What is the Order of Adding Materials in Rubber Compounding?

During the rubber compounding process, the order of additions is critical to the properties of the final rubber compound. Specifically, materials will be added in the following order during the production process.

1.Rubber base material: The first thing to add is the rubber base material, which is the main material that constitutes rubber products.

2.Active fillers: Then added are active fillers, such as activated carbon black, which have a significant effect on improving the processing performance and physical strength of rubber. This step should be ensured after the rubber base material to ensure even dispersion of the active filler.

3.Oil: Oil, such as weakly polar or non-polar oils and waxes, is added after the active filler to enhance the softness and plasticity of the rubber and make it easier to process.

4.Softener: Next is the addition of softener, also called plasticizer. Its function is to make the rubber softer, making it easier to mold and process.

5.Matting agent: After the softener, a matting agent is added. Its main function is to eliminate the color caused by oxidation reaction during rubber processing.

6.Reinforcement agent: In order to enhance the hardness, strength and wear resistance of rubber, reinforcement is added next. This step is performed after the matting agent to ensure that the reinforcing agent can fully exert its effect.

7.Vulcanizing agent: Vulcanizing agent is an indispensable and important component in rubber processing. It can form cross-links between rubber molecules and form a three-dimensional network structure, thereby improving the strength of rubber. Since the vulcanizing agent requires a certain amount of time to complete its reaction, it is usually added after the reinforcing agent.

8.Accelerator: In order to accelerate the chemical reaction between the vulcanizing agent and the rubber and increase the cross-linking density of the rubber, an accelerator needs to be added before the vulcanizing agent.

9.Mixing auxiliary agents: Finally, according to specific production needs, mixing auxiliary agents, such as antioxidants, antioxidants, anti-scorch agents, foaming agents, etc., can be added to improve the processing performance of the rubber and extend its service life. The addition time and quantity of these auxiliaries need to be adjusted according to specific requirements.