Utilizing Recovered Carbon Black as a Reinforcing Agent for Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber Formulation

Onur Yucak; Deniz Uzunsoy; Halit Levent Hoşgün

doi:10.38088/jise.1675657

Utilizing Recovered Carbon Black as a Reinforcing Agent for Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber Formulation

Abstract

The environmental risks caused by accumulated rubber wastes have increased the need of recovering these wastes rather than disposing of them. Pyrolysis of waste rubber is recognized as a promising technique. While pyrolysis products oil and gas have previously found industrial applications, there is currently a shortage of viable applications for the solid pyrolysis residue, recovered carbon black (RCB). This study examines the potential use of the RCB as a substitute for virgin carbon black (VCB) in Ethylene Propylene Diene (EPDM) rubber formulation. The goal of this research is to expand technical understanding about the use of the RCB as a green raw material in the rubber industry. In order to characterize the VCB and RCB, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analyses, and standard test methods were used. The compounds were produced by replacing the VCB with RCB in the EPDM matrix at various loadings. The influence of the RCB addition on the rheological, physical, mechanical and thermal properties of the EPDM composites was evaluated and compared to those formed with the only VCB. The RCB filled compounds usually show detectably inferior properties compared to the only VCB filled compound due to more impurity content, less active surface area, and limited surface functionality of the RCB filler. Although, the VCB can’t be completely replaced by the RCB, the results showed that overall performance of the 75-25 compound is better than the reference compound with 100% VCB filler. Moreover, the more RCB may be utilized in combination with the VCB depending on the permissible deviations from the properties of the end products.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Bursa Technical University Scientific Research Projects Coordinatorship (BTU BAP) Research Project (230D006)

Project Number

230D006

Thanks

We would like to thank Treco Kauçuk ve Kimyasalları San. ve Tic. Ltd. Şti. for providing production support to this study.

References

Adhikari, B., De, D., & Maiti, S. (2000). Reclamation and recycling of waste rubber. Progress in Polymer Science, 25(7), 909–948.
Bajpai, A. K., & Giri, A. (2003). Water sorption behaviour of highly swelling (carboxy methylcellulose-g-polyacrylamide) hydrogels and release of potassium nitrate as agrochemical. Carbohydrate Polymers, 53(3), 271–279.
Barroso-Bogeat, A., Alexandre-Franco, M., Fernández-González, C., & Gómez-Serrano, V. (2014). FT-IR Analysis of Pyrone and Chromene Structures in Activated Carbon. Energy and Fuels, 28(6), 4096–4103.
Ceresana. (2022). Carbon Black Market Report: Global Industry Analysis, 2030. https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/carbon-black-market-report (Accessed: 8 March 2025)
Choi, S. S., Kim, J. C., Lee, S. G., & Joo, Y. L. (2008). Influence of the cure systems on long time thermal aging behaviors of NR composites. Macromolecular Research, 16(6), 561–566.
Colom, X., Andreu-Mateu, F., Cañavate, F. J., Mujal, R., & Carrillo, F. (2009). Study of the influence of IPPD on thermo-oxidation process of elastomeric hose. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 114(4), 2011–2018.
Colom, X., Faliq, A., Formela, K., & Cañavate, J. (2016). FTIR spectroscopic and thermogravimetric characterization of ground tyre rubber devulcanized by microwave treatment. Polymer Testing, 52, 200–208.
Darko, C. (2022). The link between swelling ratios and physical properties of EPDM rubber compound having different oil amounts. Journal of Polymer Research, 29(8), 1–10.

