Jiangsu Bositong Intelligent Manufacturing Technology Co., LTD
Rubber is everywhere. It is a ubiquitous material that consumers and manufacturers alike rely on to go about their daily lives and operations. But have you ever wondered what raw materials are used to make rubber? Wonder no more because DLR Elastomer Engineering is here to give you our in-depth guide to everything that goes into the manufacture of rubber.
There are in the region of 10,000 rubber ingredients available to us as expert manufacturers of polymer products. There are around 20 polymers that we can choose from, with each one having more than one supplier. Not to mention subtle and significant differences in their properties. When it comes to developing custom rubber mouldings, we categorise our rubber compounding ingredients according to their purpose.
Natural Rubber (NR), Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Butyl (IIR), Halogenated Butyl (XIIR), Isoprene (IR), Butadiene (BR) – These are polymers used primarily in tyres.
Neoprene (CR), Nitrile (NBR), PVC/NBR, EPDM – These are general-purpose rubbers that provide fuel, oil, chemical, water, UV, ozone and weather resistance. They also deliver better heat resistance than NR, IR and SBR.
EVA, Polyurethane, XNBR, Hypalon (CSM), Epichlorohydrin (ECO), Ethylene Acrylic (AEM/Vamac) – These are special polymers, used at higher temperatures than others and have their own individual characteristic properties. For example, AEM is used in fire retardant applications. It is halogen free and emits non-toxic smoke.
Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR), Acrylic (AEM), Silicone (VMQ), Fluorosilicone (FVMQ), Aflas (TFE/P), Fluoroelastomers (FKM), Perfluoroelastomers (FFKM) – These polymers are used in demanding and aggressive environments. These include oil and gas, deep sea and chemical installations requiring the highest levels of heat and chemical resistance.
Note that the above polymers are made in multi-million pound polymerisation plants where monomers such as styrene and butadiene are reacted under pressure to produce rubber (Styrene Butadiene Rubber or SBR in this example). Every polymer has its own monomers and polymerisation chemistry. Each is made with a specific molecular weight (or Mooney Viscosity), balancing the physical properties and the processing required.
Polymers on their own, without the addition of other ingredients, find little use. The notable exception is oil modification. Polymers can be added to oil in order to maintain a constant viscosity with increasing temperatures, with a prime example of this being motor oil. Most polymers are used in the cured or vulcanised state to obtain the optimum physical properties required for the application and service life.
Say Goodbye to Knots: Essential Combs for Pet GroomingFillers are added to reinforce the polymer for improved physical properties, better processing and bulking out the polymer for cost-effectiveness. The vast majority of rubber applications are black. This is due to the use of a reinforcing, organic filler called carbon black. They are available in many grades that each impart their own unique set of properties to the polymer and subsequently the resulting compound and final product.
Many non-reinforcing fillers are used in polymers to make non-black rubber goods for industries, such as shoe soles, food, medical and pharmaceutical products. The only reinforcing non-black filler is silica. Fillers in this category are inorganic, such as whiting (calcium carbonate), talc (magnesium silicate), clay and silica (silicon dioxide) to name but a few. Specialist fillers for flame retardancy and other properties are also available.
Smooth and Silky: Keeping Your Pet's Coat Tangle-FreePolymers need the addition of some fillers to make them process better. Fillers tend to increase the hardness and produce stiff compounds and eventually harder parts. To counterbalance this effect, plasticisers or oils are used.
The most common types include:
Mineral Oils
Paraffinic, Naphthenic, Aromatic
These are widely used and provide good processing rubber compounds. They can be used in commodity rubbers within limits. For oil resistant and specialist rubbers, synthetic oils are used. These tend to be of the ester type and are used for their application-specific properties. For instance, providing flexibility at sub-zero temperatures, flame retardancy or antistatic properties.
In order to develop rubber products that provide a good degree of protection within their application environment, various additives can be added. Polymer degradation can take place due to attack from a combination of any number of the following:
Chemical > Oxygen, Ozone
Hydrolytic > Water
Thermal > Heat, Pyrolysis
Photolytic > UV
Biological
Radiation
Mechanical
Various ingredients provide the rubber product with a level of protection in service. All materials are subject to attack from any of the above. For example, photons of light, oxygen or ozone radicals react with unsaturation in the polymer backbone and start the degradation cycle. The additives used to counter the degradation absorb the free radicals, stopping the main polymer chain from being attacked and any further degradation from taking place.
