The Function and Usage of Rubber Softeners

1、 The role of rubber softeners

Rubber softener is a chemical substance that can make rubber soft, elastic, and has enhanced ductility. Rubber itself is a polymer material with high hardness and strength, but in some cases it needs to be made soft to better adapt to specific usage environments. Rubber softeners can soften rubber materials by reducing the interaction forces between rubber molecules, while also improving their ductility and elasticity.

2、 Usage of rubber softeners

1. Select suitable rubber softeners

Before using rubber softeners, it is necessary to first select suitable softeners based on the type of rubber and the usage environment. Different rubber materials require different softeners, otherwise it will affect the performance and service life of the rubber.

2. Add rubber softener

Add the selected rubber softener to the rubber material in a certain proportion, stir evenly, and make it fully mixed. Normally, the amount of softener added ranges from 2% to 5% of the total rubber content.

3. Mixing and stirring

After mixing the rubber softener and rubber material, sufficient mixing and stirring are required to ensure that the softener is evenly distributed throughout the entire rubber material.

4. Heating treatment

After mixing and stirring, the rubber material needs to be heated to allow its softener to fully penetrate and dissolve in the rubber molecules. The heating temperature and time need to be adjusted according to the specific type of rubber and softener.

5. Pressing and forming

The rubber material after heating treatment needs to be pressed and formed to produce the required rubber products. During the compression molding process, adjustments need to be made according to specific molding conditions to ensure the quality and performance of the product.

In short, the use of rubber softeners can make rubber materials soft, elastic, and have enhanced ductility, thereby better adapting to specific usage environments. When using rubber softeners, it is necessary to pay attention to selecting suitable softeners, dosage, and processing conditions to ensure the quality and performance of rubber products.