Rubber is such an essential and versatile material since you can find it almost anywhere. From tires to decorations, from wires to toys and even medical equipment, rubber is playing a key role as an irreplaceable material. But what is the secret behind rubber’s versatility? The answer is also a versatile compound called zinc oxide. Here’s how zinc oxide for rubber is very important and has so many benefits.
The Vulcanization Process
To make rubber resilient, strong, and have a long lasting quality, a key process called vulcanization is extremely important. Vulcanization is a process where the rubber molecules would be chemically cross-linked with organic or inorganic substances through pressure and also heat.
In the process of vulcanization, zinc oxide is playing an extremely important role since this compound would act as an activator to the whole process. Zinc oxide for rubber is beneficial for improving the quality of the rubber products such as elasticity and tensile strength, and also allowing faster times of production would make it really helpful for the manufacturer.
Beyond the Vulcanization Process
Not only in the vulcanization process, zinc oxide is also contributing in many other factors for the rubber industries. It contributes to making the rubber products have more resistance to heat, which is an important quality for making a variety of products such as tires, engine parts, or conveyor belts.
Zinc oxide will not only improve the heat resistance but also the abrasion resistance. Zinc oxide will enhance the rubber products’ resistance to wear and tear which is important for making tires long lasting and also safe to use.
Zinc oxide for rubber is also important because it will protect rubber products from the harmful UV radiation that would cause degradation and reduce their lifespan.