Darmstadt, H., Roy, C., & Kaliaguine, S. (1995). Characterization of pyrolytic carbon blacks from commercial tire pyrolysis plants. Carbon, 33(10), 1449–1455.
Darmstadt, H., Roy, C., Kaliaguine, S., Xu, G., Auger, M., Tuel, A., & Ramaswamy, V. (2000). Solid state 13C-NMR spectroscopy and XRD studies of commercial and pyrolytic carbon blacks. Carbon, 38(9), 1279–1287.
Durmuş Başdemir, Y. (2022). Effect of carbon black type and vulcanization system on static and dynamic mechanical properties of new generation ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) elastomers. [Doctoral dissertation, Hacettepe University]. YÖK National Thesis Center.
Fanning, P. E., & Vannice, M. A. (1993). A DRIFTS study of the formation of surface groups on carbon by oxidation. Carbon, 31(5), 721–730.
Fan, Y., Fowler, G. D., & Zhao, M. (2020). The past, present and future of carbon black as a rubber reinforcing filler – A review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 247, 119115.
Flory, P. J. (1953). Principles of Polymer Chemistry. Cornell University Press.
Fried, J. R. (2014). Polymer Science & Technology. Pearson.
Fritzsche, J., & Klüppel, M. (2010). Structural dynamics and interfacial properties of filler-reinforced elastomers. Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter, 23(3), 035104.
Gao, N., Wang, F., Quan, C., Santamaria, L., Lopez, G., & Williams, P. T. (2022). Tire pyrolysis char: Processes, properties, upgrading and applications. Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, 93, 101022.
Hrnjak-Murgić, Z., Jelenčić, J., & Bravar, M. (1996). The role of molar volume of the organic solvents in the swelling system EPDM vulcanizate/solvent. Die Angewandte Makromolekulare Chemie, 242(1), 85–96.
ICBA. (n.d.). What is Carbon Black? https://www.carbon-black.org/new-page-2 (Accessed: 8 March 2025)
Jovanović, V., Budinski-Simendić, J., Samardžija-Jovanović, S., Marković, G., Marinović-Cincović, M., & Budinski-Simendić, J. (2009). The influence of carbon black on curing kinetics and thermal aging of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber. Chemical Industry & Chemical Engineering Quarterly, 15(4), 283–289.
Jovičić, M., Bera, O., Stojanov, S., Pavličević, J., Govedarica, D., Bobinac, I., & Hollo, B. B. (2023). Effects of recycled carbon black generated from waste rubber on the curing process and properties of new natural rubber composites. Polymer Bulletin, 80(5), 5047–5069.
Karabork, F., & Tipirdamaz, S. T. (2016). Influence of pyrolytic carbon black and pyrolytic oil made from used tires on the curing and (dynamic) mechanical properties of natural rubber (NR)/styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) blends. Express Polymer Letters, 10(1), 72–82.
Khelifi, A., Almazán-Almazán, M. C., Pérez-Mendoza, M., Domingo-García, M., López-Domingo, F. J., Temdrara, L., López-Garzón, F. J., & Addoun, A. (2010). Influence of nitric acid concentration on the characteristics of active carbons obtained from a mineral coal. Fuel Processing Technology, 91(10), 1338–1344.
Kojić, D., Lazić, N., Budinski-Simendić, J., Špirkova, M., Dugić, P., Ostojić, S., & Pavličević, J. (2018). The influence of combined active fillers on the properties of elastomeric materials for eco-friendly tyres. Hemijska Industrija , 72(5), 293–303.
Kuei, B., & Gomez, E. D. (2016). Chain conformations and phase behavior of conjugated polymers. Soft Matter, 13(1), 49–67.
Litvinov, V. M., & Steeman, P. A. M. (1999). EPDM−Carbon Black Interactions and the Reinforcement Mechanisms, As Studied by Low-Resolution 1H NMR. Macromolecules, 32(25), 8476–8490.
Li, Z. H., Zhang, J., & Chen, S. J. (2008). Effects of carbon blacks with various structures on vulcanization and reinforcement of filled ethylene-propylene-diene rubber. Express Polymer Letters, 2(10), 695–704.
Manjare, S., Dwivedi, C., & Rajan, S. K. (2020). Recycling of waste tire by pyrolysis to recover carbon black: Alternative & environment-friendly reinforcing filler for natural rubber compounds. Composites Part B: Engineering, 200, 108346.
Manoj, K. C., Kumari, P., & Unnikrishnan, G. (2011). Cure characteristics, swelling behaviors, and mechanical properties of carbon black filler reinforced EPDM/NBR blend system. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 120(5), 2654–2662.
Mark, J. E., Erman, B., & Roland, C. M. (2013). The Science and Technology of Rubber, Fourth Edition. The Science and Technology of Rubber, Fourth Edition, 1–786.
Martínez, J. D., Cardona-Uribe, N., Murillo, R., García, T., & López, J. M. (2019). Carbon black recovery from waste tire pyrolysis by demineralization: Production and application in rubber compounding. Waste Management, 85, 574–584.
