Recipe - How it works
Rubber is a polymer produced through a process called vulcanization. But in order to be able to vulcanize a rubber and at the same time give it specific properties, several different components are required which together form a recipe. Each recipe in itself is unique and varies depending on which properties are sought but also which manufacturing process is to be used during the vulcanization itself, for example injection or compression molding.
But basically, you always start from some basic components in the recipe structure, which all have different tasks.
Raw materials: The base for rubber is usually natural rubber or synthetic rubber such as butadiene rubber or styrene rubber. Natural rubber is extracted from the latex sap of rubber trees, while synthetic rubber is oil-based and produced industrially.
Fillers: Fillers are used to strengthen the rubber and improve its mechanical properties. Common fillers are carbon black, chalk and kaolin. Fillers are often added to increase the rubber's stiffness, wear resistance and tear resistance.
Aging protection: Stabilizers are used to prevent degradation of the rubber by protecting it from oxidation or thermal degradation. Common stabilizers are antioxidants and anti-ozone agents. These help protect the rubber and increase its life.
Plasticizers: Plasticizers are used to increase the flexibility and softness of the rubber. This gives both a softer final product but it also helps to enable shaping and processing of the rubber. Plasticizers can be different types of oils or waxes that reduce friction during blade and barbedding.
Vulcanizing agent: Vulcanizing agent is used to, as the name suggests, vulcanize rubber. The most common vulcanizing agents are sulphur, peroxide and metal oxides. The vulcanization process itself involves heating the rubber to a certain temperature which leads to the formation of sulfur bonds which give the rubber its elastic properties.
By combining and dosing the right amount of the different base parts, you can create rubber with different properties such as elasticity, flexibility, wear resistance and chemical resistance.
The recipe structure for rubber can vary depending on the type of rubber being manufactured and the specific properties you want to achieve.
But basically, you always start from some basic components in the recipe structure, which all have different tasks.
Raw materials: The base for rubber is usually natural rubber or synthetic rubber such as butadiene rubber or styrene rubber. Natural rubber is extracted from the latex sap of rubber trees, while synthetic rubber is oil-based and produced industrially.
Fillers: Fillers are used to strengthen the rubber and improve its mechanical properties. Common fillers are carbon black, chalk and kaolin. Fillers are often added to increase the rubber's stiffness, wear resistance and tear resistance.
Aging protection: Stabilizers are used to prevent degradation of the rubber by protecting it from oxidation or thermal degradation. Common stabilizers are antioxidants and anti-ozone agents. These help protect the rubber and increase its life.
Plasticizers: Plasticizers are used to increase the flexibility and softness of the rubber. This gives both a softer final product but it also helps to enable shaping and processing of the rubber. Plasticizers can be different types of oils or waxes that reduce friction during blade and barbedding.
Vulcanizing agent: Vulcanizing agent is used to, as the name suggests, vulcanize rubber. The most common vulcanizing agents are sulphur, peroxide and metal oxides. The vulcanization process itself involves heating the rubber to a certain temperature which leads to the formation of sulfur bonds which give the rubber its elastic properties.
By combining and dosing the right amount of the different base parts, you can create rubber with different properties such as elasticity, flexibility, wear resistance and chemical resistance.
The recipe structure for rubber can vary depending on the type of rubber being manufactured and the specific properties you want to achieve.