Electrical properties carbon black reinforcement

In some cases, double networks have shown increases in orientability and strain-induced crystallization, as well as improved fatigue resis-tance. ° In fact, some results show that there maybe less of a compromise between failure properties in general and the modulus, which may be due in part to the decreased hysteresis observed for some of these elastomers. There have even been reports of improved thermal stabil-ity, although it is hard to visualize how this would occur. Finally, electrical resistivity is more sensitive to strain in carbon-black reinforced double networks. Better molecular understanding of these observations is being sought with, for example, extensive studies of residual strains and birefringence. ... 

EFFECT OF CARBON BLACK REINFORCEMENT ON ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYMERS... 

Above a critical hller concentration, the percolation threshold, the properties of the reinforced rubber material change drastically, because a hller-hUer network is estabhshed. This results, for example, in an overproportional increase of electrical conductivity of a carbon black-hUed compound. The continuous disruption and restorahon of this hller network upon deformation is well visible in the so-called Payne effect [20,21], as represented in Figure 29.5. It illustrates the strain-dependence of the modulus and the strain-independent contributions to the complex shear or tensUe moduli for carbon black-hlled compounds and sUica-hUed compounds. 

In addition to its role as a pigment, carbon black may be incorporated into polymers as a reinforcement for elastomers, as a UV stabiHser in polyolefins, or as an electrically conducting additive. In each case the physiochemical properties of the filler and its ultimate state of dispersion is critical in order to achieve... 

Besides their two main uses as reinforcing fillers and pigments, small amounts of carbon blacks are used by the electrical industry to manufacture dry cells, electrodes, and carbon brushes. Special blacks are used to give plastics antistatic or electrical conduction properties. Another application is the UV stabilization of polyolefins [4.31]. 

Carbon black is produced industrially in the form of different products (e.g., furnace black, thermal black, channel black, lampblack, acetylene black) with specific properties. In addition to the relevance of carbon black for basic research on adsorption, or as a reference sohd, appUcations of this material in fields such as elastomer reinforcement, as modifier of certain properties of plastics (UV protection, electrical conductance, color), or as xerographic toners make its surface and interfacial properties extremely important. Soot is a randomly formed particulate material similar in nature to carbon black. The main (pragmatic, rather than conceptual) difference between these two carbon forms is that soot is generally formed as an unwanted by-product of incomplete combustion of pyrolysis, whereas carbon black is produced under strictly controlled conditions. Bansal and Donnet [78] have reviewed various possible mechanisms for the formation of soot and carbon black. Soot can retain a number of tars and resins on its surface. There is therefore some interest in studying the adsorption of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in soots, especially those of environmental significance such as diesel soot. 

Fillers may be divided into particulate and fibrous types. Particulates include calcium carbonate, china clay, talc and barium sulphate. Fillers affect shrinkage on moulding and the dimensional stability of the finished plastic, increase tensile strength and hardness, enhance electrical insulation properties and reduce tackiness. They also impart opacity and colour (Figure 3.16). Carbon black is now the most widely used filler for polymers usually in the form of furnace carbon black, which has a particle diameter of 0.08 mm. Fibrous fillers reinforce polymers and greatly increase their tensile strengths. They include fibres of glass, textile and carbon. Plastics filled with fibrous fillers are known as composites. 

Aramid pulp is widely used as a substitute for asbestos. The aramid paper is used as insulating paper. In this case, mica, ground quartz, glass fibers, alumina, or talc, can be incorporated to improve the insulating properties. In contrast, if alumina laminae, carbon black, or stainless steel short fibers are incorporated, electrical conductive papers are obtained. Aramid paper is also used as a reinforcing agent in honeycombs. 

The pigmentation of synthetic fibres with carbon black has been practised for a good number of years. Latterly, its potential for promoting electrical conductivity in fibres has been explored. Nowadays, there is rapidly growing interest too within the textiles community in the incorporation of carbon nanotubes into fibres, particularly as a means of reinforcing them. However, their incorporation at a sufficient level would also render the fibres electrically conducting, and no doubt this property will be fully explored over the coming years. 

Carbon black (c.b.) plays an important role in the improvement of the mechanical and/or electrical properties of high performance rubber materials. The reinforcing potential is mainly attributed to two effects (i) the formation of a physically bonded flexible filler network and (ii) strong polymer filler couplings. Both of these effects refer to a high surface activity and specific surface of the filler particles [1-3],... 

Paul A et al (1997) Electrical properties of natural fiber reinforced low-density polyethylene composites a comparison with carbon black and glass fiber filled low-density polyethylene composites. J Appl Polym Sci 63 247-266... 

Silicas, which are in competition with carbon blacks as functional fillers for plastics and rubbers, have one significant advantage their white color [62]. The most important role of silicas is as elastomer reinforcements, inducing an increase in the mechanical properties. Other functions, in addition to their use as antiblocks for PE, PP, and other films, are (a) to promote adhesion of rubber to brass-coated wires and textiles, (b) to enhance the thermal and electrical properties of plastics, (c) in accumulator separators, and (d) as rubber chemical carriers. 

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