Martínez, J. D., Puy, N., Murillo, R., García, T., Navarro, M. V., & Mastral, A. M. (2013). Waste tyre pyrolysis – A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 23, 179–213.
Miller, F. A., & Wilkins, C. H. (1952). Infrared Spectra and Characteristic Frequencies of Inorganic Ions. Analytical Chemistry, 24(8), 1253–1294.
Morita, H., Toda, M., & Honda, T. (2016). Analysis of the end-segment distribution of a polymer at the interface of filler-filled material. Polymer Journal 2016 48:4, 48(4), 451–455.
Morton, M. (1999). Rubber Technology. Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.
Özkan, F. (2008). Kauçukta Dağılım ve Önemi. Kauçuk, 32, 20–22.
Pimolsiriphol, V., Saeoui, P., & Sirisinha, C. (2007). Relationship Among Thermal Ageing Degradation, Dynamic Properties, Cure Systems, and Antioxidants in Natural Rubber Vulcanisates. Polymer-Plastics Technology and Engineering, 46(2), 113–121.
Pretsch, E., Bühlmann, P., & Badertscher, M. (2009). Structure Determination of Organic Compounds: Tables of Spectral Data. Springer
Shafee, E. El, & Naguib, H. F. (2003). Water sorption in cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol) networks. Polymer, 44(5), 1647–1653.
Singh, R. K., & Ruj, B. (2016). Time and temperature depended fuel gas generation from pyrolysis of real world municipal plastic waste. Fuel, 174, 164–171.
Smith, B. (2018). Infrared spectral interpretation: a systematic approach. CRC Press
Stelescu, M. D., Airinei, A., Manaila, E., Craciun, G., Fifere, N., Varganici, C., Pamfil, D., & Doroftei, F. (2018). Effects of Electron Beam Irradiation on the Mechanical, Thermal, and Surface Properties of Some EPDM/Butyl Rubber Composites. Polymers 2018, Vol. 10, Page 1206, 10(11), 1206.
Stöckelhuber, K. W., Wießner, S., Das, A., & Heinrich, G. (2017). Filler flocculation in polymers – a simplified model derived from thermodynamics and game theory. Soft Matter, 13(20), 3701–3709.
Sugimoto, S., Inutsuka, M., Kawaguchi, D., & Tanaka, K. (2020). The effect of interfacial dynamics on the bulk mechanical properties of rubber composites. Polymer Journal, 52(2), 217–223.
Tangsathitkulchai, C., Ngernyen, Y., & Tangsathitkulchai, M. (2009). Surface modification and adsorption of eucalyptus wood-based activated carbons: Effects of oxidation treatment, carbon porous structure and activation method. Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, 26(5), 1341–1352.
Tian, X., Zhuang, Q., Han, S., Li, S., Liu, H., Li, L., Zhang, J., Wang, C., & Bian, H. (2021). A novel approach of reapplication of carbon black recovered from waste tyre pyrolysis to rubber composites. Journal of Cleaner Production, 280, 124460.
Tran, H. N., Huang, F. C., Lee, C. K., & Chao, H. P. (2017). Activated carbon derived from spherical hydrochar functionalized with triethylenetetramine: Synthesis, characterizations, and adsorption application. Green Processing and Synthesis, 6(6), 565–576.
Urrego-Yepes, W., Cardona-Uribe, N., Vargas-Isaza, C. A., & Martínez, J. D. (2021). Incorporating the recovered carbon black produced in an industrial-scale waste tire pyrolysis plant into a natural rubber formulation. Journal of Environmental Management, 287, 112292.
Valentín, J. L., Carretero-González, J., Mora-Barrantes, I., Chassé, W., & Saalwächter, K. (2008). Uncertainties in the determination of cross-link density by equilibrium swelling experiments in natural rubber. Macromolecules, 41(13), 4717–4729.
Vural, U. S. (2019). Pirolitik Karbon Siyahının Rafinasyonu Ve Kauçuk Sektöründe Kullanımı. Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi Fen Ve Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, 19(3), 850–860.
Wang, M. J. (1998). Effect of Polymer-Filler and Filler-Filler Interactions on Dynamic Properties of Filled Vulcanizates. Rubber Chemistry and Technology, 71(3), 520–589.
Wang, Z., Zhang, X., Wang, F., Lan, X., & Zhou, Y. (2016). Effects of aging on the structural, mechanical, and thermal properties of the silicone rubber current transformer insulation bushing for a 500 kV substation. SpringerPlus, 5(1), 1–6.
Winans, K., Kendall, A., & Deng, H. (2017). The history and current applications of the circular economy concept. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 68, 825–833.
Xiao, B., & Thomas, K. M. (2004). Competitive adsorption of aqueous metal ions on an oxidized nanoporous activated carbon. Langmuir, 20(11), 4566–4578.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Waste Management, Reduction, Reuse and Recycling , Materials Science and Technologies , Polymer Technologies , Polymers and Plastics

