Carbon black delivers excellent optical coloring performance, weather resistance, acid, alkali and solvent resistance. Its comprehensive performance far outperforms other black raw materials such as graphite and iron oxide black, making it the most widely used black pigment in the printing ink industry.Carbon black with medium or relatively large particle sizes is generally selected for basic coloring of inks. For light-tone inks, large-particle carbon black can produce a clean blue undertone and effectively prevent a red cast on finished products. Low-structure carbon black with low volatile content is universally preferred for all types of printing inks to ensure low viscosity and outstanding fluidity, suitable for high-speed printing equipment. Gravure inks for publication and packaging prioritize easily dispersible carbon black with a pure blue undertone, which avoids plate clogging during printing. High-purity oxidatively modified carbon black is formulated into high-gloss inks for premium picture albums and lamination applications, greatly boosting the gloss of dried ink films.

Particle size directly determines the jetness and tinting strength of inks. Smaller particle size corresponds to stronger tinting strength. When the particle size is less than 16 nm, carbon black exhibits reduced hiding power and increased transparency, which is unsuitable for full-tone dark printing. Higher dispersion degree and moderate structure of carbon black contribute to superior gloss of dried ink films.