ABSTRACT
The chemical groups on the carbon black surface can easily be identified. It is widely recognized that the primary carbon black parameters influencing elastomer reinforcement are particle size or specific surface area, structure, and surface activity. It is generally believed that the surface energy of carbon blacks has much greater effect on the mechanical properties of filled elastomers than their chemical nature, particularly when general-purpose hydrocarbon rubbers are concerned. The effect of carbon black microstructure on γsd has also been demonstrated by graphitization of carbon blacks. It is therefore understandable that the disordered part of the surface is more developed on small-particle carbon blacks which are characterized by smaller crystallites. Surface energy increases considerably after heat treatment, which has been assumed to be the result of the removal of certain chemical groups from the surface.
