Advances in Structure Measurements of Carbon Black

The present work is a detailed investigation into the compression of carbon black using a new dynamic void volume analyzer (DVVA) with scanning capability. Prior research using a singlepoint
equilibrium analyzer indicated compressed void volume (VV) is an improved structure measurement based on relationships to compound properties. This investigation indicates that
within a manufacturing process, OAN can be accurately predicted from numerical models using differential void volumes. Universal OAN prediction models based on products from multiple
producers were inaccurate due to variations in primary structure between producers’ products. VV measurements obtained at high pressures and densities, where inter-aggregate void space is
minimal, provides direct evidence that void volumes obtained from OAN testing are significantly over-estimated. Strong relationships observed between dynamic void volume and measures of
compound processability and reinforcement confirms VV is an improved measurement of carbon black structure. The DVVA method is a faster analysis and more economical than OAN, uses a
small sample mass, is non-dusting and self-cleaning resulting in significant advances in structure measurements of carbon black.