What Is a Carbon Black Content Tester? Types & Testing Methods Explained

 

A carbon black content tester measures the percentage of carbon black (fine black powder after combustion of carbon-containing compounds) present in plastic and rubber through combustion methods. The content tester is used in quality control, laboratory research, and institutional settings to demonstrate ideal results of ISO and ASTM standards.
This guide breaks down how a carbon black content tester works, what kind of materials can be tested, and the industrial requirements and specs for purchasing a carbon black content tester.

What Is a Carbon Black Content Tester

Carbon black is a compound added to polyethylene, polypropylene, and rubber compounds to provide UV protection and reinforce the polymer matrix. The concentration of this carbon black determines how well the matrix performs in outdoor environments.
When the carbon black is low, the material can be degraded by UV, and when the amount is in excess, it can affect mechanical properties.
Carbon black content tester is a laboratory instrument that measures the percentage of carbon black present in a plastic or rubber sample. The measurement is made by weight and using gravimetically.
The sample is subjected to a high-temperature combustion, and the mass difference before and after each stage of the process yields the carbon black percentage. Carbon black tester is used to assess quality control and perform research on materials in plastic manufacturing, cable insulations, and membrane production.

Standards For Carbon Black Content Testing

  • ASTM D1603: This is a test standard for carbon black content in olefin plastics like polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutylene plastic using a tube furnace under an inert atmosphere. This standard does not apply to compositions containing non-volatile and non-carbon residues that are not inorganic.
  • ASTM D4218: This standard is an alternative to D1603, designed specifically for black polyethylene compounds containing channel black. The test is conducted entirely in a muffle furnace and is suitable for high-throughput tests. It is not suitable for plastics that char.
  • ISO 18553: ISO defines two procedures under 18553 for the degree of arbon black or pigment dispersion in polyolefin compounds. First is to measure particle size and clump size physically. Second procedure is to grade the magnified images against reference photomicrographs of the standard.
  • ISO 11420: When the carbon black content is below 3%, you can use the ISO 11420 test standard, but ISO 11420 is now replaced by the ISO 18553 standard, which has additions to the photomicrograph grading procedure.

Carbon Black Tester Price

The price of a carbon black tester varies depending on equipment accuracy, method of testing, and the level of automation (like software) and data acquisition systems.
  • Entry-level carbon black testers with basic analytical range and suitable for D4218 testing only cost between $800 – $2000.
  • Mid-range carbon black testers with dedicated tube + muffle furnace and inert atmosphere control, digital output, and the most common configuration for QC cost more than $2500 and up to $7500.
  • Advanced carbon black testers start from $15000. These carbon black test apparatus have a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), they can switch atmosphere automatically and provide real-time, accurate mass vs temperature curves with weight sensitivity detections in the sub-milligram range.

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