In modern industry, zinc oxide has become an essential material in various fields. One of them is zinc oxide used in rubber.
What is zinc oxide’s role in rubber manufacturing? Here, you will find out more about the three steps of how zinc oxide affects the process.
- Activating the Entire Curing System
One of the roles of zinc oxide is noticeable in the curing system. It is the system where rubber materials start to form. The curing stage performance affects the result of the rubber manufacturing process.
In this stage, zinc oxide works together with stearic acid to create zinc soap. This substance helps in improving zinc oxide solubility. That allows the material to enter the rubber compound and strengthen it.
It then reacts to sulfur within the compound. In the end, zinc oxides become a strong vulcanizing agent. It helps create better durability and flexibility of the rubber product.
- Improving Cross-Linking Density
The increasing solubility helps zinc oxide to affect the rubber cross-links compound density. Zinc oxide works together with stearic acid again to form certain substances. It is called Zn2 + + salt.
The new substance combines with the sulfur accelerator. It fixes the weak bond in the sulfur compound cross-link. The weak bond appears because of cracking in the sulfur bonds.
The result is a shorter cross-linking compound. The shorter cross-linking form creates higher density. It affects the rubber’s durability.
- Enhancing Anti-Aging Properties of Vulcanized Rubber
The vulcanization during rubber manufacturing creates cracks. It happens because the heat breaks the polysulfide bond. In this condition, the rubber material is unstable and easy to break.
Zinc oxide reacts to that condition, along with stearic acid, by creating a new and stronger cross-linking bond. It stabilizes the rubber bond. Therefore, the vulcanization process won’t cause damage to the rubber material.
It works like an anti-aging product. This stronger cross-linking keeps rubber from cracking and has better elasticity. Therefore, the quality of rubber is much higher than before because of this manufacturing method.
Conclusion
Zinc oxide acts as the control system of the whole rubber manufacturing process. You must understand after reading the three roles this material has in this manufacturing. It works as a protection and problem-solver when something happens during manufacturing.
It is not wrong to say that zinc oxide used in rubber is necessary. It helps rubber products to reach a new level. That fits the modern requirements that all customers want.
