Zinc oxide is a substance that is widely being used in the rubber industry because of its excellent properties like how it acts as an activator for the rubber vulcanization. Vulcanization is the process where natural rubber is converted into a material that is more durable for a long use.
Zinc oxide is widely used in the rubber industry because of its so many physical, chemical, and optical properties that would help the quality of the final products. High levels of zinc oxide are important in making tires since tires need to be durable and have high heat conductivity for safety. Here are the roles use of zinc oxide in rubber industry.
Activate the Curing System
The combination of zinc oxide and stearic acid will result in zinc soap which will improve the level of solubility of zinc oxide and with the accelerator to produce a complex. This complex, which is very lively, will react with sulfur and will produce a vulcanizing agent that is extremely strong.
Improve Cross-Linking Density
Another important role of zinc oxide in the rubber industry is to improve the cross-linking density. The combination of zinc oxide and stearic acid will result in Zn2++ salt Because of this, the weak bond in a stable state will change the sulfur bonds cracking position. Because of this, rubber vulcanization will increase the cross-linking density by producing shorter cross-linking and adding keys of new cross-linking.
Improve Anti-Aging Quality
In the process of vulcanization and the use of the rubber products, polysulfide would break, producing H2S which will accelerate the rubber cracking. Zinc oxide in the rubber industry will react to form new bonds of cross-linking, stabilize the network of vulcanization, and in the end will improve the level of aging resistance.