What is Vulcanization? | JCT Machinery

What is vulcanization?

The process of converting plastic rubber into elastic vulcanized rubber is technically called vulcanization. Vulcanization is the last process in the manufacturing process of rubber products. In this process, rubber undergoes a series of complex chemical changes, turning plastic rubber into elastic or hard rubber, thereby obtaining more complete physical and mechanical properties and chemical properties performance, making rubber materials a more valuable material. The quality and service life of the product depend largely on the vulcanization process is of great significance to the manufacturing and application of rubber and its products.

Is the higher the vulcanization temperature during vulcanization, the better?

Vulcanization temperature is the basic condition for the rubber vulcanization reaction. It directly affects the vulcanization speed and product quality. It is one of the most important control conditions in the rubber vulcanization process.

The vulcanization temperature should be determined according to the rubber compound formula, the most important of which depends on the rubber type and vulcanization system. In recent years, with the increase of room temperature vulcanization (rtv) rubber and the emergence of high temperature vulcanization (htv), the vulcanization temperature tends to two extremes, especially htv is eye-catching. Increasing the vulcanization temperature can shorten the vulcanization time and improve production efficiency. However, increasing the vulcanization temperature requires a comprehensive balance of the following factors:

Rubber is a poor thermal conductor. For vulcanization of thick products, it is difficult to make the inner and outer rubber layers reach a flat range at the same time using htv.

Secondly, The temperature resistance properties of various rubbers are different. When the vulcanization temperature is increased to a certain level, the rubber properties will be more or less affected.

In addition, high temperature have a destructive effect on the fiber materials in rubber products and will reduce their strength.

Therefore, corresponding technical measures must be taken to increase the vulcanization temperature, but the vulcanization temperature cannot be increased indefinitely. When selecting the vulcanization temperature, the rubber type, vulcanization system, vulcanization process and product structure should all be considered.