[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of ethylene propylene rubber, pictures of ethylene propylene rubber

Ethylene-propylene rubber properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials and storage methods analysis

Ethylene propylene rubber properties

Ethylene-propylene rubber (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer,EPDM) is a terpolymer, mainly composed of ethylene, propylene and a small amount of non-conjugated diene. Its most notable features are excellent weather resistance and anti-aging properties. Due to its saturated main chain structure, ethylene-propylene rubber exhibits extremely high stability under ozone, ultraviolet light and various climatic conditions, and is not prone to cracking or degradation. Ethylene-propylene rubber also has good heat resistance, chemical resistance and electrical insulation properties, and can maintain elasticity and stability in a wide temperature range (-50°C to 150°C).

Ethylene propylene rubber use

Ethylene propylene rubber is widely used in various industries because of its excellent performance. In the automotive industry, EPDM is used to manufacture sealing strips, door and window seals, radiator hoses and brake system components. In the construction industry, ethylene-propylene rubber is used in roof waterproofing membranes, window sealing strips and thermal insulation materials. In the power industry, EPDM is used for cable sheathing and insulation materials. With its excellent electrical insulation and heat resistance, it ensures the long-term safe operation of the cable. EPDM is also widely used in the manufacture of seals, gaskets and hoses for household appliances.

Ethylene-propylene rubber upstream raw materials

The production of ethylene-propylene rubber depends on several key upstream raw materials. The first is ethylene and propylene, which are mainly by-products from petroleum cracking or natural gas separation processes. Ethylene and propylene are polymerized to form the basic structure of ethylene-propylene rubber. Secondly, non-conjugated dienes, such as ethylidene norbornene (ENB) and 1,4-hexadiene, are introduced in small amounts in the copolymerization reaction to improve the vulcanization characteristics and processability of ethylene-propylene rubber. The production process also requires the use of a catalyst system (such as a Ziegler-Natta catalyst) to promote the polymerization reaction.

Ethylene-propylene rubber downstream products

The downstream products of ethylene-propylene rubber cover applications in many fields, including automotive parts, building materials, cables and electrical accessories. In the automotive industry, ethylene-propylene rubber is processed into sealing strips and hoses of various shapes and sizes to improve the sealing performance and durability of vehicles. In the construction industry, EPDM is made into waterproof membranes and sealing strips for waterproofing and sealing of roofs and walls. In the power industry, ethylene-propylene rubber is used as a cable sheath and insulation material to ensure the safe use of cables in high temperatures and harsh environments. In household appliances and daily products, EPDM is widely used to manufacture seals, gaskets and hoses to provide reliable sealing and durability.

Ethylene-propylene rubber production process

Ethylene-propylene rubber is usually produced by solution polymerization process. Ethylene and propylene in the solvent contact with the catalyst, the polymerization reaction to produce ethylene propylene rubber. In order to improve the performance of the polymer, an appropriate amount of non-conjugated diene is also added during the reaction. The polymer solution generated by the reaction is evaporated, filtered and desolvated, and finally the ethylene-propylene rubber product in solid form is obtained. The entire production process requires strict control of temperature, pressure and reaction time to ensure that the quality and performance of the product meet the expected standards.

Ethylene-propylene rubber storage method

Ethylene propylene rubber needs to pay attention to prevent aging and degradation during storage. Prolonged exposure to the sun should be avoided, as ultraviolet rays accelerate the aging of the rubber. The storage environment should be kept dry and cool, avoiding high temperature and humidity. Ethylene-propylene rubber shall be stored in isolation from oxidizing substances and chemicals to prevent performance degradation caused by chemical reactions. It is best to store ethylene-propylene rubber in a sealed plastic bag or container to reduce contact with air and moisture.

Ethylene-propylene rubber market prospects

With the development of global economy and the progress of industrial technology, the market demand of ethylene propylene rubber is growing. Especially in the automotive industry and the construction industry, the increasing demand for environmental protection and energy saving has driven the demand for high-performance materials. Ethylene propylene rubber with its superior performance and wide application prospects, the market prospect is very broad. With the increasingly stringent environmental protection regulations, the environmental protection issues in the production process of ethylene-propylene rubber have gradually attracted attention. In the future, it is necessary to further optimize the production process and reduce the impact on the environment.

Conclusion

As a synthetic rubber material with excellent performance, ethylene-propylene rubber has been widely used in many industries. Its excellent weather resistance, heat resistance and electrical insulation properties make it occupy an important position in the fields of automobiles, construction, and electricity. Despite the broad market prospects, in the future development, we still need to pay attention to environmental protection issues, optimize production processes, and improve product quality to meet the growing market demand and strict environmental protection standards.