Raw Materials Supply Chain for Rubber Products

Frontmatter

1. Introduction

Abstract

The purpose of this book is to improve understanding of the chemical nature of the global rubber industry in a context of commercial and political forces. These forces have often resulted in higher prices and periodic shortages in the supply of raw materials and intermediates necessary for the continued production of rubber products. Both the 20th and 21st centuries have witnessed numerous raw material shortages that have seriously impacted the global rubber industry. In all probability, these shortages and disruptions will continue for the foreseeable future.

John S. Dick, Charles P. Rader

2. Basic Raw Materials from Earth Extractions and Agriculture

Abstract

The following basic raw materials extracted from the earth or from agriculture are critical to the success of the rubber industry as we know it today.

John S. Dick, Charles P. Rader

3. General-Purpose Elastomers

Abstract

General-purpose elastomers represent the “work horse” rubbers of the rubber industry. They are the lowest cost, most cost-effective rubber polymers available today. The vast majority of these raw elastomers are used in the tire sector; however, a large amount is also used in nontire applications as well, such as single-ply roofing, hose, dynamic parts (such as bushings, isolators, and dampers), and conveyor belts.

John S. Dick, Charles P. Rader

4. Specialty Elastomers

Abstract

Unlike the general-purpose elastomers just discussed, specialty elastomers have lower volumes of use. Except for butyl and halobutyl rubbers, most of the rubbers in this group have some degree of oil resistance. On the other hand, butyl and halobutyl rubbers possess good aging resistance properties.

John S. Dick, Charles P. Rader

5. Textile Reinforcing Materials and Their Adhesive Systems Used in Rubber

Abstract

Textile fabrics are commonly used in the rubber industry as reinforcement for tires, various types of belts and hose, and many other rubber product applications.

John S. Dick, Charles P. Rader

6. Thermoplastic Elastomers

Abstract

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are polymeric materials that are processed into fabricated articles in the same manner as a conventional thermoplastic, yet these articles have the properties and functional performance of a thermoset rubber. They have been gaining a significantly larger market share over the past three decades with nontire applications, compared to the conventional thermoset elastomers discussed earlier.

John S. Dick, Charles P. Rader

7. Polyurethane

Abstract

In the late 1930s, Dr. Otto Bayer with IG Farbenindustrie in Germany developed polyurethane technology. Thus polyurethanes (PUR) have been around for as long as some conventional rubbers such as SBR or neoprene.

John S. Dick, Charles P. Rader

8. Carbon Black, Fillers, Reinforcing Agents, and Coupling Agents

Abstract

Different carbon blacks, inorganic fillers, and other agents are used to improve rubber compound properties such as ultimate tensile strength, stiffness, adhesion, tear resistance, and wear resistance. Sometimes these agents are also used to reduce the cost of the rubber compound.

John S. Dick, Charles P. Rader

9. Process Oils, Synthetic Ester Plasticizers, and Processing Aids

Abstract

In rubber compounding, different oils or plasticizers are proportionally used with the filler loading to achieve cured compound hardness and modulus targets and to improve the uncured processing characteristics. Also, many times the cost of process oil or plasticizer is cheaper than that of the base elastomer, thus reducing the total cost of the compound.

John S. Dick, Charles P. Rader

10. Curatives

Abstract

Curatives include all those chemicals and additives that are added to a rubber compound during mixing to enable the compound to cure (vulcanize) when elevated temperatures are applied. Chemically, curing (vulcanization) involves the generation of crosslinks between the giant elastomer molecules. Without curatives present, a rubber compound normally cannot cure. The useful cured properties of virtually any rubber are obtained only after vulcanization has taken place.

John S. Dick, Charles P. Rader

11. Antioxidants, Antiozonants, Tackifiers, Flame Retardants, and Blowing Agents

Abstract

In rubber compounding the term “antidegradant” is commonly used for any substance that is added to retard the deterioration of the vulcanized compound under service conditions. This deterioration, most often a result of chemical attack, results in a progressive loss of functional properties and a decrease in service lifetime of a rubber article. The three principal agents attacking rubber and causing its deterioration are oxygen (O₂), ozone (O₃), and ultraviolet radiation. Virtually all antiozonants used in rubber also act as antioxidants; however, many antioxidants do not act as antiozonants.

John S. Dick, Charles P. Rader

12. Intermediate Feedstocks

Abstract

Chemical intermediates are a very important segment of the world economy. Raw materials (discussed in Chapter 1) are used to produce these intermediates. They in turn are used to synthesize all the various synthetic elastomers, rubber chemicals, fillers, and additives discussed in the earlier chapters of this book (Chapters 3 through 11).

John S. Dick, Charles P. Rader

Backmatter