[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of special rubber, application and development of special rubber in China

Special rubber properties

Specialty rubbers (Specialty rubber) are those rubber materials that have unique chemical and physical properties and are often used in specific industrial applications. Compared with ordinary rubber, special rubber has excellent characteristics such as high temperature resistance, chemical resistance, oil resistance, abrasion resistance and low temperature flexibility. These properties enable it to remain stable in harsh environments, so it has been widely used in aerospace, automotive, chemical, medical and electronic fields.

Special rubber types and specific uses

Specialty rubbers include various types, such as fluororubber, silicone rubber, neoprene, nitrile rubber, and urethane rubber. Each rubber is used in different fields due to its unique properties. For example, due to its excellent heat resistance and chemical resistance, fluorine rubber is commonly used in the manufacture of seals and diaphragms, especially in the aerospace and chemical industries. Silicone rubber is widely used in medical devices and electronic products due to its stability and biocompatibility in high and low temperature environments. Neoprene and nitrile rubber are often used for seals and fuel pipes in the automotive industry because of their good oil resistance. Polyurethane rubber is widely used in industrial tires and conveyor belts due to its excellent wear resistance and elasticity.

Special rubber upstream and downstream raw materials

The production of specialty rubber involves multiple upstream and downstream raw materials. Upstream raw materials mainly include various petrochemical products and natural resources. For example, the main raw material of fluorine rubber is fluoride, the main raw material of silicone rubber is siloxane, chloroprene rubber and nitrile rubber are synthesized by chemical substances such as ethylene, propylene and chlorine. The downstream raw materials are the application products of these special rubbers in various industries, such as automotive seals, electronic component housings, medical devices, industrial conveyor belts and tires.

Special rubber production process

The production process of special rubber usually includes polymerization, mixing, vulcanization and other processes. Monomers or polymers are prepared through specific chemical reactions; then, mixing is carried out, and various additives and reinforcing agents are added to the rubber to improve its performance; through the vulcanization process, the rubber products have excellent physical and chemical properties. Different types of special rubber will be different in the production process. For example, the production of fluorine rubber needs to be carried out at high temperature and high pressure, while silicone rubber needs to go through a precise purification and treatment process.

Special rubber storage method

Due to the unique chemical and physical properties of special rubber, its storage methods are also different. Generally speaking, special rubber should be stored in a dry, cool, well-ventilated environment, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature. Contact with acids, alkalis, oils and organic solvents should be avoided to prevent chemical reactions of the rubber and affect its performance. For some specific rubber materials, such as silicone rubber and fluorine rubber, special attention should be paid to the storage temperature and humidity to avoid long-term exposure to extreme environments. Rubber products should avoid excessive stretching, bending and compression to prevent deformation and aging.

Special rubber market prospects

The demand for specialty rubber in the global market continues to grow, especially in high-tech and high value-added industries. With the acceleration of industrialization and the continuous progress of technology, the application field of special rubber will be further expanded. For example, with the popularity of new energy vehicles, the demand for high-temperature, oil-resistant and high-strength rubber materials will increase significantly. The demand for high-performance, biocompatible rubber materials in the medical field is also increasing, which will further promote the development of the specialty rubber market.

Special Rubber Challenges and Opportunities

Although special rubber has broad market prospects, its production and application still face some challenges. The production process of special rubber is complex, the cost is high, and the requirements for technology and equipment are high. Fluctuations in raw material prices and uncertainty in the supply chain have also had an impact on the production of specialty rubbers. With the advancement of science and technology and the development of new materials technology, these challenges will gradually be overcome. The increasingly stringent environmental regulations have also prompted the special rubber industry to continue to innovate and develop more environmentally friendly and sustainable products.

Conclusion

Special rubber plays an important role in modern industry because of its excellent performance and wide application prospect. Through continuous technological innovation and process improvement, the special rubber industry will usher in greater development opportunities in the future. Companies need to focus on technology development and environmental compliance to meet market and regulatory challenges. The specialty rubber industry will continue to play an important role in the global industrialization process, providing high-performance rubber materials for all industries.