Carbon Black
A fine carbon powder produced by incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons, used as the primary reinforcing filler in tyre rubber compounds.
Overview
Carbon black is a form of paracrystalline carbon with an extremely high surface area, produced by the furnace black or thermal black process from hydrocarbon feedstocks. It is the most important functional filler in the rubber industry, providing dramatic improvements in tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and durability of tyre compounds. Approximately 70% of global carbon black production goes into tyre manufacturing, where tread compounds contain 30–35 parts per hundred rubber (phr) of carbon black. It is also used in non-tyre rubber goods, plastics (UV stabilisation and conductivity), and coatings. Sustainable alternatives include recovered carbon black (rCB) from end-of-life tyre pyrolysis.
Automotive Applications
Similar Materials
Precipitated Silica
Reinforcing Filler
A synthetic amorphous silica filler used in high-performance tyre compounds to reduce rolling resistance while maintaining wet grip performance.
Butyl Sealants
Sealant
A synthetic rubber-based sealant with outstanding impermeability to gases and moisture, used for body sealing, glazing, and noise damping in automotive assembly.
Rubber (Natural & Synthetic)
Natural & Synthetic Rubber Blend
Elastic polymer used in tires, seals, and vibration dampening
SBR / BR Tyre Elastomers
Tyre Rubber
Styrene-butadiene and butadiene rubber for tyre treads and sidewalls, distinct from generic rubber.
Properties
Category
Type
Reinforcing Filler
Available Colors
Available Forms
Key Properties
- Exceptional reinforcing effect in rubber
- High surface area
- UV absorption / stabilisation
- Electrical conductivity
- Abrasion resistance enhancement
- Pigmenting agent
Technical Specifications
Density
1.8–1.9 g/cm³
Sustainability
Sustainability Rating
Recovered carbon black (rCB) from tyre pyrolysis is an emerging sustainable alternative to virgin carbon black, with growing commercial adoption.