Abstract: Carbon black is produced by introducing a carbon black feedstock, along with hot combustion gases, into the reaction zone of a carbon black furnace where the feedstock is partially burned and thermally decomposed to form carbon black. A hydrogen donor, such as ammonia gas, is simultaneously introduced into the reaction zone of the furnace from an extraneous source. The added hydrogen reduces the rate at which the carbon black feedstock is dehydrogenated. Carbon black aggregates produced in the reaction zone have surfaces characterized by reduced crystallite formation and an increased presence of amorphous carbon. The hydrogen content of the carbon black is also increased. This reduces the surface activity of the carbon black, making it more readily dispersible in elastomers, and improves the properties of such rubber compounds.

Abstract: An improvement in a process for making a rubber adherable wire, wherein a steel wire is plated with brass and then drawn through dies to reach the desired diameter, comprises coating the brass plated wire with 5.times.10.sup.-5 to 50.times.10.sup.-5 milligrams of zinc per square millimeter of coating surface prior to drawing. The product made by the process is useful for reinforcing rubber articles such as tires.