How Rubber Is Made for Industrial Uses

Natural rubber comes into being in nature. It comes into being when the latex sap is cut or peeled back from the bark of the rubber trees. A cup, which collects the sap, is usually lodged there. However, natural rubber can't be used in the industries on its own. The same goes for synthetic rubber. Whether natural or synthetic, the rubber needs to be processed in order to become industry-suitable. There are usually four main steps for processing the rubber. However, for the processing, we need specialized technologies that only the rubber processing aid suppliers can provide. 

The four steps of rubber processing: Key Points 

Below, we are going to take a look at the four steps of rubber processing. 

Compounding (Formulating)

The rubber base is treated with a range of chemicals. These chemicals can stabilize the polymers and as well as strengthen the rubbers. Oftentimes, compounding can also stretch the rubber. All these processes constitute a step towards compounding. 

Mixing

Just like the process of compounding, this step involves mixing addictives with the rubber. This process helps ingredient dispersion. It also avoids raising the temperature all too high. Professional mixers tend to complete this entire process in two steps. In the first step, they create a master batch that includes additives, such as carbon black. In the second step, they then add the chemicals necessary for vulcanization. 

Shaping

There are a bunch of common shaping techniques as well. These include coating, extrusion, casting, calendaring and moulding. Depending on the desired product, the manufacturers can also rely on several techniques. 

Vulcanization

Finally, there is the process of vulcanization. It is a chemical process in which rubber, whether natural or synthetic, is heated with sulfur, an accelerator and an activator. This process helps form cross-links between long rubber molecules, which, in turn, tend to enhance elasticity, resilience, viscosity, hardness, weather resistance and the tensile strength of the rubber molecules. This final step of the process can take up to five hours. However, with modern equipment and technologies, vulcanization can be completed within no less than 15-20 minutes.

All these steps are designed to make the robber more stable, sturdy and durable for a myriad of industrial purposes. If you are a stakeholder in the rubber processing industry, we advise you to turn towards a reputed rubber processing aid supplier to help you get quality technologies.