Carbon by the Number
This article introduces carbon as a foundational chemical element, explaining its natural forms, chemical reactivity, industrial uses, and essential role as the building block of life.
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Carbon Black Materials
Fine amorphous carbon material engineered for pigmentation, conductivity, reinforcement, and UV protection in industrial applications
Carbon black is a unique amorphous carbon material with extremely fine primary particle sizes, making it one of the most versatile industrial carbons. It is widely used in coatings, plastics, rubber, and compounds where pigmentation, reinforcement, or UV protection is required.
Carbon black is commonly used as an additive in coatings, dispersions, polymers, and composite materials, where it enhances color, improves durability, and modifies mechanical properties.
Carbon Black
Carbon black is produced through controlled combustion or thermal decomposition of hydrocarbon fuels. The properties of the resulting material depend on the manufacturing method and feedstock used.
Carbon black is typically categorized by characteristics such as:
- Primary particle size
- Surface area
- Structure
- Tint strength (coloring ability)
Asbury supplies multiple grades of carbon black including Furnace Black, and Acetylene Black. These products are available in bead, ground, and powder forms to meet specific processing and performance requirements. Typical primary particle sizes range from 16 to 230 nanometers.
Properties
Major Carbon Properties
Carbon black offers a unique combination of optical, electrical, and reinforcing properties.
- Extremely fine particle size (16–230 nm)
- High tint strength and pigmentation performance
- UV absorption and protection
- Polymer reinforcement capability
- Good dispersion in coatings and polymers
- Ability to modify viscosity and gloss
Applications
Carbon Black Applications
Carbon black is used across many industries where pigmentation and reinforcement are required.
Cable & Wire
Used in insulation compounds to provide UV protection.
Coatings, Paint & Polish
Provides pigmentation, improved gloss, and UV resistance in industrial and decorative coatings.
Ceramics
Used as a carbon additive in specialty ceramic formulations.
Insulation & Foam
Improves durability in specialized insulation and foam materials.
Plastics & Polymers
Used as a reinforcing filler, pigment in polymer compounds.
Rubber Goods
Enhances strength, wear resistance, and durability in rubber products.
How It Works
Pigmentation & UV Protection
Carbon black is widely used as a pigment due to its strong tinting strength and ability to produce deep black coloration. It also provides effective UV protection by absorbing ultraviolet radiation, helping protect coatings, plastics, and rubber materials from degradation. Carbon black can function as both a primary pigment and a color enhancer, enriching other pigments and improving gloss in coating formulations.
Polymer Applications
In polymer systems, carbon black acts as both a reinforcing filler and a functional additive. Carbon black also improves melt flow behavior and dispersion characteristics in many polymer processing systems.
Food Contact Grades
Certain high-purity furnace black grades meet FDA specifications for indirect food contact applications (21 CFR §178.3297). These grades disperse easily in polymer systems and provide consistent color and processing performance.
WHY ASBURY
Your Global Supply Partner of Carbon Black Materials
Asbury Advanced Materials supplies a wide range of carbon black materials including furnace black and acetylene black for coatings, polymers, rubber, and advanced industrial applications.
Decades of Materials Expertise
Deep experience across carbon, graphite, and specialty materials—supporting complex, real-world applications.
Technical & Manufacturing Depth
Knowledgeable teams who understand material behavior, processing requirements, and application constraints.
Consistency, Quality & Control
Reliable materials processed to meet demanding specifications, batch after batch.
Global Reach & Supply Reliability
A diversified sourcing and distribution network designed to support customers wherever they operate.
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