Silicone TubeSilicone tubes are widely used as conveyors and packaging materials for liquids, gases, and other materials. However, prolonged use or storage can lead to issues such as hardening, yellowing, loss of elasticity, and even cracking. What causes the aging of silicone tubes?
1. The Role of Ozone: Ozone is highly chemically reactive and more destructive. It can cause molecular chains to break, but its effect on silicone tubes varies depending on whether they are deformed or not. When acting on deformed silicone tubes primarily made of unsaturated rubber, it results in cracks perpendicular to the direction of stress, known as "ozone cracking." When acting on deformed silicone tubes, only an oxide film forms on the surface without cracking.
2. The Role of Moisture:Silicone TubingWhen exposed to damp air, rain, or immersion in water, the silicone tube is prone to damage due to the extraction and dissolution of water-soluble substances within the tube and components like water-soluble clumps. This is caused by hydrolysis or absorption, among other factors. Particularly under alternating actions of water immersion and atmospheric exposure, the degradation of the silicone tube is accelerated. However, under certain circumstances, water does not cause damage to the silicone tube and may even have a retarding effect on aging.
3. Oxidation: Oxygen reacts with rubber molecules to form free radical chain reactions, causing the molecular chains to break or overcrosslink, which alters the rubber's properties. Oxidation is one of the primary causes of rubber aging.
Yongle Rubber and PlasticOur company has successfully passed the ISO9001 certification. We specialize in the main production of platinum silicone tubes, peristaltic pump silicone tubes, silicone food molding components and silicone, as well as customized manufacturing of sealing components for plastic products. Guided by our competitive strategy of "Creating Better Products, Providing Better Services, and Building a Better Image," we continuously strive for innovation and management improvements to enhance our overall corporate competitiveness.
