Recovered carbon black: Material characteristics and in-rubber performance

Carbon black is the most widely used reinforcing filler in the tire industry, produced by high temperature cracking of certain petroleum fractions. Almost two thirds of the global carbon black production goes into tires. Every year, 4.5 million tons of carbon black is discarded as a component of scrap tires [1]. In view of both, diminishing natural resources and growing environmental concerns regarding scrap tires, the recovery of valuable products is becoming essential. Recovery of carbon black by pyrolysis will help in dealing with the aforementioned problems and in reducing of CO2 produced during carbon black production using fossil fuels.
Pyrolysis carbon black (pCB) consists of approximately 70% to 80% of recovered carbon black, along with 20% to 30% of organic and inorganic components. This substantial amount of recovered carbon black in the pyrolysis product has encouraged it’s use as a partial substitute of virgin carbon black for reinforcement.
The aim of the current study is to understand the different nature of pyrolysis carbon black compared to virgin carbon black. In this study, the influence of pyrolysis process parameters on the pCB material properties responsible for its reinforcing potential including overall morphology and structure, and surface properties are elaborated. Furthermore, in-rubber performance of pCBs was evaluated and compared with the performance of virgin carbon black.