Sustainable Formulations Using Recycled Carbon Black
Investigating circular-economy innovation through local carbon black applications.
Project Type: Undergraduate Thesis Research
Year: 2017
Institution: Covenant University (Nigeria)
Context
Nigeria produces millions of waste tires annually, many of which end up in landfills or are burned, releasing harmful emissions. At the same time, manufacturers of printing ink and shoe polish rely heavily on imported carbon black—a petroleum-based input that increases costs and environmental impact.
This research project explored the feasibility of using locally sourced carbon black—derived from waste-tire pyrolysis—as a sustainable alternative for ink and polish production. The work addressed both product performance and environmental impact, contributing to circular-economy innovation in Nigeria's materials industry.
This research project explored the feasibility of using locally sourced carbon black—derived from waste-tire pyrolysis—as a sustainable alternative for ink and polish production. The work addressed both product performance and environmental impact, contributing to circular-economy innovation in Nigeria's materials industry.
Research Objectives
1. Develop Sustainable Material Formulations
Create printing-ink and shoe-polish formulations using Nigerian carbon black to replace non-local, non-renewable additives.2. Optimize Material Ratios
Design experimental ratios for waxes (paraffin vs. beeswax) and resin-based additives to evaluate performance, stability, and sustainability.3. Conduct Laboratory Testing & Chemical Analysis
Assess viscosity, pH, density, ash content, moisture content, drying time, and absorbance across multiple reagent combinations.4. Evaluate Environmental Impact
Assess the production process to identify opportunities for waste reduction and improved energy efficiency.Key Findings
Printing Ink Formulation
Phenol resin improved drying rate but reduced pH at higher concentrations. Lead acetate affected viscosity and absorbance properties.
Optimal formulations balanced drying time, stability, and environmental safety.
Shoe Polish Formulation
Higher paraffin wax more viscous, solid polish; increased ash content and pH. Higher beeswax creamier polish; decreased ash content and pH.
Optimal wax ratios produced polish with desirable texture, shine, and durability
Sustainability Benefits
Nigerian carbon black offers high-quality, performance-ready alternatives to imported inputs. Supports local circular-economy development.
Reduces environmental burden from tire waste.
Lowers production costs for manufacturers.
Impact
This research demonstrated that Nigerian carbon black offers viable, environmentally beneficial potential for industrial ink and polish production. The findings support:
Local circular-economy development.
Lower production costs for manufacturers.
Reduced environmental burden from tire waste.
Pathways for greener, locally sourced materials in chemical manufacturing.
Local circular-economy development.
Lower production costs for manufacturers.
Reduced environmental burden from tire waste.
Pathways for greener, locally sourced materials in chemical manufacturing.
Skills Demonstrated
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
Laboratory Testing
Formulation Development
Sustainability Assessment
Technical Writing
Circular Economy Innovation
Materials Science
Laboratory Testing
Formulation Development
Sustainability Assessment
Technical Writing
Circular Economy Innovation
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