Overview
Consolidated summary of all raw material characterisation efforts for Site B (Bathinda) and Site A (Panipat) carbon black feedstock across 7 testing authorities.
Peak Iodine Number
1068 mg/g
Exceptional surface activity · Conductive-grade potential
NSA / BET Surface Area
1032 m²/g
Ultra-high surface area comparable to specialty conductive blacks
DBP / OAN Structure
450 m³/kg
Highly structured morphology suitable for conductivity networks
Raw Particle Characteristics
189–4819 µm
Wide bimodal distribution enables tailored downstream milling
Ash Content Range
1–6 wt%
Primary impurity challenge requiring beneficiation and purification
Moisture Content Range
20–30 wt%
Hot-air drying materially improves milling efficiency and consistency
Iodine Number — All Sources
g/kg or mg/g (equivalent) · Amber = Site B · Cyan = Site A
Ash Content — All Sources
wt% · Lower is better · Sorted ascending
All Samples — Key Data at a Glance
| Sample ID | Location | Iodine (g/kg or mg/g) | NSA (m²/g) | Ash (wt%) | Test Date | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCIL (B) 1 | Site B | 900 | 972.9 | 2.72 | Mar 2026 | CCIL |
| CCIL (B) 2 | Site B | 950 | 1031.97 | 2.73 | Mar 2026 | CCIL |
| CCIL (B) 3 | Site B | 900 | 972.90 | 3.25 | Mar 2026 | CCIL |
| Central University of Punjab (B) 1 | Site B | 900 | — | — | — | CUP |
| Central University of Punjab (B) 2 | Site B | 830 | — | — | — | CUP |
| Central University of Punjab (P) 1 | Site A | 870 | — | — | — | CUP |
| Pagnism (B) 1 | Site B | 1068 | — | 1.79 | Nov 2024 | Pagnism |
| Pagnism (P) 1 | Site A | 881 | — | 3.98 | Nov 2024 | Pagnism |
Site B — Raw Material Quality
All characterisation data for Site B (Bathinda) carbon black feedstock. CCIL data carries the highest accuracy and should be treated as the authoritative reference.
CCIL data below is the most accurate and up-to-date characterisation available. All 3 samples confirmed as Site B material (different batches). Date: 27 March 2026.
CCIL — Full ASTM Characterisation
CCIL (B) 1 · CCIL (B) 2 · CCIL (B) 3 · All ASTM standard methods · 27 March 2026
| Parameter | UOM | Test Method | CCIL (B) 1 | CCIL (B) 2 | CCIL (B) 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iodine Number | g/kg | ASTM D1510 | 900 | 950 | 900 |
| DBP Absorption | m³/kg | ASTM D2414 | 432 | 450 | — |
| NSA (BET Surface Area) | m²/g | ASTM D6556 | 972.9 | 1031.97 | 972.90 |
| Heat Loss | wt% | ASTM D1509 | 28.0 | 36.8 | — |
| Ash Content | wt% | ASTM D1506 | 2.72 | 2.73 | 3.25 |
| Iron (Fe) | ppm | Wet Method | 1840 | 1120 | — |
| pH | — | ASTM D1512 | 3.07 | 4.50 | 3.07 |
| Tint Value | — | ASTM D3265 | 111.2 | 113.4 | 111.2 |
| Sieve Residue #325 | wt% | ASTM D1514 | 0.2810 | 0.2033 | 0.2030 |
| Sieve Residue #100 | wt% | ASTM D1514 | 0.1930 | 0.0573 | 0.0570 |
| Sieve Residue #35 | wt% | ASTM D1514 | 0.1545 | 0.0014 | 0.0014 |
| Sieve Residue Metallic | wt% | ASTM D1514 | 0.0022 | 0.0020 | 0.0022 |
Green = more favourable · Red/Orange = less favourable
CCIL Batches — Key Parameter Radar
Normalised comparison across CCIL (B) 1, (B) 2, (B) 3
Central University of Punjab — Site B Samples
2 of the 3 Central University of Punjab samples are confirmed Site B. Full SEM morphology and TGA thermal analysis available — see Supplementary tab.
