Carbon black is virtually pure elemental carbon in the form of colloidal particles that are produced by incomplete combustion or thermal decomposition of gaseous or liquid hydrocarbons under controlled conditions. Its physical appearance is that of a black, finely divided pellet or powder. Its use in tires, rubber and plastic products, printing inks and coatings is related to properties of specific surface area, particle size and structure, conductivity and color. Carbon black is also in the top 50 industrial chemicals manufactured worldwide, based on annual tonnage. Current worldwide production is about 8.1 million metric tons. Approximately 90% of carbon black is used in rubber applications, 9% as a pigment, and the remaining 1% as an essential ingredient in hundreds of diverse applications.
Global consumption is forecast to maintain a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 5.6% between 2016 and 2022, reaching 19.2 million metric tons, valued at US$20.4 billion, by 2022. The most common use (70%) of carbon black is as a pigment and reinforcing phase in automobile tyres. Carbon black also helps conduct heat away from the tread and belt area of the tyre, reducing thermal damage and increasing tyre life. About 20% of world production goes into belts, hoses, and other non-tyre rubber goods. The balance is mainly used as a pigment in inks, coatings and plastics.
The demand for carbon black in India stood at 984.63 thousand tonnes in 2018 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.82% during 2019-2030 to succeed in 1853.84 thousand tonnes by 2030. Growth within the Indian packaging industry has increased the demand for carbon black in food packaging, industrial film, lamination and carrier bags and high-quality protective packaging applications. Furthermore, the Indian government’s mission to form India a 100% electric vehicle nation by 2030 under the new National Electric Mobility Mission Plan is predicted to push the demand for automobiles within the coming years. This demand successively would aid growth in ancillary industries such as tire industry, which use carbon black as their primary staple. Moreover, the demand for industrial rubber such as in conveyor belts and hoses is anticipated to positively influence the demand for carbon black in India during 2019-2030. Entrepreneurs who invest in this project will be successful.
Few Indian major players are as under
Birla Carbon India Pvt. Ltd.
Cabot India Ltd.
Continental Carbon India Ltd.
Mitsubishi Chemical India Pvt. Ltd.
Murablack India Ltd.
Goodluck Carbon Pvt. Ltd.