Synthesis of Ultrafine Carbon Black by Pyrolysis of Polymers Using a Direct Current Thermal Plasma Process

A direct current thermal plasma system was developed and applied to synthesize ultrafine carbon black by using PS (polystyrene) and HDPE (high density polyethylene) as carbon sources. The precursors were pyrolyzed at different temperatures and the pyrolysis products were employed to investigate the actual synthesis of carbon black through the plasma jet. Spherical carbon nanoparticles with a high degree of turbostratic structure were obtained, showing a fingerprint graphite structure with a large surface area and ultrafine particle size. The carbon black was characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and nitrogen physisorption. Particle size distribution and dispersion stability in solvents were also investigated.