A closer look at zinc oxide: the versatile player in the rubber industry

 

In the world of rubber industry, zinc oxide (ZnO) is almost ubiquitous. It is not only an important raw material in the manufacture of rubber products, but also known as the "panacea" of the rubber industry because of its versatility. How important is zinc oxide? What does it do in rubber? Today, we will take you through the key role of zinc oxide in the rubber industry.

 

1, the multiple identities of zinc oxide: vulcanization activator and enhancer

The vulcanization process of rubber is a key step in transforming rubber from a viscous substance to a highly elastic material. In this process, zinc oxide plays an indispensable role.

 

1.1 vulcanization activator

Zinc oxide interacts with sulfur and organic accelerators in the vulcanization process, which can significantly reduce the activation energy of the vulcanization reaction, accelerate the vulcanization rate and shorten the production cycle. This means that on the factory line, zinc oxide can help rubber products complete the vulcanization process faster and better, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing costs.

 

1.2 Enhancers

Zinc oxide not only plays a role in chemical reactions, but also enhances the physical properties of rubber by forming chemical bonds with rubber molecules. For example, in tire manufacturing, the right amount of zinc oxide can significantly improve the tensile strength, tear strength and wear resistance of tires, so that tires can still perform well in complex road conditions.

 

2, zinc oxide: rubber escort

Rubber products in long-term use, will inevitably face the problem of aging. Environmental factors such as light, heat, oxygen, and ozone will cause rubber to gradually harden, lose elasticity, and even crack. The addition of zinc oxide provides an important protective barrier for rubber products.

 

2.1 Anti-aging performance

Zinc oxide inhibits the oxidation chain reaction by trapping free radicals, thus slowing down the aging rate of rubber. Especially in rubber products used outdoors, such as seals, tires, etc., the anti-aging effect of zinc oxide is particularly important. It not only extends the service life of rubber products, but also maintains their excellent performance in harsh environments.

 

2.2 Anti-ozone and anti-ultraviolet

Zinc oxide also protects against ozone and UV rays. It forms a protective film on the rubber surface, effectively blocking the destruction of ozone and ultraviolet rays on rubber molecules and preventing cracking on the rubber surface. This is an indispensable function for those rubber products that are exposed to sunlight or ozone for a long time.

 

3, the "invisible" contribution of zinc oxide: improve the processability of rubber

Another key point in the rubber production process is the dispersion of the filler. The dispersion of filler directly affects the uniformity and final performance of rubber products. The role of zinc oxide in this regard can not be ignored.

 

3.1 Improve the dispersity of fillers

The addition of zinc oxide helps to improve the dispersion of fillers (such as carbon black and white carbon black) in the rubber matrix. Good dispersion means that the rubber material is more uniform inside, and the mechanical properties of the product are more stable. For example, in the manufacture of automobile tires, the evenly dispersed filler can ensure that all parts of the tire have consistent wear resistance and strength, extending the service life.

 

3.2 Improve processing efficiency

Zinc oxide can also reduce the adhesion to the equipment during rubber processing, making the production process more smooth. This not only improves the production efficiency, but also reduces the wear and tear of the equipment, prolongs the service life of the equipment, and further reduces the production cost.

 

4, zinc oxide is widely used: from ordinary rubber to special rubber

The application of zinc oxide is not only limited to natural rubber, but also widely used in various synthetic rubber and special rubber. Each type of rubber has different requirements and action mechanisms for zinc oxide.

 

4.1 Application of natural rubber

In natural rubber (NR), the content of zinc oxide is usually between 3% and 5%. This content range can effectively promote the vulcanization reaction and significantly improve the mechanical strength and anti-aging properties of rubber. Tires, tapes, seals and other products have excellent performance due to the addition of zinc oxide.

 

4.2 Application of synthetic rubber

Zinc oxide also plays a vital role in synthetic rubbers such as styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), neoprene rubber (CR) and nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). It not only promotes vulcanization, but also improves the heat resistance, oil resistance and aging resistance of these rubbers. For example, in neoprene rubber, zinc oxide can improve its heat resistance and ozone aging resistance, which is ideal for high temperature resistance and outdoor applications.

 

4.3 Application of special rubber

In silicone rubber, fluorine rubber and butyl rubber and other special rubber, the application of zinc oxide is more extensive and complex. For example, in silicone rubber, zinc oxide can significantly improve its heat resistance and ultraviolet resistance, making it widely used in aerospace, electronic appliances and other fields.

 

5. Finally

The role of zinc oxide in the rubber industry is undoubtedly multifaceted, from the promotion of vulcanization to anti-aging, from enhancing rubber properties to improving processability, the contribution of zinc oxide is everywhere. With the continuous progress of technology and the improvement of environmental awareness, the application of zinc oxide in the rubber industry will be more extensive and in-depth. For manufacturers of rubber products, a full understanding and reasonable application of zinc oxide can not only improve product quality, but also occupy a favorable position in the fierce market competition.

 

In the future, zinc oxide will continue to move forward in the direction of environmental protection, efficiency and multi-function, providing a strong impetus for the innovation and sustainable development of the rubber industry. If you are involved in the rubber products industry, or interested in the rubber process, then in-depth understanding of zinc oxide will open a new door for you.