A Black Filler for Rubber from Tire Pyrolysis Char

The purpose of this paper is to review the requirements that need to be met by a black filler. This paper reviews two major aspects of rubber technology. The first is a review of the black fillers used in rubber compounding. The second is a discussion of the scrap tire generation and disposal issue and how a black reinforcing filler can be generated using scrap tires and pyrolysis, grinding and beneficiation to produce a useful product. There is over 3 billion pounds of carbon filler used in North America. Over 90% of this is as a reinforcing and/or extender filler for rubber. The three types of black, furnace, thermal, and channel are reviewed and their benefits presented. A typical production specification for several grades of carbon black are shown and the actual production results for over 40 lots of carbon black are analyzed for consistency. In addition a brief history of carbon black development and the specific plant and processing needs of carbon black are discussed.