1860s: Carbon black nanoparticles used
A descendent of lampblack first produced by the Chinese more than 3500 years ago, carbon black is one of the oldest nano-sized particles used by humans.
Historically carbon black was used mostly for ink and was a common pigment in paint. Modern carbon black production involves atomizing feedstocks such as heavy aromatic oils or methane in a furnace.
Today more than 8.1 million metric tons of carbon black is produced annually, with the most common usage as a pigment and strengthening agent for automotive tires and industrial products. Carbon back is also used in plastic as conductive packaging, films, and semi-conductive cable; high-performance pigmentation, conductivity, or UV-protection coatings; pigment in toners and printing inks; and even food coloring.
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