Abstract: Carbon nanoparticles made in a one step process. A method of making carbon black nanoparticles is described, including adding a hydrocarbon to a heated gas to produce carbon nanoparticles that are less than 1 micron volume equivalent sphere and have an Lc greater than 3.0 nm. Elastomer composites containing such particles are also described.

Abstract: Disk shaped fine carbon particles. A fine carbon particle having a diameter of less than 3 microns and a height of less than 0.05 micron substantially in disk form are described. Admixtures with other fine particles are also described.

Abstract: A high temperature heat integration method of making carbon black. A method of making carbon black is described, including reacting a carbon black forming feedstock with hydrogen gas in a plasma reactor to produce effluent gas containing carbon black and unused hydrogen, cooling the effluent gas for further processing, and recycling the unused hydrogen back into the carbon black forming process, where the unused hydrogen gas is pre-heated in a heat exchanger to a temperature up to the reaction temperature in the reactor before being recycled into the carbon black forming process. The heat exchanger for use in such process is also described.

Abstract: A method of making carbon black. Such method is described including generating a plasma by subjecting a plasma gas to a plasma arc, mixing a feedstock material with the plasma gas and combining the mixture in a reactor at a given reactor temperature to produce carbon black, wherein the feedstock is mixed with the plasma gas outside of the area occupied by the plasma arc. The carbon black produced by such process is also described.

Abstract: A method of making tailored carbon black in a plasma process. A method of making tailored carbon black in a plasma process is described, including subjecting the carbon black particles during and/or after formation to surface functionalizing agents in a controlled manner so as to impart a degree and/or density of functionalization onto the carbon black particles so as to adapt the particles to a particular pre-intended application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a DC plasma torch. The power supply used is at least two times the average operating voltage used, resulting in a more stable operation of the torch. The torch can include two concentric cylinder electrodes, the electrodes can be graphite, and the plasma forming gas can be hydrogen. The power supply provided also has the capability of igniting the torch at a pulse voltage of at least 20 kilovolts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making carbon black having increased surface area, reduced grit and/or reduced extract levels. A plasma gas is flowed into a plasma forming region to form a plasma. The plasma then flows through a throat region which is narrower than the plasma forming section, which is connected to a separate carbon black forming region. This causes the plasma to accelerate and become turbulent prior to the exit point in the throat region. The carbon black forming feedstock is injected into the turbulence created by the throat region at a point above, at or near the exit point, resulting in the formation of a carbon black in the separate carbon black forming region. The throat region and/or injector region can be cooled, e.g., water plasma gas cooled.