In today’s era of emphasizing resource recycling and sustainable development, the recycled rubber industry, as an important branch of the rubber industry, has received increasing attention. Regenerated rubber can not only effectively reduce the production cost of rubber products, but also greatly reduce the dependence on natural rubber resources, which is in line with the concept of green development. In the production process of recycled rubber, rubber accelerators play a crucial role, like a key that unlocks the password for efficient production of recycled rubber.

1. Rubber accelerator: the “behind the scenes hero” of recycled rubber production

Rubber accelerators are a type of chemical substance that can accelerate the rate of rubber vulcanization reaction. In the production of recycled rubber, rubber vulcanization is a crucial step that determines the physical properties and chemical stability of the recycled rubber. The addition of rubber accelerators can significantly shorten the vulcanization time, lower the vulcanization temperature, and improve production efficiency.

From a chemical perspective, rubber accelerators can react with active sites on rubber molecular chains to form cross-linked structures. This cross-linking structure connects rubber molecular chains to form a three-dimensional network structure, endowing rubber with good elasticity, strength, and wear resistance. In recycled rubber, the vulcanization reaction is often more difficult due to the degree of damage to the rubber molecular chains. The presence of rubber accelerators can help restore and enhance the activity of rubber molecular chains, enabling the vulcanization reaction to proceed smoothly.

There are many common rubber accelerators, such as 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) in thiazole accelerators. It is a widely used accelerator with moderate vulcanization rate, good vulcanization flatness, and can endow rubber with good physical and mechanical properties. MBT and its derivatives such as 2-mercaptobenzothiazole zinc salt (ZBZ) can effectively promote the crosslinking reaction of rubber molecular chains and improve the vulcanization efficiency of rubber during the rubber vulcanization process.

Sulfonamide based accelerators are also commonly used, such as N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfonamide (CZ). CZ has the characteristics of fast vulcanization speed, good vulcanization flatness, and excellent comprehensive performance of vulcanized rubber. It can produce delayed effect during the vulcanization process, that is, it is not easy to burn during mixing and processing, and can be quickly vulcanized at the vulcanization temperature, which is very suitable for the production of recycled rubber.

Tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD) in thiuram type accelerators is a type of overspeed accelerator with high sulfurization activity and fast sulfurization rate. It can not only be used as a standalone accelerator, but also as a vulcanizing agent. In the production of recycled rubber, it can effectively improve the vulcanization speed and cross-linking density of rubber, and enhance its physical properties.

Different types of rubber accelerators have different mechanisms and characteristics of action. In actual production, suitable rubber accelerators need to be selected based on the types, performance requirements, and production processes of recycled rubber.

2. Precise adaptation: Unlock the “best partner” between accelerator and recycled rubber

There are many types of recycled rubber, including styrene butadiene rubber, natural rubber, nitrile rubber, etc. Due to the differences in molecular structure and performance characteristics, different types of recycled rubber have varying requirements for rubber accelerators.

Taking butadiene styrene recycled rubber as an example, its molecular chain contains a large number of styrene units, resulting in poor flexibility of its molecular chain and relatively difficult vulcanization reaction. Therefore, in the production of butadiene styrene recycled rubber, high activity thiazole based accelerators such as 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) and its derivatives are usually selected. These accelerators can quickly react with the active sites on the molecular chain of styrene butadiene rubber, accelerate the vulcanization process, and improve the performance of recycled rubber.

For natural regenerated rubber, due to its relatively regular molecular chain structure, the vulcanization reaction is relatively easy to carry out. But in order to obtain better physical and processing properties, some accelerators with good vulcanization flatness are usually selected, such as tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD). TMTD not only ensures the stability of natural recycled rubber during vulcanization, but also improves its tensile strength and wear resistance.

Nitrile regenerated rubber has good oil resistance due to the presence of nitrile groups in its molecular structure. In the production of nitrile recycled rubber, sulfonamide accelerators such as N-tert-butyl-2-benzothiazole sulfonamide (TBBS) are often used. TBBS has good sulfurization activity and coking safety, which can improve the physical and mechanical properties of nitrile regenerated rubber while ensuring its oil resistance.

