers to help you set a fair rate.
I recommend: Continental Carbon maintains the most recent carbon black pricing and packaging lists for industrial carbon black.
Columbian Chemicals Company also provides a price list of carbon black products for customers.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Some scientific research suggests that long-term exposure to carbon black may cause lung damage or cancer. Always wear protective clothing and eyewear when working with carbon black, and reduce long-term exposure and disease risk by keeping the workplace clean.
The official source of Carbon Black is the Carbon Black page at Business.com
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