Rubber Industry Research Articles

Production Facility Layout Redesign Using Systematic Layout Planning And Blocplan Methods

Layout of production facilities in CV. Jaya Rubber Industry was identified as less than optimal. The placement of production facilities that are less than optimal causes the distance between several departments to be far apart, for example in the cutting section to the molding section, the molding section to the trimming section and also the QC and packing sections to the finished goods warehouse. It was also found that intersecting material flows can cause backtracking, for example between molding to trimming and packing to the finished goods warehouse. These problems can result in the production process being less effective and efficient. This research combines two methods, namely systematic layout planning and blocplan methods. The systematic layout planning and Blocplan methods have several stages in planning the layout. This method is believed to be able to solve various problems that exist within the company such as production flow, transportation, warehousing, assembly and others. This method was chosen because the current industrial conditions require adjustments in the preparation of a good layout. The results of this study obtained a layout from the blocplan method which was chosen as the proposed layout with a total displacement distance of 44.25 with a decrease in distance of 23.75 m from the initial distance, with an efficiency level of 34% which was able to improve the flow of the production process for the better.

Reaction of Carbon Dioxide Gas Absorption with Suspension of Calcium Hydroxide in Slurry Reactor

Chemical phenomena involving three phases (solid, liquid, and gas) are often found in the industry. Carbonate (CaCO3) is widely used in industries as a powder-making material in the cosmetic industry, a pigment in the paint industry, and filler in the paper and rubber industry. This research aim to study the ordering process carbonate deposits (CaCO3) from the absorption process of CO2 gas with Ca(OH)2 suspension. The absorption reaction of CO2 gas with Ca(OH)2 suspension was carried out in a stirred slurry tank reactor. Initially, the reactor containing water was heated to a certain temperature, then Ca(OH)2 was added to the reactor. Furthermore, CO2 gas with a certain flow rate and temperature (according to the reactor temperature) is flown with the help of a gas distributor. Samples were taken every 1 min until the concentration of Ca(OH)2 could not be detected (completely reacted). The variables in this study were: stirrer rotation speed (5.66711.067 rps), CO2 gas flow rate (34.0127–60.5503 c/s), and temperature (30–50°C). The mass transfer coefficient and the reaction rate coefficient were determined by minimizing Sum of Squares of Errors (SSE). This experimental process follows a dynamic regime. A dimensionless number relationship for the gas-liquid mass transfer for the value range is Re1 = 18928.76-38217.20, Sh = 0.07928 Reg0.4383 Rel0.4399 Sc0.6415 with an error of 5.19%. The dimensionless number relationship for solid-liquid mass transfer is Sh = 0.0001179 Reg0.4674 Rel0.5403 Sc1.444 with an error of 7.31%. The relationship between the reaction rate constant and the temperature in the 30-50 °C range can be approximated by the Arrhenius equation, namely kr = 1771000 e-2321.4/T cm3/mgmol/s with an error of 3.63%. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2023-07-02-02 Full Text: PDF

Synergistic Effect of Partial Replacement of Carbon Black by Palm Kernel Shell Biochar in Carboxylated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Composites.

With the rapid development of the palm oil-related industry, this has resulted in the high production of palm oil waste. The increasing amount of palm oil waste has become an alarming issue in which researchers have carried out studies that this palm oil waste has the potential to be used as a biomass source. Carbon black (CB) is the most preferred reinforcing filler in the rubber industry but it has a disadvantage where CB is carcinogenic and a petroleum-based product. Hence CB is less sustainable. Palm kernel shell (PKS) derived from palm oil waste can be turned into palm kernel shell biochar (PKSBc) which can potentially be a value-added, sustainable biofiller as reinforcement in rubber composites. In this study, PKSBc is hybridized with CB (N660) at different loading ratios to be filled in carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR). This study aims to elucidate the effect of the varying ratios of hybrid CB/PKSBc on the rheological properties, abrasion resistance, and hardness of XNBR composites. In this study, both CB and PKSBc are incorporated into XNBR and were then cured with sulphur. The composites were prepared by using a two-roll mill. Different compositions of hybrid CB/PKSBc were incorporated. The rheological properties and physicomechanical properties, such as abrasion resistance and hardness of the vulcanizates, were investigated. Based on the results, as the loading ratio of PKSBc in hybrid CB/PKSBc increases, the cure time decreases, and the cure rate index increases. The abrasion resistance and hardness values of vulcanizates were maintained by the high loading of PKSBc which was due to the porous structure of PKSBc as shown in the morphological analysis of PKSBc. The pores of PKSBc provided mechanical interlocking to reduce volume loss and maintain the hardness of vulcanizates when subjected to force. With this, PKSBc is proven to be a semi-reinforcing filler that could not only act as a co-filler to existing commercialized CB, but PKSBc could also fully substitute CB as reinforcement in rubber, specifically XNBR as it is able to provide high abrasion resistance and hardness to the rubber composites. This would mean the performance of PKSBc is comparable with CB (N660) when it comes to maintaining the physicomechanical properties of XNBR composites in terms of abrasion resistance and hardness. Therefore, this approach of using eco-friendly filler derived from palm oil agricultural waste (PKSBc) can reduce the abundance of palm oil waste, be a sustainable alternative to act as a co-filler in hybrid CB/PKSBc to decrease the usage of CB, and helps to enhance the quality of existing rubber-based products.

