Inverse Gas Chromatography Investigation of Rubber Reinforcement by Modified Pyrolytic Carbon Black from Scrap Tires

Pyrolysis has the potential of transforming waste into recyclable products. Pyrolytic carbon black (PCB) is one of the most important products from the pyrolysis of used tires. Techniques for surface modifications of PCB have been developed. One of the most significant applications for modified PCB is to reinforce rubber matrixes to obtain high added values. Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) results show that a large quantity of inorganic materials and carbonaceous deposits are removed by treating pyrolytic carbon black with nitric acid solution. Plenty of active sites originally occupied by inorganic ash and coke are recovered. The surface energy of pyrolytic carbon black (TWPC) modified by titanate coupling agent, especially the specific interaction gamma(sp)(s) determined by the specific probe molecule benzene, shows a strong interaction between the TWPC and the polyisoprene chains. Mechanical testing results confirmed the IGC prediction. The PCB modified by demineralization and NDZ-105 titanate coupling agent could be used to replace the commercial semireinforcing carbon black.