Modification and characterization of carbon black with mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane

Carbon black (CB) is an intriguing substance not only for researchers but also for technologists because of its extensive usage as economical industrial filler. It is used to alter the mechanical, electrical and optical properties of the dispersed medium. Since ages attempts have been made to alter its surface, as its surface chemistry has a strong effect on its applications. The present work has been carried out to functionalize the surface of CB with the aid of organoalkoxysilanes in order to modify the surface for increased compatibility, enhanced dispersion and improved performance. Results of CB surface modification have been verified by the functional group analysis through different instrumental techniques. Dispersion in different solvents and epoxy monomer has been found extremely favorable by the modified CB in comparison to the pristine-CB and oxidized CB.