In the production of rubber products, not only rubber but also various compounding agents are needed, and softener is an indispensable compounding agent. Softener has good compatibility with rubber, which is used to improve the processing performance of rubber, increase the plasticity of rubber, reduce the viscosity of rubber, improve the dispersion and mixing, and improve the performance of rubber.

1. Types of commonly used softeners

(1) Petroleum series softeners mainly include naphthenic hydrocarbon, aromatic hydrocarbon, heavy oil, paraffin oil, petroleum jelly, residual oil, petroleum resin, petroleum asphalt, etc.

(2) Coal tar series softeners mainly include coumarone resin, coal tar HY27S7J2L, coal tar pitch, etc. This kind of softener is highly polluting and has a pungent smell, and cannot be used for light-colored products.

(3) Fatty oil series softeners mainly include fatty acids, vegetable oils, ointments, etc.

(4) Pine oil series softeners mainly include pine tar, rosin, tall oil, etc. Pine tar is often used in odorless recycled rubber products, and rosin is often used in tire recycled rubber products.

2. Softener effect

Softener can improve the processing performance of products. By reducing the intermolecular force, it can make the mixture more evenly dispersed, better mixed and improve the mixing process; The process of calendering, extruding and molding is improved by increasing the plasticity, fluidity and adhesion of rubber compound.

Improve the physical and mechanical properties of rubber, reduce the hardness and elongation stress of products, improve the elasticity and cold resistance of vulcanizates, reduce heat generation, tensile strength, elongation at break, wear resistance, etc.

When selecting softeners for rubber products, the compatibility between softeners and rubber, dispersion in rubber compound, impact on product performance, and whether there is pollution shall be considered. The softeners used in different rubber products are different, and the functions of different softeners are also different. When selecting softeners, the rubber product manufacturers should reasonably select and control the amount of use according to the product performance and softener performance. Environment-friendly rubber products should choose non-polluting, non-toxic and tasteless softeners.