Carbon black is not a monolithic material; it exists in various grades, each offering a unique set of properties that influence rubber compound performance. For decades, the industry has relied on standardized N-series designations to classify carbon blacks based on their physical characteristics and performance in rubber. Understanding these grades is crucial for achieving desired outcomes in product development. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. provides a comprehensive range of carbon black products, including regenerated carbon black, to meet diverse compounding needs.

The N-series classification system, developed by ASTM International, categorizes carbon blacks primarily by their oil absorption number (OAN) and surface area. Generally, lower N numbers indicate smaller particle sizes and higher surface areas, leading to greater reinforcement and improved mechanical properties in rubber. Conversely, higher N numbers typically denote larger particle sizes and lower surface areas, often resulting in less reinforcement but better processing characteristics and lower hysteresis.

Let's explore some key N-series grades and their typical applications:

N100 Series (e.g., N110, N115, N121, N134): These grades are characterized by very small particle sizes and high surface areas. They provide the highest levels of reinforcement, leading to excellent abrasion resistance, tensile strength, and tear strength. They are often used in demanding tire tread applications, particularly for truck tires and high-performance passenger car tires where extreme durability is required. When you buy carbon black in this series, you're opting for maximum reinforcement.

N200 Series (e.g., N220, N234): Slightly larger particle sizes and lower surface areas than the N100 series, these grades still offer excellent reinforcement and wear resistance. They strike a good balance between treadwear, rolling resistance, and traction, making them versatile for various tire treads and other industrial rubber goods needing high strength.

N300 Series (e.g., N330, N339, N347, N375): This series represents general-purpose carbon blacks that offer a good balance of properties. N330, for instance, is a widely used grade for tire body compounds and general rubber goods due to its good abrasion resistance and moderate hysteresis. N339 and N347, with their higher structure, provide improved processing and reinforcement in tire treads and sidewalls.

N500 Series (e.g., N550, N539): These grades have medium particle sizes and moderate surface areas. They are typically used in applications where moderate reinforcement, good processing, and lower heat buildup are important, such as in tire carcasses, sidewalls, and various mechanical rubber goods like hoses and belts. They offer good fatigue resistance and tensile strength.

N600 Series (e.g., N660): With larger particle sizes and lower surface areas, N600 series carbon blacks provide lower reinforcement but exhibit very low hysteresis and excellent processing characteristics. They are often used in applications where heat buildup needs to be minimized, such as in tire inner liners, and in certain types of mechanical rubber goods.

N700 Series (e.g., N762, N772): These grades have the largest particle sizes and lowest surface areas among the commonly used N-series. They offer minimal reinforcement but provide excellent low heat buildup and processability. They are ideal for applications requiring high elongation and low electrical conductivity, such as in some types of seals and wire and cable insulation.

At NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD., we understand that selecting the right carbon black grade is critical for optimizing your rubber compound's performance. Our team can assist you in identifying the most suitable carbon black, whether you require the superior reinforcement of N100 series, the versatility of N300 series, or the processing advantages of N600 series. Explore our range of products and discover how the right carbon black can elevate your rubber applications.