The chemicals that we use range from microcrystalline waxes for ozone protection to phenol-based antioxidant and UV protectors. Para-phenylenediamines are commonly used, although these are staining. Most antidegradant systems use a combination of chemicals.
Certain additives are used to provide specific properties to rubber compounds. Blue is the colour generally preferred in the food industry. Food manufacturers also prefer the rubber to be metal detectable. Many pigments are available, which are both organic and inorganic. Red oxide and yellow ochre are examples of inorganic materials, while an example of organic materials are azo dyes.
In order to stick rubber to metal or other substrates, bonding agents may be needed in the rubber, as well as appropriate treatment of the substrate. Some applications – such as car door profiles – require blown, foam or sponge rubber. The holes or cells in the rubber are created by adding materials that release nitrogen during heating. The curing reaction traps the gases as the rubber expands.
Curing Agents
Having added many ingredients to the rubber, we now have a compound that has the consistency of plasticine. This material has to be cured under heat and pressure for it to take on a shape that can be retained when deformed. Sulphur can be added to effect crosslinks and provide a three-dimensional cross-linked network. As the reaction with sulphur is slow, various types of accelerators are added to speed up or accelerate the reaction.
This process of using accelerators enables products to be made more efficiently. However, care must be taken when selecting these additives. This is because they influence many aspects of production (process safety, shelf life) and service life (crosslink density, dynamic mechanical properties).
Looking for more detailed information on the different types of rubbers and polymers we work with? Then check out our material guides where you can find FAQ’s and more guides like this one detailing all you need to know. If you are looking for rubber or polymer products get in touch with DLR Elastomer today via our contact page or via LinkedIn and we can chat over your requirements.
Pet grooming is an essential part of caring for our furry friends. Regular grooming not only helps keep your pet looking their best, but it also promotes good health and hygiene. One tool that every pet owner should have in their grooming kit is a pet knotting comb. Pet knotting combs are specially designed to help detangle and remove knots and mats from your pet's fur. These combs have long, sturdy teeth that can easily glide through your pet's coat, gently untangling any knots or mats without causing discomfort or pain. Whether you have a long-haired dog or a fluffy cat, a pet knotting comb is an essential tool for keeping their coat healthy and looking its best. One of the main benefits of using a pet knotting comb is that it helps prevent mats from forming in your pet's fur. Mats are clumps of tangled hair that can be painful for your pet and can also trap dirt, debris, and even parasites. By regularly using a pet knotting comb to gently detangle your pet's fur, you can help prevent mats from forming and keep your pet's coat in top condition. Pet knotting combs are also great for removing loose fur and reducing shedding. Regular grooming with a knotting comb can help remove dead hair and reduce the amount of fur that your pet sheds, which can be especially helpful for pet owners who suffer from allergies. By regularly grooming your pet with a knotting comb, you can help keep their coat healthy and reduce the amount of fur that ends up on your furniture and clothes. In addition to detangling and reducing shedding, pet knotting combs can also help improve the overall health and appearance of your pet's coat. Regular grooming with a knotting comb can help distribute natural oils throughout your pet's fur, which can help keep their coat soft, shiny, and healthy. Grooming your pet with a knotting comb can also help improve circulation to their skin, which can promote healthy hair growth and reduce the risk of skin infections. When choosing a pet knotting comb for your furry friend, it's important to look for one that is made of high-quality materials and has sturdy, long teeth that can easily glide through your pet's coat. It's also a good idea to choose a comb that is the right size for your pet's breed and coat type, as using a comb that is too small or too large can be ineffective and potentially cause discomfort for your pet. Overall, pet knotting combs are a must-have tool for any pet owner who wants to keep their furry friend looking and feeling their best. By regularly grooming your pet with a knotting comb, you can help prevent mats, reduce shedding, and improve the overall health and appearance of their coat. So why wait? Invest in a pet knotting comb today and give your pet the grooming they deserve.
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