Carbon Black price April 2024 and outlook (see chart below)
- North America:US$1.99/KG, -0.5% down
- Europe:US$1.88/KG, unchanged
- Africa:US$1.78/KG, -1.1% down
- Northeast Asia:US$1.39/KG, 4.5% up
- Middle East:US$1.28/KG, unchanged
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Carbon black price index
This post is a summary of the global Carbon black price developments. The price developments of global Carbon black are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Carbon black price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.
The outlook for global Carbon black prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:
- Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of global Carbon black prices
- Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Carbon black
- Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of global Carbon black prices
- Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Carbon black market
- Longer term trends in likely demand conditions
Further information on the Carbon black price index
What is carbon black
Carbon black is a fine, black powder that is made from the incomplete combustion of heavy hydrocarbons, such as oil and coal. It is a form of elemental carbon that is composed of pure carbon in the form of particles that are typically less than 1 micrometer in size. Carbon black is used as a reinforcing agent in rubber products, such as tires, and it is also used as a pigment in inks, paints, and plastics.
Carbon black is produced through a process called pyrolysis, which involves the heating of hydrocarbons in the absence of oxygen. The hydrocarbons are heated to a high temperature, causing them to break down and release gases, which are then cooled and collected to produce the final product.
Overall, carbon black is a versatile material that is used in a variety of applications due to its unique properties.
How is carbon black produced
Carbon black is produced through a process called pyrolysis, which involves the heating of hydrocarbons in the absence of oxygen. The hydrocarbons are typically obtained from petroleum, natural gas, or coal tar, and they are heated to a high temperature in a reactor. The reaction releases gases, which are cooled and collected to produce the final product.
The production of carbon black typically involves the following steps:
Feedstock preparation
The hydrocarbons are prepared for the pyrolysis process by removing impurities and reducing them to a uniform size.
Pyrolysis
The hydrocarbons are heated in a reactor to a high temperature, causing them to break down and release gases.
Cooling and collection
The gases released during the pyrolysis process are cooled and collected to produce the carbon black.
Purification and drying
The carbon black is purified and dried to remove impurities and moisture, resulting in the final product.
Overall, the production of carbon black involves the heating of hydrocarbons in the absence of oxygen to release gases, which are then cooled and collected to produce the final product.
What is carbon black used for
Carbon black has a wide range of uses, including:
Rubber reinforcement
Carbon black is used as a reinforcing agent in rubber products, such as tires, to improve their strength and durability.
Pigment
Carbon black is used as a pigment in inks, paints, and plastics to give them a black color.
Conductive agent
Carbon black is used as a conductive agent in electronic components, such as batteries and capacitors.
Other uses
Carbon black is also used in the production of toner for printers, as a filler in coatings and plastics, and as a catalyst in the chemical industry.
What different types of carbon black are there
There are several types of carbon black, including:
Furnace black
Furnace black is the most common type of carbon black and is produced by the partial combustion of hydrocarbons in a furnace. It has a low structure and a high surface area, and it is used in a variety of applications, including rubber reinforcement, pigmentation, and conductive agents.
Thermal black
Thermal black is produced by the pyrolysis of hydrocarbons at a high temperature in the absence of oxygen. It has a high structure and a low surface area, and it is used in the production of high-strength rubber products and as a pigment in inks and paints.
Acetylene black
Acetylene black is produced by the pyrolysis of acetylene, a gas that is obtained from the decomposition of calcium carbide. It has a high structure and a high surface area, and it is used in the production of high-strength rubber products and as a conductive agent in electronic components.
Lamp black
Lamp black is produced by the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons, such as oil or natural gas, in a lamp. It has a low structure and a high surface area, and it is used as a pigment in inks, paints, and plastics.
Overall, the different types of carbon black are classified based on their production method and their physical properties, such as surface area and structure. The specific type of carbon black used will depend on the application and the desired properties.
How big is the carbon black market
It is difficult to estimate the exact size of the global carbon black market, as it depends on various factors such as demand from different end-use industries, production capacity, and market trends. However, according to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the global carbon black market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2020 to 2025, reaching a market size of around USD 17.71 billion by 2025.
Carbon black is used in a variety of applications, including rubber reinforcement, pigmentation, and conductive agents. The demand for carbon black is expected to increase due to the growing demand for rubber products, such as tires, and the increasing use of carbon black in various end-use industries. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to dominate the global carbon black market, due to the large and growing populations in countries such as China and India, which drive demand for rubber products and other products that use carbon black.
According to https://oec.world/ :Carbon (carbon blacks and other forms of carbon, nes) are the world’s 755th most traded product.
In 2020, the top exporters of Carbon (carbon blacks and other forms of carbon, nes) were China ($581M), Russia ($481M), Germany ($298M), South Korea ($258M), and United States ($250M).
In 2020, the top importers of Carbon (carbon blacks and other forms of carbon, nes) were Thailand ($296M), United States ($239M), Germany ($238M), China ($225M), and Poland ($204M).
Further information
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