Central University of Punjab (B) 1
SEM morphology + Iodine characterisation
| Iodine Number | mg/g | 900.0 |
| SEM Surface | — | Small pore surface; wider and more diffuse texture. Well-defined carbon structures with uniform distribution. |
Central University of Punjab (B) 2
SEM morphology + Iodine + TGA characterisation
| Iodine Number | mg/g | 830.0 |
| SEM Surface | — | Rough and irregular surface. Granular texture with porous structure and visible voids between particles. |
| TGA — Moisture loss onset | °C | 50 – 100 |
| TGA — Stable plateau | °C | 100 – 450 |
| TGA — Decomposition onset | °C | ≥ 450 |
Pagnism — Site B Pond Samples
Lowest accuracy. Data corrected from original Pagnism PDF — prior Excel had copy-paste errors. Treat as indicative screening data only.
Pagnism — 5 Site B Pond Samples
Initial screening · 06 November 2024 · PDF source used (corrected)
| Sample ID | Pond / Source | Iodine (mg/g) | Ash (wt%) | Observation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pagnism (B) 1 | Pond 2 (S1) | 1068.19 | 1.79 | Highest iodine across all sources tested |
| Pagnism (B) 2 | Pond 6 — K1 (Kishori) | 980.76 | 1.31 | Good iodine · Lowest ash in set |
| Pagnism (B) 3 | Pond 1 (S1) | 789.84 | 1.19 | Moderate iodine · Very low ash |
| Pagnism (B) 4 | Pond 6 — D1 Ash (Devan) | 475.37 | 19.08 | ⚠ Very high ash — likely contaminated |
| Pagnism (B) 5 | Pond 6 — D1 Dry (Devan) | 384.18 | 1.45 | Lowest iodine — possible over-drying |
Site A — Raw Material Quality
All characterisation data for Site A (Panipat) carbon black feedstock. Note: fewer dedicated tests available compared to Site B. Central University of Punjab (1 sample) is the most accurate Site A-specific data currently available.
Limited dedicated testing for Site A material to date. Priority action: commission CCIL-equivalent full characterisation for Site A.
Central University of Punjab (P) 1
SEM morphology + Iodine + TGA characterisation · Central University of Punjab, Bathinda
| Iodine Number | mg/g | 870.0 |
| SEM — Surface Morphology | — | Highly rough and granular surface texture with a dense particle network. Small, irregularly shaped particles with visible voids indicating a porous structure with high surface area characteristics. |
| TGA — Moisture loss onset | °C | 50 – 100 |
| TGA — Stable plateau | °C | 100 – 450 |
| TGA — Decomposition onset | °C | ~450 (consistent with Site B) |
| TGA Note | — | Profile identical across all three Central University of Punjab samples — thermal stability consistent between sites |
Central University of Punjab (P) 1 — Raw Particle Size
Number-weighted distribution · Before any milling
Narrow unimodal range (690–1034 µm). Feed form: powder mixed with 2–4 mm lumps. Notably narrower distribution than Site B feedstock.
| Particle Diameter (µm) | Size Dist. — Intensity-wtd (%) | Cumulative Number-wtd (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 689.8 | 5.47 | 5.47 |
| 747.9 | 17.01 | 22.48 |
| 811.1 | 22.74 | 45.22 |
| 879.5 | 23.34 | 68.56 |
| 953.7 | 19.50 | 88.07 |
| 1034.2 | 11.94 | 100.00 |
Pagnism — Site A Samples
Lowest accuracy. Initial screening data at different processing stages. Key finding: sun-drying significantly improves iodine value.
Pagnism — 4 Site A Processing-Stage Samples
06 November 2024
| Sample ID | Stage Description | Iodine (mg/g) | Ash (wt%) | Observation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pagnism (P) 1 | Original After Sun Dry — Pre-Screen | 880.86 | 3.98 | Best Site A quality — drying significantly improves iodine |
| Pagnism (P) 2 | Original From Pond (Unprocessed) | 557.35 | 2.62 | Low iodine before drying — pre-processing baseline |
| Pagnism (P) 3 | Sun Dry Lumps After Screening | 526.68 | 1.99 | Screened lumps — lower iodine than pre-screen |
| Pagnism (P) 4 | Reject — Bottom of Screen | 452.79 | 7.23 | ⚠ Reject fraction — high ash, low iodine. Do not use. |
Multi-Source Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of Site B vs Site A across all testing authorities, plus supplementary analyses from Alpha Test House and Haryana Test House.
