Creating standards for recovered carbon black

Standards developer ASTM International has announced the launch of a new technical committee dedicated to developing standards for the growing field of recovered carbon black (rCB).

Approved by ASTM’s board of directors, Committee D36 on Recovered Carbon Black (rCB) will focus on creating and updating standards in areas such as the decomposition of scrap tyres, other scrap-rubber components, sustainability and material characterisation. The committee was formed from members of the existing Committee D24 on Carbon Black — as well as other experts — who saw a growing and distinct portfolio of standards work related to recycling carbon-black products.

“We’re thrilled to see this committee spring forth from the vibrancy of one of our existing committees,” said ASTM President James Thomas. “As always, we’re honoured to be chosen as the standards development organisation for the world’s leading experts in yet another exciting and innovative industry.”

Anthony Thornton, who formerly served on the organisation’s board of directors, was appointed to chair the new committee. Thornton is the director of product integrity and performance at Micromeritics Instrument Corporation, a global company headquartered in Georgia, USA.

The committee will host its first meeting on 27 March in Brussels, Belgium, in conjunction with the annual conference of the European Tyre Recycling Association (ETRA). Initial major tasks of the committee include revising and adopting several standards currently under the jurisdiction of D24.