Zinc oxide for rubber possesses inorganic active agent properties that are essential in the production process, particularly in transparent rubber products and food-related products. In the industrial process, 50% of the zinc oxide flows into the rubber industry, where it acts as a strengthening and coloring agent.
Understanding the Important Role of Zinc Oxide for Rubber
In the rubber industry, zinc oxide is used as an activator, vulcanization accelerator, and strengthening agent with a coloring effect. This material can enhance vulcanization, activation, strengthening, and anti-aging effects of rubber. This significantly improves the quality of rubber products, minimizing tearing and improving abrasion resistance.
In summary, zinc oxide has three main roles in the rubber industry. These include formulating as an activator or accelerator, and as an acidic agent in rubber vulcanization to absorb some of the acid and improve the compound’s thermal properties.
Furthermore, the following is a detailed explanation of the important role of zinc oxide in rubber formulations.
- Activating the Entire Drying System
Zinc oxide and stearic acid form zinc soap. This increases the solubility of zinc oxide in the compound, forming a complex with the accelerator. This reacts with sulfur to produce a very strong vulcanizing agent.
- Increases Cross-Bound Density
Zinc oxide and stearic acid form Zn2++ salts with the sulfur-containing side chains of the accelerator. This compound stabilizes the bonds during the vulcanization process.
It also helps form shorter and stronger cross-links. It even increases the number of new bonds, resulting in denser and stronger rubber.
- Improves the Anti-Aging Properties of Vulcanized Rubber
During the vulcanization process and during use, polysulfide bonds can break. This process produces H₂S, which can accelerate cracking in the rubber.
Zinc oxide then reacts with H₂S to form new cross-links. This results in a more stable vulcanized network and increases the rubber’s resistance to aging.
Zinc oxide for rubber plays a vital role in supporting high-quality rubber production. This vital role enables the production of strong, denser rubber with a stable vulcanization network, thereby minimizing product aging.