Iodine Number — Site B vs Site A (All Sources)
Amber = Site B · Cyan = Site A · Values in g/kg or mg/g
CCIL (Site B) vs Central University of Punjab — Full Parameter Cross-Reference
Parameter
CCIL — Site B
Central University of Punjab — All Samples
Iodine No. (g/kg or mg/g)
(B)1: 900 · (B)2: 950 · (B)3: 900
Site B: (B)1 = 900 · (B)2 = 830 Site A: (P)1 = 870
NSA / BET (m²/g)
972.9 · 1031.97 · 972.9
Not reported
DBP Absorption (m³/kg)
432 · 450
Not reported
Ash Content (wt%)
2.72 · 2.73 · 3.25
Not reported
pH
3.07 · 4.50 · 3.07
Not reported
Heat Loss (wt%)
28.0 · 36.8
Not reported
Iron (Fe) (ppm)
1840 · 1120
Not reported
Tint Value
111.2 · 113.4 · 111.2
Not reported
SEM Morphology
Not reported
Porous, granular, irregular surface — consistent across all samples
TGA Stable Range
Not reported
100–450°C for all 3 samples — Site B and Site A identical
TGA Decomposition Onset
Not reported
~450°C across all samples
Alpha Test House (U) — Heavy Metals · New Delhi · December 2023
Location not confirmed for either sample. Method: ATHB/SOP/C/53. BDL = Below Detection Limit. Note: Chromium elevated in Alpha Test House (U) 2 at 8.2 ppm — warrants monitoring.
Heavy Metals — Alpha Test House (U) 1 & (U) 2
Units: mg/kg (ppm) · Location not confirmed
| Element | Symbol | Alpha Test House (U) 1 | Alpha Test House (U) 2 | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antimony | Sb | 1.2 | 1.9 | |
| Arsenic | As | 1.4 | 2.8 | |
| Barium | Ba | 3.7 | 4.2 | |
| Cadmium | Cd | 1.8 | 2.1 | |
| Chromium | Cr | 2.0 | 8.2 | ⚠ Significantly elevated in (U) 2 |
| Lead | Pb | 6.9 | 6.5 | |
| Mercury | Hg | BDL | BDL | ✓ Below detection limit — favourable |
| Selenium | Se | 4.4 | 6.5 |
Haryana Test House (U) — Moisture & Ash · Rohtak · April 2024
Haryana Test House (U) A – F
6 samples · Method: IS: 877:1989 · Location not confirmed
| Sample ID | Moisture (wt%) | Ash (wt%) |
|---|---|---|
| Haryana Test House (U) A | 35.39 | 3.69 |
| Haryana Test House (U) B | 47.73 | 3.97 |
| Haryana Test House (U) C | 22.20 | 12.47 |
| Haryana Test House (U) D | 49.80 | 7.48 |
| Haryana Test House (U) E | 36.60 | 2.95 |
| Haryana Test House (U) F | 83.22 | 5.37 |
Key Observations
✓ Haryana (U) E — Best overall: lowest ash (2.95%), moderate moisture
⚠ Haryana (U) C — Very high ash (12.47%) — likely contaminated or reject
⚠ Haryana (U) F — Extreme moisture (83.22%) — wet pond material
⚠ Haryana (U) D — High moisture + elevated ash — needs pre-treatment
📌 Wide moisture range (22–83%) suggests samples from different stages
📌 Location (Site A / Site B) not confirmed — requires clarification
⚠ Haryana (U) C — Very high ash (12.47%) — likely contaminated or reject
⚠ Haryana (U) F — Extreme moisture (83.22%) — wet pond material
⚠ Haryana (U) D — High moisture + elevated ash — needs pre-treatment
📌 Wide moisture range (22–83%) suggests samples from different stages
📌 Location (Site A / Site B) not confirmed — requires clarification
Particle Size Analysis
Raw material particle size characterisation and Raman spectrum analysis — all data from Central University of Punjab.