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Onur Yucak ^*
0000-0002-9621-7102
Türkiye

Deniz Uzunsoy
0000-0002-2515-7624
Türkiye

Halit Levent Hoşgün
0000-0002-6699-666X
Türkiye

Publication Date

April 11, 2026

Submission Date

April 17, 2025

Acceptance Date

July 4, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 10 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.38088/jise.1675657

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA22TS83UY

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Yucak, O., Uzunsoy, D., & Hoşgün, H. L. (2026). Utilizing Recovered Carbon Black as a Reinforcing Agent for Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber Formulation. Journal of Innovative Science and Engineering, 10(1), 158-171. https://doi.org/10.38088/jise.1675657

AMA

1.Yucak O, Uzunsoy D, Hoşgün HL. Utilizing Recovered Carbon Black as a Reinforcing Agent for Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber Formulation. JISE. 2026;10(1):158-171. doi:10.38088/jise.1675657

Chicago

Yucak, Onur, Deniz Uzunsoy, and Halit Levent Hoşgün. 2026. “Utilizing Recovered Carbon Black As a Reinforcing Agent for Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber Formulation”. Journal of Innovative Science and Engineering 10 (1): 158-71. https://doi.org/10.38088/jise.1675657.

EndNote

Yucak O, Uzunsoy D, Hoşgün HL (April 1, 2026) Utilizing Recovered Carbon Black as a Reinforcing Agent for Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber Formulation. Journal of Innovative Science and Engineering 10 1 158–171.

IEEE

[1]O. Yucak, D. Uzunsoy, and H. L. Hoşgün, “Utilizing Recovered Carbon Black as a Reinforcing Agent for Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber Formulation”, JISE, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 158–171, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.38088/jise.1675657.

ISNAD

Yucak, Onur - Uzunsoy, Deniz - Hoşgün, Halit Levent. “Utilizing Recovered Carbon Black As a Reinforcing Agent for Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber Formulation”. Journal of Innovative Science and Engineering 10/1 (April 1, 2026): 158-171. https://doi.org/10.38088/jise.1675657.

JAMA

1.Yucak O, Uzunsoy D, Hoşgün HL. Utilizing Recovered Carbon Black as a Reinforcing Agent for Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber Formulation. JISE. 2026;10:158–171.

MLA

Yucak, Onur, et al. “Utilizing Recovered Carbon Black As a Reinforcing Agent for Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber Formulation”. Journal of Innovative Science and Engineering, vol. 10, no. 1, Apr. 2026, pp. 158-71, doi:10.38088/jise.1675657.

Vancouver

1.Onur Yucak, Deniz Uzunsoy, Halit Levent Hoşgün. Utilizing Recovered Carbon Black as a Reinforcing Agent for Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber Formulation. JISE. 2026 Apr. 1;10(1):158-71. doi:10.38088/jise.1675657