Rubber Processing Chemicals: Essential Ingredients For The Rubber Industry
A wide range of chemicals are used in the rubber manufacturing process to impart specific desirable properties and characteristics to the finished rubber product. These rubber processing chemicals play a vital role in transforming raw rubber into the durable and versatile material we know. Without them, rubber products would not function as needed for various applications.
Raw Material Preparation and Compounding
The first major stage in rubber manufacturing involves preparing and combining the raw materials. Several important chemicals are used at this stage.
Antioxidants and Antiozonants
Raw natural Rubber Processing Chemicals contains unstable molecules that are susceptible to oxidation and ozone cracking over time when exposed to air. Antioxidants and antiozonants are added to the rubber compound to protect the polymer chains from degradation. Common examples include diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPPD) and 6-phenyl-1,4-naphthoquinone. These chemicals extend the life of rubber products.
Accelerators and Vulcanization Agents
Sulfur or other vulcanization agents are mixed into the rubber compound to cause cross-linking between polymer chains through sulfur bridges. This process, called vulcanization, transforms the raw rubber into an elastic, resilient and strong material. Accelerators like tetrabenzylthiuram disulfide (TBzTD) facilitate the vulcanization process by reducing the time and temperature needed.
Plasticizers
Certain chemicals called plasticizers are added to improve the workability and processing of rubber. They act as lubricants to reduce the viscosity of the compound and prevent it from sticking to itself or manufacturing equipment during molding or extrusion processes. Common plasticizers include mineral oil and petroleum derivatives.
Fillers and Reinforcements
Compounded rubber usually contains fillers like carbon black, silica or clay to improve various physical properties at low cost. Fibrous reinforcements like carbon fibers are added where high tensile strength is needed. Fillers and reinforcements impact characteristics such as abrasion resistance, tensile strength and modulus.
Processing Aids
Additional processing aids facilitate handling and machining of rubber parts during shaping and molding operations. Internal and external lubricants reduce friction and release finished rubber products from molds or dies. Vulcanization accelerators may also be added at this stage to control the rate of curing.
Post-Cure Treatments and Coatings
Once molded, some rubber articles undergo post-cure treatments or receive coatings depending on end-use requirements. Treatments with resins or oils can increase surface durability while coatings of paints or protective layers provide scratch resistance, corrosion protection or decorate/color the rubber surface as needed.
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