Carbon Black

Carbon black, an intensely black, finely divided form of amorphous carbon, obtained primarily as soot from partial combustion of hydrocarbons, and used as reinforcement in tires and rubber products. Furthermore, it is also used in printing ink, paint, and carbon paper as a pigment of high hiding power. As well as protective coatings, carbon black is also used for plastics and as a resistor in electronic devices. As a reinforcing filler, it enhances wear and abrasion resistance. A standard automobile tire is made up of about one fourth carbon black. The rubber used for tires on vehicles that cannot accumulate electrostatic charge, such as oil trucks and hospital operating carts, is even more electrically conductive by adding more carbon black.