The use of advanced technology has enabled companies to create better products and processes in the Rubber Compound industry. Companies invest in research and development to enhance the material strength. They are also able to manufacture superior-quality rubber compound products, which in turn garner consumer demand and boost sales. Modern production equipment improves the production process and reduces costs associated with labor, resources, and time. Here is a brief guide to rubber compounds and their various applications.

HEXPOL

Hexpol Group has acquired Preferred Compounding Corp. from the Audax Group for about $240 million. The Copley, Ohio, firm was the second largest compounder in the United States with sales of $240 million last year. Preferred employs 540 people and operates six factories. In addition to the purchase, Hexpol secured a new credit facility. It will now use the new facility to expand its rubber compounding capabilities and meet the growing needs of customers.

HEXPOL Rubber Compounding provides a diverse range of rubber compounds for a variety of applications. From industrial to consumer markets, HEXPOL is a leading supplier of advanced polymer compounds. Its expertise extends from automotive parts to gaskets for plate heat exchangers. Its products are also used in consumer electronics and in the manufacturing of wheels and forklifts. HEXPOL is organized into two business areas: the Compounding Division.

The Robbins business has a lower EBITDA margin than the HEXPOL Group, but it is expected to have a positive impact on the company's earnings per share. Robbins is expected to consolidate in December 2012.

SBR

The SBR Rubber Compound Market is segmented by regions, manufacturers, type, and application. The study identifies the key factors that can influence the growth of the market. The research report also includes the competitive landscape of the SBR Rubber Compound industry. The report includes recent developments, key players, untapped regions, and competitive landscape. The regional segments are further subdivided into countries such as Japan, the United States, and Europe.

SBR Rubber Compound is a thermoset derived from butadiene and styrene. It is produced in large bales and is available as a raw material in the market. Manufacturing of SBR rubber begins with mixing the elastomers and additives and continues with different processing techniques. SBR is typically molded at a temperature between five and 10 degrees Celsius. Using a cold process increases its abrasion resistance, while hot SBR increases branching and gelation.

SBR rubber compounds perform well in water, alcohol, silicone oil, and weak acids. They are less resistant to petroleum oils, strong acids, UV rays, and aromatic aliphatic hydrocarbons. While SBR is most commonly used in the production of tires, it has many other applications. The following are some of the applications of SBR rubber. These include: tires, carpet backing, adhesives, and footwear. With the increased demand for SBR rubber compounds, the SBR compound has become more popular and diversified.

Latex

A latex rubber additive is a chemical composition that is primarily made up of a crosslinked fatty acid and a carrier, which is usually water or a polar solvent. The carrier may also contain wetting agents and emulsifiers. These components are combined using a known method, and the result is a latex rubber compound. The invention relates to a method for adding the crosslinked fatty acid to a latex rubber compound, and methods for mixing the two.

The composition of latex compounds depends on the types of ingredients used in the process. Some are liquid, while others are solid. For instance, water-soluble materials are mixed with insoluble ones, and vice versa. Insoluble liquids, on the other hand, must be prepared as dispersions or emulsions. Adding surfactants to the latex can help it maintain its consistency and not separate from the emulsion.

In a typical composition, ingredients are added in a ratio of 60 parts water to three parts crosslinked fatty acid. Other ingredients include polar solvent, crosslinked fatty acid, and surface active agents. The ingredients of latex rubber compounds are added in order to obtain desired properties such as compatibility, viscosity control, and final physical properties. These properties determine how durable a latex product will be. In particular, latex rubber products are prone to tear propagation and growth, so the addition of an additive will increase their resistance to these processes.

Clay

Polymer chains arranged in a matrix, called a polymer network, promote interlayer distance expansion. This in turn promotes ultimate exfoliation. Polymer chains are also intercalated within the polymer network, and this promotes higher crosslinking density. In addition to being crosslinked, polymers contain OC, which contributes to interlayer space modification. The interlayer distance is shifted towards lower 2nd angle values.

The adsorption properties of natural rubber compounds are improved by modifying the surface of the clay. By increasing the surface area, clay acts as adsorbent for the rubber molecules. This is particularly advantageous in the case of NR and IR compounds. In addition, clay is an excellent natural filler material. As a result, it is highly reactive in the presence of organic solvents, which reduces its ozone depletion and thereby the risk of fire.

The use of silane coupling agents in rubber compounds has two major disadvantages. One is that it is difficult to distribute the silane coupling agents throughout the rubber, preventing maximum mechanical properties. Another problem with this method is that excess silane may react with non-rubber and curatives. Another disadvantage is that silane coupling agents can self-condense if too much is used. As such, it is better to mix silane with the clay-filled rubber before adding curatives.

The rheological properties of natural rubber were also evaluated using rheographs. The rheological properties of the filler can be used to assess its reinforcing potential. For example, an organokaolin-based rubber filled with bulk clay 40 phr exhibited a scorch time of 1.3 min and an organokaolin-filled rubber compound had a scorch time of 2.1 min.

Carbon black

activated carbon is a substitute for carbon black in many rubber products. Its tensile strength is considerably lower than that of carbon black. In addition to its anti-corrosion property, activated carbon also has an attractive price. This is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a cost-effective and high-performing solution for rubber compounds. Here are three advantages of this compound:

According to DataIntelo, the rubber compound market is expected to grow at a substantial growth rate. Its anti-corrosion property and abrasion resistance are improved when added to a rubber compound. It can also reduce hysteresis loss. Depending on the type of carbon black added, its use in rubber compounds can be either minimal or excessive. Further, its functionalization can enhance the performance of other rubber components. Carbon black also has a positive impact on wear and tear resistance. It is also highly regarded as an environmentally friendly compound.

The process for manufacturing carbon black in the tire industry is based on the oxidative pyrolysis of raw materials in a reactor. There are three stages to this process. In each stage, the reacting media flow through sequential zones. The carbon black material is then pelletized. Once produced, it is characterized and incorporated into the rubber composition. The method is described below. It also involves a solvent-free process.

Amorphous silica

Several factors affect the dispersion properties of amorphous silica in rubber compounds. One major influence is the type of mixing equipment used. Different mixing equipments have varying analytical properties, so silica dispersibility can vary widely. This study focused on 25 types of silica, each with its own unique properties. In the study, the dispersibility of amorphous silica was assessed using two methods: sedimentation and in-situ cluster fragmentation.

Amorphous silica is a replacement for crystal-line silica in rubber compounds. Its chemical and physical properties are similar to those of the crystalline silica used in most rubber compounds. This substitute can help improve silicone and fluorosilicone rubber properties. Silicones are structured by polymer-filler interactions. These interactions occur in a compound's morphology and surface chemistry.

Amorphous silica has the highest void volume in the structure of a rubber compound, enabling it to withstand high forces without being broken down. However, amorphous silica has a lower DBP value, which means its quality is poor. It's important to remember that silica comes in various forms, including micropearls, granules, and powders. In addition to the above characteristics, the five standard analytical parameters of silica are also specified, indicating its grade.

X-ray diffraction was also used to determine the volume of voids in the samples. The results of this study confirmed that the morphology of silica does not change during a compression process. This confirms the theory that amorphous silica is amorphous. Its crystal structure is undefined. It is difficult to differentiate between the two types of silica.