Rubber is a polymer of isoprene that is formed with double bonds between each of the individual monomers (or units). In simple terms, one of these bonds is flexible and can allow the polymer to take up many shapes and sizes, which is what basically gives rubber its property of elasticity. But, that being the case, that flexible bond is also what makes rubber in its natural form somewhat imperfect (for example, perhaps natural rubber is too elastic for some applications), because if that bond were stronger, it would create a better material that could be more widely used. There is a process that can strengthen that bond called rubber vulcanization. This process involves heating natural sheet rubber and rubber products with sulfur, and it is a widely-used method for the creation of commercial rubber parts. While the process on how to vulcanize rubber is in fact a complex one, it can be broken down into simpler terms for everyone to understand. Rubber supplies and parts are now generally vulcanized, unless they are made out of tire crumb in which case they are molded.
“Corrugated Wide Rib” Rubber Runner Mats
Vulcanization was discovered accidentally by Charles Goodyear in 1839, and it involved altering the chemistry of the compound; it was named after Vulcan, the Roman god of fire. As stated previously, the molecular structure of rubber is that of a chain comprised of a very large amount of units of isoprene that are linked together with a double bond. Because of the free bond between the units, rubber is very flexible, perhaps too flexible for some commercial rubber applications. So, sulfur is introduced into the compound through intense heating, and the free bond is no longer free, creating a crosslink between chains. While this reduces natural rubber’s elasticity, it also makes for a substance that is far superior in its strength and resistance to abrasion and harsh conditions. It also makes the rubber non-stick and eliminates its thermoplastic nature, meaning that it will not return to its original shape after it cools. In truth, there are other elements that can be used for this process, such as selenium or tellurium, but sulfur is by far the element of choice. It can then be processed into sheets or rolls, then cut or customized into products for both simple and specialized uses.
Ribs Improve Traction: The presence of the wide corrugated ribs on these industrial floors helps keep you and your guests safe and secure by providing your feet with a better level of traction. Rubber comes with a high co-efficient of friction to begin with. When the natural rubber material is made to feature these wide ribs, the amount of grip their provide for your feet improves considerably. Buy these runner mats today to keep your area slip-free!
Best Surface Protection: Whether you need equipment floor mats for heavy objects or easy to install horse trailer mats, these rubber floor mats will help keep the base surfaces of your area safe from damage. The press of heavy equipment and even constant foot traffic can easily damage some surfaces. Wood is a prime example of this. Repairing these damages can be very costly. Eliminate the risk of unwanted expenses by putting this indoor and outdoor rubber mat in place.
There are two basic rubber vulcanization processes that will both contribute to the formation of polysulphide crosslinks between chains. The first process, called Pressure Vulcanization involves heating the rubber with sulfur under pressure, with a temperature of 150C. The second process, called Free Vulcanization, simply involves passing very hot steam or air through the rubber. Eight hours of curing time is necessary for vulcanization to complete, although, chemical “activators” can be used to control when the curing process begins, and “accelerators” can be used to speed up the curing time, as well as shorten the sulfur links down to a few atoms, making the bonds even stronger. These things must be used carefully though, for if vulcanization occurs too quickly, before the material has shaped, “scorching” will occur, effectively ruining the substance for commercial use.
Other agents can be used in the process and will produce different results. For example, fillers can be used to dilute or reinforce the sheet rubber and rubber products (increasing tensile strength and abrasion resistance), or carbon black can be introduced into the mix to reinforce the substance. Vulcanization can also involve the use of pigments to create colored products. Protective agents will prevent aging and deterioration (mainly from oxidation), and softeners or lubricants can be added to plasticize or increase the self-adhesion of the rubber mix.
Open Cell Rubber – EPDM
- Operating temperature range from -40° F to 160° F
- Easy to roll up for transportation and storage purposes
- Pressure sensitive adhesive backing can be applied upon request
- The cellular texture of the open cell rubber is visible on the surface
Excellent Compressibility: This EPDM rubber foam is among the most compressible products currently available. The cellular composition of this open cell rubber material is the secret behind its ability to compress. The cell structure is composed of tiny air pockets that have gaps in between them. When force is applied to the surface of the EPDM sponge, these air pockets will close in on themselves. The source of the pressure will also not face any resistance due to the soft nature of open cell sponge. The EPDM foam sheet will maintain its compressed form as long as the object applying the pressure remains.
Fast Recovery: The open cell EPDM has the ability to revert back to its original shape after compression. When the source of pressure is removed from the open cell rubber sheet’s surface, the air pockets within its cellular composition will revert back to their original shape. This helps the EPDM rubber foam maintain a working lifespan suitable to long-term use in applications that require constant compression.
Closed Cell Rubber – EPDM – 39″ x 78″
When it comes down to it, rubber vulcanization produces a product that has far more uses than natural rubber, and so, we can be thankful that this process was discovered. Had it not been, we may have never seen the rise of commercial rubber, and there may have been things we could have never safely or effectively done with natural rubber and rubber products used in our lives. Now that you know the quick and easy of how to vulcanize rubber, you know that you’re getting superior rubber supplies that can do well for any of your needs. But we do not recommend you try it at home; leave it to the experts!