Comparative Measurements of Different Types of Carbon Black with TGA

Purpose

To investigate the extent to which the surface area of carbon black influences combustion behavior using TGA. 

Sample

Different types of carbon black are measured:

Conditions

Measuring cell: TGA/SDTA851^e

Pan: Alumina, 150 µl without lid

Sample preparation: Crucible is filled with approx. 5 mg carbon black

TGA measurement: Heating from 40 °C to 900 °C at 30 K/min

Atmosphere: Air, 100 ml/min

Interpretation

The combustion behavior of carbon black depends on its effective surface area. The greater the surface area, the smaller the size of the carbon black particles and the more likely they are to burn.

Carbon black combustion is characterized using the half step temperature, T . This is the temperature at which the combustion step has reached half its total height (i.e. 50% conversion). 

It can be seen that, under the given conditions, the half step height decreases linearly with increasing DBP value. 

Conclusions

TGA measurements can be used to compare different types of carbon black. From the thermal degradation behavior, it is possible to check the specification of a carbon black sample with regard to its surface area. 

_{Comparative Measurements of Different Types of Carbon Black with TGA | Thermal Analysis Handbook No.HB451 | Application published in METTLER TOLEDO TA Application Handbook Elastomers, Volume 2}