Rubber additives play a crucial role in the rubber manufacturing industry. These additives are used to improve rubber quality, heat resistance, and durability, as well as to prevent degradation and oxidation. They also accelerate reactions to reduce energy consumption. There are many important types of rubber additives, such as antioxidants, activators, anti-degradants, retardants, vulcanizing agents, blowing agents, tackifiers, and other specialized additives. Each type has its own unique properties and functions. Among them, accelerators, vulcanizing agents, and antioxidants are the most widely used in the rubber industry.
Vulcanizing Agents
Vulcanizing agents are added to initiate or speed up the vulcanization process, which enhances rubber’s mechanical properties, making it more elastic and heat-resistant. These agents include insoluble sulfur, peroxides, tellurium, selenium, resinous compounds, and metal oxides. Vulcanizing agents also improve the strength of rubber.
Activators / Accelerators
Activators and accelerators are used to enhance the chemical reaction between rubber and vulcanizing agents, improving the overall efficiency of the vulcanization process. These additives reduce the curing time, making the process more efficient. Common activators and accelerators include zinc oxide, stearic acid, polyester resins, sulfur, and various amines.
Retarders
Retarders slow down the vulcanization process, which is essential when delayed working times are required before the rubber sets. These chemicals prevent rubber from curing too quickly, providing greater flexibility during production. Common retarders include N-(cyclohexylthio) phthalimide, sulfenamide, salicylic acid, phthalic acid, benzoic acid, and modified phthalic acid.
Rubber Additives Market Overview:
The global rubber additives market is driven by the Asia-Pacific region, which has a large application industry and a growing end-use sector. China accounts for approximately 50% of the global rubber additives market. Tires are the primary application for rubber additives, contributing a dominant share of the market. The large automotive industry in Asia-Pacific, along with the increasing demand for EVs in the region, is driving the need for advanced tires. The rising demand for tires is, in turn, boosting the growth of the global rubber additives market.
Some of the key players in the rubber processing chemicals market include Eastman Chemical Company, Lanxess AG, NOCIL Ltd., Sumitomo Chemical, Sunsine Chemicals, Yanggu Huatai, and Kemai.
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