Vulcanization is a critical process in rubber manufacturing that that transform raw rubber into a durable heat-resistant ,and elasitc mateiral.
Over so many years ,now the vulcanization techniques have developed to meet diverse industrial requirements .From traditional methods to innovotive approaches ,the vulcanization process ensures rubber achieves the desired properties for various application
It is the fact that without vulcanization technique, the raw rubber material are sticky, weak, and easily deformed.
That is why all rubber raw material need to be vulcanized before it is produced other rubber material . The vulcanization is a process of cross-linking rubber molecules chemically with sulfur or other curing agents through the action of heat and pressure.
Whether your company are producing tires, seals, footwear soles , hoses ,shoe soles ,gaskets or other rubber products, the vulcanization process is essential to meet the demands of modern industries ,as it can improve rubber’s properties by way of raising their tensile strength and hardness.
Basically ,there are two rubber vulcanization processes which help the formation of polysulphide crosslinks between chains. The first process, called Pressure Vulcanization which heat the raw rubber material with sulfur under pressure at some temperature between 140°C to 180°C (284°F to 356°F) . The second process, called Free Vulcanization, which simply pass very hot steam or air through the raw rubber material .
Here let us talk about how vulcanization works as follows:
1. Raw Material Preparation
Before vulcanization, rubber raw material must be properly mixed with various additives,sulfur, agents or accelerators. This is typically finished by dispersion kneader or two rolls open mixing mill machine .
2. Shaping or Pre-forming
After blending and mixing from dispersion kneader and mixing mill equipment, the rubber compound material need to be shaped into the desired form through other methods such as:Extrusion ,Compression molding ,Calendaring .
3. Vulcanization (Curing)
And then the shaped rubber material is then heated in one vulcanizer press equipment under controlled temperature (140°C to 180°C), pressure and vulcanization time (ranges from a few minutes to over an hour, depending on thickness and formulation)for next step vulcanization process.
4. Transformation:
The vulcanization significantly increase the tensile strength ,elasticity and resistance to wear and tear for rubber material .
Benefits of vulcanization of Rubber:
* Heat Resistance : Can handle high temperature without deforming
* Improved Strength: Handles heavy loads and pressure
* Elasticity: Returns to its orginal shape after stretching or compressing
* Chemical Resistance : Durable in harsh environments
Need mixing or pre-vulcanization equipment?
At Simptek , we utilize advanced vulcanization techniques to deliver top-quality rubber products ,such as gaskets ,tubing etc .
We offers professional kneaders, open mills, and more to help you achieve consistent, high-quality rubber compounds.
Contact us for details or a custom solution for your factory.