Rubber processing chemicals are a group of speciality chemicals that help in improving the resistance of rubber against sunlight, oxidation, heat, mechanical stresses, and ozone.
The market is segmented by type which includes accelerators, activators, vulcanizing agents, antidegradants, stabilizers and others. These chemicals are mixed with rubber adhesives to improve properties like flex resistance, hardness, and abrasion resistance, and provide high resistance to the natural rubber by mixing it with vulcanization. The effectiveness, product life, and resistance from heat, moisture, sunlight, ozone, etc depend entirely on the rubber processing chemicals.
The use of anti-degradants shields rubber products from external impacts and slows down the ageing process. Exposure to environmental factors such as heat, oxygen, and UV light results in damage to rubber products.
Accelerators are the chemical agents used to cause vulcanization. In vulcanization, accelerators are widely used in combination with sulfur, zinc oxide, and stearic acid. Primary accelerators are used in tyre manufacturing while secondary accelerators are used to boost the speed and state of cure in the vulcanization.
Asia Pacific dominates the rubber processing chemicals market. Increasing application in electronic and industrial sectors coupled with rising awareness regarding the adoption of electric vehicles fuels growth in this region. Rising urbanization and growth in the automotive sector boost the rubber processing chemicals market growth. Manufacturers across the world are expanding their presence in developing nations of China, Japan, India, and South Korea to cater for the rising demand for rubber processing chemicals.
Arkema, BASF, Croda International, Eastman Chemical Company, Kumho Petrochemical Co. Ltd., Lanxess AG, NOCIL Ltd., Solvay, Sumitomo Chemical, and AkzoNobel are some of the top players of rubber processing chemicals.
The tyre segment dominates the global market for rubber processing chemicals. Rubber processing chemicals are used in tyre manufacturing for greater strength, enhanced temperature resistance, and increased durability. These chemicals offer reinforcement to tyres, preventing erosion and making them stronger. There has been an increasing penetration of passenger vehicles, driving the market growth of the rubber processing chemicals. The growth in the production volume of electric vehicles, increasing need for fuel-efficient vehicles, and strict government rules have boosted the demand for rubber processing chemicals in tyre manufacturing.
There has been an increasing demand for passenger vehicles, which is driving the market for rubber processing chemicals. The increase in the production for electric vehicles, increasing need for fuel-efficient vehicles, and government regulations have boosted the demand for rubber processing chemicals in tyre manufacturing.
According to the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), the use of chemicals, such as anti-degradants, ultraviolet absorbers, antioxidants, used in rubber processing is limited in the European countries. Other regulatory bodies such as New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have also started to regulate the usage of chemicals for the production of rubber. Due to these stringent regulations, the market players are focusing on improving in the chemical processes and finding new alternatives. These rules and regulations are expected to hinder the rubber processing chemicals market growth over the forecast period.
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