Messi Biology indicates that magnesium oxide is widely used in the rubber industry, and its diverse functions significantly enhance the performance of rubber products. With the continuous development of the rubber industry, the application of magnesium oxide in rubber will also become increasingly widespread.
1. As a Stabilizer and Acid Acceptor
During the rubber manufacturing process, magnesium oxide can be used as a stabilizer, effectively enhancing vulcanization speed and providing stability during the vulcanization process. Magnesium oxide also acts as an acid acceptor, absorbing acidic byproducts generated during rubber vulcanization, such as hydrogen chloride released during the vulcanization of halogenated butyl rubber, thereby protecting the rubber from acid attack.
2. As a Vulcanizing Agent and Anti-Scorch Agent
In the production of chloroprene rubber, both magnesium oxide and zinc oxide can be used as vulcanizing agents to promote the rubber’s vulcanization reaction.
Additionally, in the processing of chloroprene rubber, bromobutyl rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber, magnesium oxide is often used as an anti-scorch agent to improve their scorch resistance, preventing premature scorching during vulcanization.
3. Enhancing Rubber Properties
Magnesium oxide can enhance the adhesion of rubber to metal frameworks and improve the mill processability (roll-wrapping properties) of rubber compounds, making rubber products more robust and durable. When used as a filler, magnesium oxide effectively enhances the thermal conductivity and heat resistance of rubber, enabling products to maintain stable performance even in high-temperature environments.
4. Regulating Rubber pH and Crosslink Density
Its excellent acid-accepting properties enable magnesium oxide to function as a pH adjuster in rubber, regulating its pH and maintaining stability. When used as part of a crosslinking system, magnesium oxide can effectively improve the product’s crosslink density and tensile strength, making rubber products tougher and more durable.
5. Improving Rubber Appearance and Quality
In the production of light-colored rubber, adding an appropriate amount of magnesium oxide as an adsorbent can effectively absorb residual compounds generated during vulcanization, resulting in a more uniform and purer product color. Magnesium oxide can also prevent microbial attack or UV degradation of rubber, enhancing the corrosion resistance and anti-aging properties of rubber products.
6. Application Examples
Magnesium oxide is used in rubber products such as conveyor belts, pressure hoses, transmission belts, automotive seals, cable sheathing, and tires. These products often contain halogens and can release volatile hydrogen halides (e.g., HCl, HBr). The addition of magnesium oxide effectively reduces the emission of these harmful substances, thereby improving the safety and service life of the rubber products.