SameSilicone TubeProduct formulations typically vary between summer and winter due to seasonal environmental temperature changes. The distinction is usually achieved by adjusting the amount of accelerators and vulcanizing machines. The summer quantities are generally less than those in winter. I'm curious to know how others handle it! We encountered a similar situation while refining nitrile rubber: winter formulas, which performed well, led to shorter scorch times and extruded products with cured rubber particles or varying-sized lumps in summer, affecting the product's surface quality and revealing a comprehensive quality issue only after lag. To address this, we reduced the usage of accelerators and vulcanizing agents to extend the scorch time, while also ensuring minimal changes in the curing time to maintain the stability of the extrusion process and production efficiency. Practice has proven that the results are quite satisfactory!
During the summer, the primary concern is the vulcanization process. The vulcanization time should be extended to prevent premature curing during the rubber refining process or during storage. Generally, with the right formula, there are no issues. Our formulas are not seasonal, and we are currently facing this situation. In winter, the formula performs exceptionally well. However, recently, the vulcanization time has been shorter, resulting in semi-vulcanized rubber during extrusion, which is quite challenging to handle. If the formula is designed properly, it can be effective year-round. However, if the formula is overly focused on rapid curing to reduce costs, it is more prone to the problems mentioned.
In summary, due to limited conditions, we lack sufficient air-conditioned storage space. When orders are large and delivery deadlines are short, the amount of rubber processed is high, and it is typically stored in workshops without cooling measures, leading to a shorter curing time for the rubber material. Without an effective temperature-controlled storage facility, the formula must be adjusted during summer and winter. Otherwise, curing issues are inevitable in such weather. I have added CTB anti-curing agent at 0.5 parts, which provides decent results, but it is not as effective as adjusting the vulcanization system formula. Reducing the amount of accelerators and vulcanizing agents to extend the curing time will undoubtedly affect the physical properties of the formula, decrease the degree of cross-linking, lower the TB value, and extend the T90 time, etc.
Any adjustments will have some impact on certain properties, as long as these effects remain within the customer's requirements. Besides the editor's adjustment methods, adding some anti-coking agents or switching to slower-acting accelerators can also be effective. Regardless of the adjustment method used, the bottom line remains: as long as the process goal is achieved and the properties are within the customer's requirements, it is a viable solution.
Yongle Rubber & PlasticWe have successfully passed the ISO9001 certification. Our main products include platinum silicone tubes, peristaltic pump silicone tubes, silicone food molding parts, and silicone, as well as customized production of seal components for plastic products. Guided by the competitive strategy of "Better products, better services, better image," we continuously strive for innovation in transformation and management to enhance our comprehensive corporate competitiveness.