Particle Size Distribution — Site B (Bathinda)
Bimodal distribution: fine fraction (~189–332 µm) and coarse fraction (~1681–4819 µm). Feed form: powder + 3–15 mm lumps.
Site B — Raw Particle Distribution Table
Central University of Punjab · Intensity-weighted · Before milling
| Particle Diam. (µm) | Intensity-wtd (%) | No.-wtd Cumulative (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 188.8 | 3.37 | 3.37 |
| 204.7 | 7.53 | 10.90 |
| 221.9 | 10.02 | 20.92 |
| 240.7 | 11.06 | 31.98 |
| 261.0 | 10.90 | 42.87 |
| 283.0 | 9.77 | 52.65 |
| 306.9 | 7.94 | 60.59 |
| 332.8 | 5.62 | 66.21 |
| 2733.4 | 3.55 | 81.76 |
| 3779.3 | 2.74 | 94.61 |
| 4818.8 | 1.06 | 99.60 |
Site B vs Site A — Distribution Chart
Central University of Punjab · Intensity-weighted comparison
Particle Size Distribution — Site A (Panipat)
Narrow unimodal range (690–1034 µm). Notably tighter distribution than Site B. Feed form: powder + 2–4 mm lumps.
Site A — Raw Particle Distribution Table
Central University of Punjab · Number-weighted · Before milling
| Particle Diam. (µm) | Intensity-wtd (%) | No.-wtd Cumulative (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 689.8 | 5.47 | 5.47 |
| 747.9 | 17.01 | 22.48 |
| 811.1 | 22.74 | 45.22 |
| 879.5 | 23.34 | 68.56 |
| 953.7 | 19.50 | 88.07 |
| 1034.2 | 11.94 | 100.00 |
Site A — Cumulative Distribution
Number-weighted · Central University of Punjab
Raman Spectrum Analysis
Data source: Central University of Punjab. Raman spectroscopy characterises structural order of carbon via D-band (~1350 cm⁻¹) and G-band (~1580 cm⁻¹). I(D)/I(G) ratio indicates degree of graphitisation and defect density.
Raman Spectrum — Site B (Bathinda)
Central University of Punjab · D-band / G-band analysis
Raman Spectrum Data Pending
To be populated from Central University of Punjab analysis report.
D-band (~1350 cm⁻¹), G-band (~1580 cm⁻¹), I(D)/I(G) ratio, and FWHM data required.
D-band (~1350 cm⁻¹), G-band (~1580 cm⁻¹), I(D)/I(G) ratio, and FWHM data required.
Raman Spectrum — Site A (Panipat)
Central University of Punjab · D-band / G-band analysis
Raman Spectrum Data Pending
To be populated from Central University of Punjab analysis report.
D-band (~1350 cm⁻¹), G-band (~1580 cm⁻¹), I(D)/I(G) ratio, and FWHM data required.
D-band (~1350 cm⁻¹), G-band (~1580 cm⁻¹), I(D)/I(G) ratio, and FWHM data required.
Pulverizer Trials
ACM mill and Jet mill grinding trials conducted by Rathi Engineering Solutions and Reico (both Pune). Customer requirement: 90% passing 5 µm. Both Site B and Site A materials were trialled.
All ACM trials: Bar rotor, MD liner, 48L Inclined classifier, Chicken-feed mode, 10 HP motor. Key finding: Hot air at 50°C is essential for moisture reduction — especially critical for Site A (feed moisture ~45%).
