Zinc oxide is an extremely important compound in the manufacturing of rubber products. The two most important aspects of zinc oxide in the rubber industries are reinforcing the agents and UV protection. But other than that, there are also other key factors of zinc oxide for rubber industries and here they are.
Antioxidant and Anti-aging
Rubber is a material which is susceptible to a process called oxidation which will make rubber products lose their elasticity and brittle over time. This is where zinc oxide is playing a key role, serving as an antioxidant so that rubber compounds can preserve their flexibility and strength through inhibiting the oxidation process.
By inhibiting the oxidation process, zinc oxide would extend the lifespan of various rubber products which would save some money since people wouldn’t need to replace their rubber products so frequently. Zinc oxide for rubber is also serving as an anti-aging compound that would protect important products such as seals, gaskets and automotive parts.
Acid Resistance and Chemical Stability
Rubber is being used in various fields and settings and one of them is the laboratory. In certain and specific applications, rubber products would come in contact with acids and other aggressive chemicals that could potentially jeopardize their structural integrity. Zinc oxide will enhance chemical stability and acid resistance in various rubber products for using in the laboratory setting.
It’s important since rubber is widely used to make several important equipment that is needed to handle corrosive materials such as lab gloves, hoses and seals. The existence of zinc oxide in the formulations and manufacturing of rubber products, the safety and reliability of rubber products can be ensured.
Those are the other key factors of zinc oxide for rubber other than agent reinforcement and UV protection.