Fourier Transform Rheology - An Innovative Tool For The Characterization Of Recovered Carbon Black

Colloidal properties of different carbon black (CB) grades represented by their structure and specific surface area were characterized before and after pyrolysis. Additionally, rubber compounds produced with these fillers were investigated by Fourier Transform (FT) Rheology, since the nonlinear, rheological behavior of filled elastomers under specific conditions is associated with the filler-polymer interaction. For comparison, some commercially available, recovered carbon blacks (rCB) were analyzed. While pyrolysis only slightly affects the structure and the specific surface area of carbon blacks, its influence on the nonlinear material behavior is significant. Different rCB grades can be differentiated by FT Rheology with a high level of sensitivity.