In addition to the types of recycled rubber, the production process is also an important consideration when choosing rubber accelerators. For example, in the hot air vulcanization process, due to the high vulcanization temperature, it is necessary to choose some heat-resistant accelerators to avoid their decomposition and failure at high temperatures. In the microwave vulcanization process, due to the short vulcanization time, it is necessary to choose a promoter with higher activity to ensure the completion of the vulcanization reaction in a short period of time.

3. The innovative development trend of rubber accelerators

With the continuous advancement of technology, the field of rubber accelerators is also constantly innovating and developing. In order to meet the demand for high efficiency, environmental protection, and high performance in the recycled rubber industry, the research and development of new rubber accelerators has become a current research hotspot.

On the one hand, the research and development of green and environmentally friendly rubber accelerators have received widespread attention. Some traditional rubber accelerators contain heavy metal elements or toxic substances, such as nitrosamines accelerators. These substances may be released during the use of rubber products, posing a threat to the environment and human health. Therefore, the development of green and environmentally friendly rubber accelerators without nitrosamines and heavy metals has become an inevitable trend. For example, some new accelerators based on organic amines, guanidine compounds, and other compounds have good sulfurization activity and environmental performance, and are gradually being applied in the market.

On the other hand, the research and development of multifunctional rubber accelerators is also constantly advancing. Multi functional rubber accelerator refers to a product that not only promotes vulcanization, but also has other functions such as plasticization, reinforcement, anti-aging, etc. The emergence of this accelerator can not only reduce the types of additives used in the rubber production process, lower production costs, but also improve the comprehensive performance of rubber products. For example, some rubber accelerators containing silane coupling agent groups can promote vulcanization while enhancing the interfacial bonding between rubber and fillers, improving the strength and wear resistance of rubber products.

In addition, with the development of intelligent technology, intelligent rubber accelerators have also begun to emerge. Intelligent rubber accelerators can automatically adjust their activity based on parameters such as temperature, pressure, and time during the rubber vulcanization process, achieving precise control of the vulcanization process. The application of this accelerator will further improve the production efficiency and product quality of recycled rubber.

4. Rubber accelerators lead the new future of the recycled rubber industry

The development of rubber accelerators has a profound impact on the recycled rubber industry. It not only promotes the progress of recycled rubber production technology, improves production efficiency and product quality, but also promotes the sustainable development of the recycled rubber industry.

In terms of production efficiency, the application of rubber accelerators greatly shortens the vulcanization time of recycled rubber and significantly reduces the production cycle. This not only improves the production capacity of the enterprise, but also reduces production costs and enhances the market competitiveness of the enterprise. Meanwhile, due to the ability of rubber accelerators to lower the vulcanization temperature and reduce energy consumption, it meets the requirements of energy conservation and emission reduction.

In terms of product quality, the reasonable use of rubber accelerators can significantly improve the physical properties and chemical stability of recycled rubber. By selecting appropriate accelerators and optimizing formulations, recycled rubber can have properties similar to natural rubber, meeting the application needs of different fields. For example, in tire manufacturing, the use of high-performance rubber accelerator can improve the wear resistance, aging resistance and safety of recycled rubber tires.

In terms of sustainable development, the development of rubber accelerators also provides support for the green transformation of the recycled rubber industry. The application of green and environmentally friendly rubber accelerators reduces environmental pollution during the rubber production process, which is in line with the national policy guidance for the environmental protection industry. At the same time, the development of the recycled rubber industry also helps to reduce the exploitation of natural rubber resources and protect the ecological environment.

In the future, with the continuous innovation and development of rubber accelerator technology, the recycled rubber industry will usher in a broader development space. Rubber accelerators will continue to play a crucial role in promoting the efficient, environmentally friendly, and intelligent development of the recycled rubber industry, making greater contributions to the sustainable development of the rubber industry.

In short, the importance of rubber accelerators as a key element in the production of recycled rubber is self-evident. From chemical principles to practical applications, from type selection to innovative development, every advancement in rubber accelerators has brought new opportunities for the recycled rubber industry. In the future development, we need to continuously delve into the performance and mechanism of action of rubber accelerators, develop more high-performance and environmentally friendly new accelerators, and promote the high-quality development of the recycled rubber industry.

Article source: www.xianjichina.com

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