ACM Trial Capacity & Specific Power Consumption
Bars = Capacity (kg/h) · Line = Specific Power Consumption (kWh/kg)
Rathi Engineering Solutions — ACM 10 Mill · 28 June 2025
Rathi — Site B (Bathinda)
Tests 1 & 4 · Tag: 25028 · Feed moisture ~35%
| Parameter | Test 1 | Test 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Rotor Speed | 7000 rpm | 6000 rpm |
| Classifier Speed | 4000 rpm | 3500 rpm |
| Fan Damper Opening | 50% | 100% |
| Capacity | 30 kg/h | 75 kg/h |
| Specific Power (Mill) | 0.25 kWh/kg | 0.18 kWh/kg |
| Product Moisture | 25.5% | 28.0% |
| Grind Time | 240 sec | 95 sec |
| PSD — Dv(90) | 5.36 µm | 7.16 µm ✗ |
| Bulk Density (Loose/Tapped) | 27 / 31 kg/m³ | 34 / 40 kg/m³ |
Rathi — Site A (Panipat)
Tests 2 & 3 · Tag: 25028 · Feed moisture ~33%
| Parameter | Test 2 | Test 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Rotor Speed | 7000 rpm | 6000 rpm |
| Classifier Speed | 4000 rpm | 3500 rpm |
| Fan Damper Opening | 50% | 100% |
| Capacity | 30 kg/h | 80 kg/h |
| Specific Power (Mill) | 0.18 kWh/kg | 0.12 kWh/kg |
| Product Moisture | 17.0% | 25.0% |
| Grind Time | 240 sec | 135 sec |
| PSD — Dv(90) | 5.19 µm ≈✓ | 5.63 µm |
| Bulk Density (Loose/Tapped) | 20 / 22 kg/m³ | 35 / 38 kg/m³ |
Rathi — Post-Grinding Particle Size Distribution (Malvern Mastersizer 3000)
Cubic Analytical Solution · Dry dispersion · July 2025 · Target: Dv90 ≤ 5 µm
Reico — ACM 10 Mill · 27 June 2025
Hot air (50°C) is transformative: Reduced Site B grind moisture 22% → 4.68% (Trial 251027/5). Reduced Site A grind moisture 39% → 7.96% (Trial 251028/3). Hot air pre-treatment strongly recommended for scale-up.
Reico ACM — Site B (Bathinda)
4 trials · Tag: 251027 · Feed moisture ~27%
| Parameter | 251027/1 | 251027/2 | 251027/3 | 251027/5 ★ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rotor Config | 4 BAR | 6 BAR | 6 BAR | 6 BAR |
| Fan Damper | 80% | 50% | 50% | 50% |
| Capacity (kg/h) | 112 | 98 | 99 | 98 |
| SPC (kWh/kg) | 0.7 | 0.8 | 3.0 | 0.8 |
| Grind Moisture | 22.18% | 22.00% | 22.18% | 4.68% |
| Hot Air | No | No | No | 50°C ✓ |
| Bulk D. Loose/Tapped (kg/m³) | 45/57 | 40/47 | 40/47 | 28/37 |
Reico ACM — Site A (Panipat)
2 trials · Tag: 251028 · Feed moisture ~45%
| Parameter | 251028/1 | 251028/3 ★ |
|---|---|---|
| Rotor Config | 6 BAR | 6 BAR |
| Fan Damper | 50% | 80% |
| Capacity (kg/h) | 90 | 110 |
| SPC (kWh/kg) | 3.2 | 0.7 |
| Feed Moisture | ~45% | ~45% |
| Grind Moisture | 39.33% | 7.96% |
| Hot Air | No | 50°C ✓ |
| Bulk D. Loose/Tapped (kg/m³) | 66/86 | 44/55 |
Reico — Jet Mill 12" · 27 June 2025 · Comparative Reference
Reico Jet Mill — Site B (Bathinda)
56 kW motor · 4 kg/cm² mill pressure · 5 kg/cm² feed pressure
| Parameter | 251027/3/1 | 251027/4 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (kg/h) | 10 | 12 |
| SPC (kWh/kg) | 4.0 | 2.8 |
| Feed Source | From ACM 251027/3 | 5-mesh sieved material |
⚠ ~10× lower capacity and higher SPC vs ACM. Jet mill not recommended for this application.
Reico Jet Mill — Site A (Panipat)
56 kW motor · 4 kg/cm² mill pressure · 5 kg/cm² feed pressure
| Parameter | 251028/1/1 | 251028/2 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (kg/h) | 11 | 13 |
| SPC (kWh/kg) | 4.0 | 2.8 |
| Feed Source | From ACM 251028/1 | 5-mesh + hot air 50°C |
⚠ ~8× lower capacity and higher SPC vs ACM. Jet mill not recommended for this application.
Supplementary Data
Full SEM and TGA analysis descriptions from Central University of Punjab, plus a complete testing source registry.
