[Boatanchors] Question...

[Glen Zook]

Carbon black, when used as just a pigment, such as in paint, is not, usually, very conductive, based on the composition of the basic substance in which the carbon black is immersed.  However, when used as a filler, and so forth, in other things, such as plastic, etc., then it can definitely be conductive.  Carbon black is used in ESD protection items, etc.
http://www.moderndispersions.com/CONDUCTIVITY.pdf

http://www.ampacet.com/faqs/conductive-carbon-blacks-how-to-use-them/

http://www.premixgroup.com/product-cats/conductive-compounds/conductive-carbon-black/
 Glen, K9STH 
Website: http://k9sth.net
      From: "w5jo at brightok.net" <w5jo at brightok.net>
 To: boatanchors at mailman.qth.net 
 Sent: Thursday, November 26, 2015 7:27 PM
 Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Question...
   

All carbon blacks have chemisorbed oxygen complexes (i.e., carboxylic, quinonic, lactonic, phenolic groups and others) on their surfaces to varying degrees depending on the conditions of manufacture. These surface oxygen groups are collectively referred to as volatile content. It is also known to be a non-conductive material due to its volatile content.

The coatings and inks industries prefer grades of carbon black that are acid oxidized. Acid is sprayed in high temperature dryers during the manufacturing process to change the inherent surface chemistry of the black. The amount of chemically-bonded oxygen on the surface area of the black is increased to enhance performance characteristics.