Manufacturing Process of Pigment Blacks

Pigment blacks are the result of incomplete combustion or thermal decomposition of aromatic oils or other liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons. The three main production processes, named after the end product, are

• Furnace Black Process
• Degussa Gas Black Process
• Lamp Black Process

Evonik Degussa GmbH produces pigments blacks using all three in seven locations around the world.

The three different processes yield a broad range of different end-products that are distinguishable mainly by

• primary particle size
• structure
• surface
• surface chemistry

These parameters influence coloristics, reinforcing properties, rheology, dispersion, conductivity etc.

Pigment blacks are first created as a powdery substance and can then be oxidized (for a higher number of surface groups) and/or beaded. Beading significantly improves handling characteristics.

Lamp Black Process

Furnace Black Process

Degussa Gas Black Process