Superior dispersion enhances quality and processability.

With a high surface-area-to-volume ratio, compounding black masterbatch or carbon black masterbatch requires attention to structure, fineness, porosity and surface area. Carbon black particles accumulate as a result of physical attraction, so the mixing technology needs to adequately distribute those particles to produce a consistently high-quality final product. A masterbatch is formed and then added in the formation process at a reduced amount to provide coloration, enhanced mechanical properties, UV stabilization and conductive properties.

Material characteristics

Carbon black is a material produced by the incomplete combustion of heavy petroleum products such as fluid catalytic cracking (FCC), tar, coal tar or ethylene cracking tar. Carbon black is a form of paracrystalline carbon that has a high surface-area-to-volume ratio. Subtypes include acetylene black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black and thermal black.

Farrel Continuous Mixers are designed to address the many challenges of processing black masterbatch including:

• A unique rotor geometry, specifically designed for masterbatch production, ensures optimum dispersion of the carbon black with the resin
• Both Standard and XL rotor technologies are available for the best dispersion and processing of a variety of carbon black grades and formulations
• Adjustable rotor speed during production as well as multiple temperature control zones and rotor cooling maintain ideal processing temperature
• A variety of production sizes to meet large throughput requirements for economies of scale and productivity

Using black masterbatch for a variety of products

Common applications for black masterbatch/carbon black masterbatch include:

• Pipes
• Molding injection
• General-purpose & packaging film
• Conductives
• Agricultural film
• Fiber

FARREL POMINI Nominal Production Rates for Black Masterbatch Compounding

^*Based on 4000 hrs per year.

Typical plant line for black masterbatch compounds