Main navigation BUSINESS GROUP FINANCE TALENT NEWS & STORIES MEDIA EN FR MINERALS AND MORE CARBON BLACK Carbon black is an extremely versatile substance which is making an increasingly valuable contribution to the automotive industry. Imerys is the leading supplier of highly conductive carbon-based solutions for conductive carbon black used in lithium-ion batteries powering electric vehicles and consumer electronics. It is also a valuable ingredient in polymer compounds used in electronic devices and the automotive industry. KEY FIGURES #1 For conductive carbon-based additives for lithium-ion batteries 1 ST nano material produced 14.8M TONS Global consumption of carbon black A WIDE RANGE OF PROPERTIES Carbon black refers to any of a group of intensely black, finely divided forms of amorphous carbon, usually obtained as a sooty powder from the partial combustion of hydrocarbons. It is generally produced by the incomplete combustion of heavy petroleum products such as FCC tar, coal tar, ethylene cracking tar, and a small amount from vegetable oil. Carbon black particles are generally spherical in shape and less crystalline than graphite. They have a high surface-area-to-volume ratio. Carbon blacks vary enormously in particle size depending on the process by which they are made. Carbon black is valued for its excellent electrical conductivity, as a reinforcement agent, as a pigment, for its properties and resistance to wear. Imerys produces high quality, high purity conductive carbon blacks used in batteries, polymers, fuel cells and powder metallurgy applications. 1 / 2 Our carbon manufacturing site in Willebroek (Belgium). Carbon black is amorphous para-crystalline carbon [C]. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES Electrical conductivity Reinforcement Resistance to wear Chemically Inert Insoluble in water OVER A CENTURY OF EXPERTISE Imerys has a strong tradition and history in carbon manufacturing, with its first manufacturing operation founded way back in 1908 in the Swiss canton of Ticino. Today, we produce and market a large variety of conductive carbon blacks of consistent high quality at our processing plant near Brussels in Belgium which produces specialty-type carbon blacks to serve the lithium ion batteries, fuel cells, polymers, hard metal and powder metallurgy industries. Further upstream, the Imerys Technology Center in Bironico, Switzerland, is dedicated to the study of graphite and carbon across a range of applications including batteries, fuel cells, brakes and clutches, carbon brushes, hard metals, powder metallurgy and refractories. Our laboratory in Kawasaki, Japan, focuses on application development of electrochemical systems using graphites and carbons. Our center in Toulouse is specialized in the study of polymers. SUPPORTING THE PERFORMANCE OF LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES Imerys highly conductive bespoke carbon black solutions are valuable for the production of lithium-ion batteries used to power new-generation consumer electronics and electric vehicles, where they boost energy density and shorten charging times. They are especially suited to high-capacity, ultra-thin lithium-ion batteries used in new generation mobile phones and tablets, where they improve battery charge. In fuel cells, Imerys porous carbon blacks are essential components in gas diffusion layers, the thin porous sheet which provides electrical and thermal conductivity as well as controlling the proper flow of hydrogen and air and managing water transport. Imerys has developed a unique carbon additive used in the negative electrode of advanced lead-acid batteries used in cars equipped with start-stop function and recovery of brake energy, and in micro hybrid cars. The additive combines the hybrid properties of a conductive carbon black and graphite, resulting in good electrical conductivity and improved life cycle and charge acceptance. Conductive carbon blacks are also key ingredients in plastic and rubber to give electrically conductive properties parts such as electronic device housings, conductive flooring, anti-static films, conveyor belts, fuel hoses, where, electrical and/or thermal conductivity, lubrication and wear resistance are key parameters. Backed by a multi-year investment program in research and development as well as production capacity, Imerys is well positioned to meet the technological needs of the rapid-growing battery and conductive polymer market for many years to come. Conductive carbon black is used as conductive additives in the manufacture of lithium ion batteries for electric cars. Conductive carbon blacks can be used in polymers that are used to in the production of electronic packaging. CARBON BLACK RELATED NEWS NEWS SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 How Imerys is fully committed to the lithium-ion batteries market The lithium-ion battery market has vastly expanded in recent years and our Graphite & Carbon business is fully committed to support this market growth. NEWS APRIL 08, 2021 Pulling their weight: how minerals contribute to lightweighting vehicles Cars are getting lighter – reducing CO2 emissions, while maintaining high safety standards, thanks to mineral-infused plastic parts. NEWS DECEMBER 21, 2020 Going the extra mile: how graphite & carbon black make electric cars go the distance Environmental regulation might be driving the trend for increased manufacturing of electric cars, but high-quality ingredients in their batteries are ensuring drivers reach their destinations safely and reliably. MOBILE ENERGY PLASTICS & RUBBER CONTACT GROUP FINANCE TALENT MEDIA Follow us © Imerys 2021 Cookies Policy Personal Data Legal Terms WE USE COOKIES Our website uses cookies to allow for a personalized experience on our website and improve your user experience. For more information about our cookies please read our Cookie preferences. Mandatory Cookies These cookies are essential to enable you to navigate our website and use its features. These cookies are session-specific and expire after your visit to the website. 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