Micronized carbon black industry report — 22 October 2026
Tyre & Rubber Recycling reported on 1 October 2026 on Hosokawa Alpine’s grinding and classification technology for recovered carbon black. The report focuses on preparing tyre-pyrolysis carbon for industrial applications through tighter control of fineness and particle size distribution. It accompanied POWTECH TechnoPharm in Nuremberg, which ran from 29 September to 1 October; the exhibition is already over.
Jet milling and classification for recovered carbon black
The TDG system combines particle collisions in a gas stream with a dynamic classifier. Grinding breaks down the feed, while classification controls which material leaves at the target size. In its official TDG 1250 announcement, Hosokawa specifies throughput of up to five tonnes per hour at d97 below 10 micrometres. This is a supplier specification for the relevant operating conditions, rather than a guaranteed output for every feedstock or evidence of nanoscale primary particle production.
What the particle size specification actually tells buyers
A single fineness figure cannot fully describe micronized carbon black. The d97 value identifies a point in a measured particle size distribution; it is different from an average size and from the primary particle size of carbon black. Comparisons require the same measurement method, sample preparation and reporting basis. The coarse end of the distribution also deserves attention when assessing whether persistent agglomerates may remain in the finished formulation.
For black pigment users, the relevance lies in preparing material for formulation. A fine powder still needs effective dispersion in its intended resin, polymer or carrier. Before selecting a processing route, producers should define acceptance criteria covering colour uniformity, surface finish, coarse residue and mixing behaviour. Milling alone does not establish ash content, chemical purity or suitability for inks and coatings. Those characteristics need their own specification and testing.
Related reading: black pigment and micronized carbon black selection guide.
Brief analysis from Gohar Farayand
The commercial message is a stronger emphasis on measurable specifications for micronized carbon black. Industrial buyers gain most when particle size control is supported by performance in the actual formulation and consistent results across several deliveries.
Sources: Tyre & Rubber Recycling, 1 October 2026; Hosokawa TDG 1250 announcement; TDG operating principles.
The accompanying image is a conceptual illustration of carbon processing, not a photograph of the named equipment or plant.