Central University of Punjab — Full SEM & TGA Analysis Descriptions
Central University of Punjab (B) 1
Site B · Iodine: 900 mg/g
SEM Analysis:
Small pore surface on the carbon sample. Surface is wider and more diffuse — rougher and more irregular. Well-defined carbon structures with uniform distribution throughout the sample.
Small pore surface on the carbon sample. Surface is wider and more diffuse — rougher and more irregular. Well-defined carbon structures with uniform distribution throughout the sample.
Central University of Punjab (B) 2
Site B · Iodine: 830 mg/g
SEM Analysis:
Rough and irregular surface morphology with a granular texture. Visible voids and gaps between particles indicate a porous structure. Overall consistency relatively uniform despite irregularities in particle size and shape.
TGA Profile:
(1) Initial weight loss 50–100°C — moisture and volatile evaporation.
(2) Stable plateau 100–450°C — thermally stable, no significant loss.
(3) Significant decomposition ≥450°C — oxidation / thermal decomposition.
Note: All 3 Central University of Punjab samples show similar TGA profiles.
Rough and irregular surface morphology with a granular texture. Visible voids and gaps between particles indicate a porous structure. Overall consistency relatively uniform despite irregularities in particle size and shape.
TGA Profile:
(1) Initial weight loss 50–100°C — moisture and volatile evaporation.
(2) Stable plateau 100–450°C — thermally stable, no significant loss.
(3) Significant decomposition ≥450°C — oxidation / thermal decomposition.
Note: All 3 Central University of Punjab samples show similar TGA profiles.
Central University of Punjab (P) 1
Site A · Iodine: 870 mg/g
SEM Analysis:
Highly rough and granular surface texture with numerous small particles forming a dense network. Particles relatively small and irregularly shaped. Visible voids indicate a porous structure with high surface area characteristics.
TGA Profile:
Profile identical to Site B samples — thermally stable up to ~450°C before significant weight loss.
Highly rough and granular surface texture with numerous small particles forming a dense network. Particles relatively small and irregularly shaped. Visible voids indicate a porous structure with high surface area characteristics.
TGA Profile:
Profile identical to Site B samples — thermally stable up to ~450°C before significant weight loss.
Complete Testing Source Registry
| Authority | Date | Location | Parameters Tested | Sample IDs | Key Finding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental Carbon India Ltd (CCIL) | Mar 2026 | Site B × 3 | Iodine, NSA, DBP, Ash, Fe, pH, Tint, Sieve ×4 | CCIL (B) 1–3 | Most complete. CCIL (B) 2: Iodine 950, NSA 1032 m²/g |
| Central University of Punjab | — | B × 2 / A × 1 | Iodine, SEM morphology, TGA, Particle size distribution, Raman spectrum | CUP (B) 1–2, CUP (P) 1 | Only source with SEM + TGA. Thermal stability to 450°C for both sites. |
| Alpha Test House (New Delhi) | Dec 2023 | Not confirmed | Heavy metals: Sb, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg, Se | Alpha (U) 1–2 | Hg BDL. Cr elevated in (U) 2 at 8.2 ppm. |
| Haryana Test House (Rohtak) | Apr 2024 | Not confirmed | Moisture (105°C), Ash (1000°C) — IS: 877:1989 | Haryana (U) A–F | Sample E best (ash 2.95%). Wide moisture range 22–83%. |
| Pagnism Innovations | Nov 2024 | B × 5 / A × 4 | Iodine No., Ash % (screening level) | Pagnism (B) 1–5, Pagnism (P) 1–4 | Pagnism (B) 1 highest iodine: 1068 mg/g. Excel had copy errors — PDF used. |
| Rathi Engineering Solutions (Pune) | Jun 2025 | B × 2 / A × 2 | ACM mill trials, PSD (Malvern Mastersizer 3000), moisture, bulk density | Rathi 25028/1–4 | Best Site A: 80 kg/h @ 0.12 kWh/kg. Dv90 close to target. |
| Reico (Pune) | Jun 2025 | B × 4+2 / A × 2+2 | ACM 10 (4-bar & 6-bar) + Jet mill trials, moisture, bulk density | Reico 251027/1–5, 251028/1–3 | Best capacity: 112 kg/h (4-BAR). Hot air critical for moisture removal. |