Production of Carbon Black by Pyrolytic Processing of Carbon-Containing Wastes

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the possibility of obtaining carbon black with low ash content and a high specific surface area by pyrolytic processing of carbon-containing wastes, particularly petroleum residues and spent lubricating oils. The operating parameters of the pyrolysis process and the characteristics of the resulting carbon black were examined. The morphological, elemental, and structural properties of the obtained solid products (carbon black) were analyzed using modern physicochemical methods. Elemental analysis showed that the carbon black sample (TK-1) derived from spent lubricating oils contains predominantly carbon (78%), whereas the sample (TK-2) obtained from petroleum waste exhibits an increased content of inorganic elements (Si, Al, Fe, etc.). SEM micrographs revealed that TK-1 has a loose, highly porous structure, while TK-2 is characterized by a mineralized, coarse-grained morphology. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed that both samples possess an amorphous graphite-like structure. The specific surface area determined by the BET method was 150 m²/g for TK-1 and 90 m²/g for TK-2. The results demonstrate that the TK-1 material obtained from spent lubricating oils, due to its high carbon content and well-developed surface, is a promising material for use as an adsorbent, catalyst, and a component in composite materials. It was found that the TK-2 sample derived from petroleum waste requires additional modification and purification stages due to the high amount of inorganic impurities.Keywords: carbon black, fuels and lubricants, pyrolysis, recycling, carbon-containing wastes.