X-Ray Diffraction Study of Carbon Black

X-ray diffraction patterns of carbon black have been made with strictly monochromatic radiation. Without making any assumptions as to the crystallinity of the material, the distribution of atoms about any one atom has been determined directly from the experimental scattering curve by the method of Fourier integral analysis. The results indicate definitely the existence of single graphite layers. Whether these layers have definite orientation and position with respect to one another (graphite crystal) or whether carbon black is a mesomorphic form of carbon, cannot be definitely decided from the experimental results. It is probable that carbon black is a heterogeneous mixture of particles which range from single graphite layers up to graphite crystals several layers thick. The intense small angle scattering is due to the difference between grain density and average density, caused by the loose packing of the extremely small grains.