Acetylene carbon black is a high-purity acetylene obtained through the pyrolysis of calcium carbide gas or naphtha (crude gasoline) during decomposition, followed by refining. It is further processed into carbon black through continuous pyrolysis. After heating the reactor to a temperature above 800°C, which is the starting temperature for acetylene decomposition, the gas is introduced to initiate the thermal decomposition. Being an exothermic reaction, it proceeds automatically. To maintain consistent quality, the reaction temperature should be kept around 1800°C, which can be controlled by the water-cooled jacket surrounding the reactor. Acetylene carbon black, used as an anode material in manganese dry batteries along with manganese dioxide and electrolyte, boasts superior conductivity and absorbency due to its developed crystalline and secondary structures compared to furnace carbon black. It also has minimal self-discharge loss and good storage properties, thanks to its low heavy metal and other impurities content. Acetylene black dominates the market and is expected to continue growing along with the demand for dry batteries.

Acetylene black is a fine black powder with a relative density of 1.95 (measured by nitrogen displacement method). The apparent density ranges from 0.2 to 0.3 g/cm³. The average particle size is 30 to 45 nm. The specific surface area is 55 to 70 m²/g. The iodine adsorption value is 60 to 80 gI₂/kg. Acetylene black has a high purity, containing more than 99.5% carbon, less than 0.1% hydrogen, and 0.07% to 0.26% oxygen. The pH value is between 5 and 7. It has a low resistivity, exhibiting excellent conductivity, heat conductivity, and resistance to static effects.