Carbon Black N220 is a special grade of carbon black known for reinforcing rubber and providing a deep black color. Tire manufacturers often add it to rubber mixtures to make tires stronger and longer-lasting. In fact, suppliers like Basekim supply this material globally to various industries. Although it sounds technical, in simple terms it is a fine black powder that dramatically improves the durability of materials it is mixed with.
Carbon Black N220 has distinct characteristics that make it ideal for high-performance applications. Firstly, it belongs to the Intermediate Super Abrasion Furnace (ISAF) class, meaning it has medium structure and high surface area. Key specifications include:
Appearance: Black, in a powdered or granular form (odorless and stable).
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ToggleParticle Size: Very fine, about 20–30 nanometers (extremely small particles).
Surface Area: High (iodine adsorption around 120 mg/g), providing plenty of surface to bond with rubber.
Structure: Medium structure level (balances strength and flexibility in rubber compounds).
Heat Stability: Does not burn until extremely high temperatures (over 400°C), so it handles the heat of processing well.
Moreover, Carbon Black N220 resists sunlight and weather effects. For example, when mixed into plastics or coatings, it helps block UV light and prevent material degradation. These qualities explain why this grade will be choose for especially tough jobs.
This carbon black is widely used wherever high strength and wear resistance are needed, especially in rubber products. Major applications include:
Tire Treads: Widely used in the tread of car and truck tires. As a result, tires gain improved traction and wear resistance, allowing them to last longer on the road.
Conveyor Belts: Industrial belts (e.g. in factories or mines) contain N220 to withstand constant friction, so they do not wear out quickly.
Rubber Hoses & Seals: Heavy-duty hoses, gaskets, and seals benefit from this material’s reinforcing properties. Consequently, they resist cracking and tearing even under pressure and heat.
Plastics & Coatings: Although primarily for rubber, it also serves as a black pigment in plastics, paints, and inks. In these cases, it provides color and protects materials from UV damage.
In summary, any product that needs to be strong, long-lasting, and black in color might use Carbon Black N220 as part of its recipe.
Using Carbon Black N220 provides several important advantages for manufacturers. Moreover, these benefits explain why it is favored for high-performance products:
Improved Wear Resistance: It greatly increases a rubber product’s resistance to abrasion. For instance, tires with this additive can handle rough roads with less wear, extending their lifespan.
Higher Strength: This grade makes rubber much stronger under both stretching and tearing forces. Thus, rubber parts can handle heavy loads without breaking.
UV Protection: Carbon black particles absorb harmful UV rays. As a result, rubber and plastic items with N220 don’t crack or fade as quickly in sunlight.
Cost-Effective Reinforcement: Adding N220 is cheaper than using more pure rubber or specialty fillers, yet it dramatically boosts material performance without a high cost to manufacturers.
Overall, Carbon Black N220 allows manufacturers to create tougher, more durable products without a high cost to manufacturers.
Different grades of carbon black have different effects on rubber. Compared to other common types, N220 stands out in particular ways:
Versus N330: N330 is a popular general-purpose carbon black. In contrast, N220 has smaller particles and provides roughly 10–20% better wear resistance in rubber. Tires made with N220 usually last longer than those with N330 (at the cost of slightly higher stiffness in the rubber).
Versus N550/N660: Grades like N550 or N660 have larger particles and give rubber more flexibility but less reinforcement. This means they generate less heat and are easier to process, but they don’t make the product as strong. N220, on the other hand, makes rubber much tougher and more abrasion-resistant (though the rubber will be a bit stiffer).
In short, Carbon Black N220 offers a high-strength solution between the softer, easy-processing grades and the ultra-reinforcing grades. It is chosen when manufacturers need more strength than N330 can provide, but still want manageable processing.
Global demand for Carbon Black N220 is very high, driven by the needs of tire makers and other rubber product manufacturers. Asia — especially China and India — uses and produces the most, thanks to their huge tire industries. However, companies in Europe, the Americas, and elsewhere also rely on this material for high-quality rubber goods. As worldwide vehicle production grows, the need for Carbon Black N220 keeps rising every year. Manufacturers want longer-lasting, durable products, so demand for this grade remains strong across the globe.
Suppliers typically ship Carbon Black N220 in secure bags or bulk containers to contain the powder. Small-scale orders usually come in 20–25 kg multi-layer paper bags (usually with a plastic liner to prevent leakage and moisture). Larger quantities come in 500–1000 kg bulk “jumbo” bags that can be moved with forklifts. During handling, workers should avoid tearing bags to prevent spills and store the material in a dry place to avoid clumping.
Safe Usage Guidelines
Even though Carbon Black N220 is stable and not poisonous, safe handling practices are very important. Fine powders can pose risks if not managed properly. Here are some essential guidelines:
Wear Protective Gear: Use a dust mask or respirator when handling the powder to avoid inhaling particles. Also, wear safety goggles and gloves to prevent dust from irritating your eyes or skin.
Ensure Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area or use exhaust fans. This way, any airborne dust is drawn away, keeping the air clear.
Avoid Dust Buildup: Clean up any spills promptly with a vacuum or damp methods. Importantly, do not sweep dry carbon black or use compressed air, as this can stir up a dust cloud that is easy to inhale.
Prevent Ignition: Keep the powder away from open flames or sparks. While carbon black isn’t flammable in bulk, a dense cloud of dust can ignite. Therefore, avoid creating dust clouds and ground your equipment to discharge static electricity.
By following these measures, workers stay protected and the workplace remains safe while using Carbon Black N220.
Q1: What is Carbon Black N220 used for?
A: Manufacturers mainly use Carbon Black N220 to reinforce rubber and extend the life of products. For example, tire companies mix it into rubber compounds to make tires tougher and more resistant to wear. Many products like conveyor belts and hoses also contain this material for extra strength and durability.
Q2: How is Carbon Black N220 different from other grades like N330?
A: The biggest difference is its smaller particle size and higher reinforcing ability. Compared to N330, N220 gives about 10–20% better wear resistance and higher strength to rubber. Softer grades (like N550) have larger particles and provide less reinforcement, while ultra-fine grades can reinforce even more but are harder to mix. Carbon Black N220 hits a sweet spot of high strength with reasonable ease of processing.
Q3: Is Carbon Black N220 safe to handle?
A: Yes, you can handle it safely as long as proper precautions are taken. Carbon black is a stable, non-toxic material. However, the fine powder can irritate your lungs or eyes if you inhale it or get it on you. That’s why workers wear masks, gloves, and goggles when dealing with it. By following normal safety guidelines, it can be used without harm.
Q4: Where can I buy Carbon Black N220?
A: You can purchase it from many chemical suppliers worldwide. For example, Basekim is a well-known supplier of this grade. Additionally, many large industrial chemical distributors carry Carbon Black N220 and offer it in various packaging sizes to suit customer needs.
Carbon Black N220 is a high-performance reinforcing filler used in tire treads, rubber products, and industrial applications. It offers excellent wear resistance, tensile strength, and UV protection. This grade belongs to the ISAF class, with fine particle size and high surface area, making it ideal for high-strength formulations. Supplied globally by Basekim, it ensures consistency, quality, and long-term durability across a range of rubber compounds.