Pampa Carbon Black Plant

One of five carbon black plants in West Texas, this one is owned by Cabot, a specialty chemicals company based in Boston. It has been in operation since 1926, and owned by Cabot since 1945. Carbon black is a powdery black carbon material resulting from the incomplete combustion of a heavy hydrocarbon (e.g. tar, fuel oil, etc.), in a combustion zone fueled by air and natural gas. It is used primarily in synthetic rubber, where it acts as a pigment, as well as a heat dissipator and strengthener. It is also used in toners, coatings, and sealants. Texas once produced 75% of the nation’s carbon black. Plants at Big Spring, Borger, Sunray, and Pampa remain active.