How is carbon black made

Possible manufacturing processes of the carbon black

Furnace process

In the furnace process, the formation of carbon black particles can be influenced in many ways.

It is possible to control the particle size as well as the resulting particle structure.

Both rubber and pigment carbon black grades are produced in the furnace process. In addition, conductive carbon blacks with a particularly high structure can be produced.

Gas black process  

In the gas black process, the crude oil is vaporised and fed to the burners together with a carrier gas.

The resulting carbon blacks cannot be specifically influenced in their structure.

Today, the gas black process is used mainly to produce very fine-particle pigment blacks, which are characterised in particular by their high proportion of oxidic surface groups.

Lamp Black Process

The oldest process for the production of carbon black offers hardly any possibilities to influence the resulting particles.

The raw material is burned in a pan and the resulting lamp black is separated.

FAQs

Why is Scholz a contact for carbon black?

Scholz Color Pigments has supplied carbon black pigments for many years and combines process knowledge with application consulting. Sales supports you directly on specific grades, dispersion and delivery forms.

What is the lamp black process?

The lamp black process is the oldest method and offers little scope to influence the resulting particles. The feedstock is burned in a pan and the lamp black is collected.

How does the gas black process work?

In the gas black process, feedstock oil is vaporized and fed to the burners with a carrier gas. Structure cannot be controlled precisely. Today this process mainly yields very fine pigment blacks with a high proportion of oxidic surface groups.

What characterizes the furnace process?

In the furnace process, particle size and structure can be controlled precisely. It is used to produce rubber and pigment blacks; conductive blacks with particularly high structure can also be produced.

How is carbon black produced?

Several processes are used to produce carbon black. Common methods include the furnace process, the gas black process and the older lamp black process. They differ mainly in how far particle size and structure can be controlled.

Why is Scholz Color Pigments the go-to partner for iron oxide expertise?

Scholz Color Pigments has been distributing iron oxide pigments for decades, combining process knowledge with application consulting for paints, building materials, and plastics. For specific product inquiries, our sales team provides direct support.

Are there any natural iron oxides?

Yes. Natural iron oxides occur in ores and are used after processing. They differ from synthetic types in hue and composition and are suitable for selected applications.

What is the Penniman process?

The Penniman process uses iron in the presence of oxygen and catalysts to oxidize iron hydroxide intermediates. This results in pigments with characteristic yellow, red, or black hues.

What is the Laux process?

In the Laux process, iron and aromatic hydrocarbons are reacted in reactors to form iron oxide and by-products. It yields precisely defined pigment grades for many standard applications.

How are iron oxides produced industrially?

Industrially, iron oxide pigments are primarily produced through processes such as the Laux process or the Penniman process. Both, starting from iron, yield defined oxide types with varying hues and properties.