Purification and application of pyrolytic carbon char in paint formulations

Abstract

In waste tyre pyrolysis process, the generation of pyrolytic char (PT-char), a byproduct, is problematic as it has a minimum market value due to the presence of many impurities. In order to improve the market value of the PT char, economical and efficient purification method was introduced in this study. PT-char samples were sieved, magnetically separated, and purified with dilute acids and/or bases or combination of both. Raw sample (sample A) and three more purified samples (Sample B –washed once with acid, Sample C – washed twice with acid and Sample D – washed twice with acid followed by washed once with a base) were prepared and characterized by TGA, Elemental analysis, SEM/EDX and XRD. The results obtained for the samples were compared with those of commercially available carbon black: N330. Carbon wt% of raw pyrolytic char was ~78% and it was increased to ~84%, ~86%, and ~89% in samples B, C, and D respectively.