Spider silk inspired bead-like aramid nanofibers via hydrogen-bond donor strategy for synergistic reinforcement of high-performance rubber composite

Aramid nanofibers (ANFs) are of significant scientific interest in various scientific and industrial fields. However, a big problem encountered in the application of ANFs is the agglomeration and the very inert surface. Herein, inspired by the shiny water droplets on a spider's web, we report a novel, green and effective method to fabricate bead-like ANFs with homogeneous knots via a hydrogen-bond donor strategy. It is revealed that γ-aminopropyl triethoxysilane is not only effective in constructing multiple hydrogen bonding interactions with the amide groups of ANFs, but also can induce the self-assembly of the interfacial polycondensation of ethyl silicate to fabricate a spindle-knots structure. The knots are rich in silanol and amino groups being able to establish covalent bonds between ANFs and polymer matrix and improve the filler dispersion in a silica hybrid system. Therefore, the bead-like ANFs synergistically reinforce the silica filled polymer composites by significantly enhancing vulcanization rate, tensile strength, elongation at break, abrasion resistance, as well as the dynamic mechanical properties. The process does not rely on any toxic and corrosive agents and the bioinspired strategy offers new insights into the design of functional aramid nanofibers and the potential application in rubber industry.

Pengaruh Kinerja Manajemen Terhadap Kinara Keuangan PT. Industri Karet Deli Periode 2009 - 2021

To find out how much influence Management Performance has on Financial Performance at PT. Deli Rubber Industry, so this research really needs to be done. The method used is explanatory research. While the data analysis technique uses statistical analysis by testing regression, correlation, determination and hypothesis testing. The results of this study are in the form of management performance variables which obtain an average value of 3.81%. The Financial Performance variable is obtained from an average value of 3.91% while Management Performance has a positive and significant effect on Financial Performance with a regression equation Y = 13,1987,981X, and a correlation coefficient value of 0.667 or has a strong relationship with determination value of 44.5%. The hypothesis test obtained a significance of 0.000 <0.05.

Construction of renewable biomass cardanol functionalized spherical nanoparticles achieving favorable interfacial interaction and thermostability in styrene butadiene rubber matrix

AbstractTo expand the application of natural resources in the green rubber industry and reduce the dependence of rubber additives on the non‐renewable petrochemical resources, a novel cardanol‐based natural rubber additive (silica‐s‐LPCGE) is prepared. Compared with the directly adding of silica and LPCGE, silica‐s‐LPCGE is assisted to form an effective interfacial interaction between the rubber matrix and the filler during rubber vulcanization by the immobilized LPCGE on silica surface, to improve the mechanical property and processability of styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR)/silica‐s‐LPCGE composites. Meanwhile, with the introduce of silica‐s‐LPCGE, the aging resistance and migration resistance of the SBR composites are also improved obviously. The preparation of this novel multifunctional supported natural biomass processing additive provides a new possibility for the preparation of green rubber additives.

Screening p-Phenylenediamine Antioxidants, Their Transformation Products, and Industrial Chemical Additives in Crumb Rubber and Elastomeric Consumer Products.

Recently, roadway releases of N,N'-substituted p-phenylenediamine (PPD) antioxidants and their transformation products (TPs) received significant attention due to the highly toxic 6PPD-quinone. However, the occurrence of PPDs and TPs in recycled tire rubber products remains uncharacterized. Here, we analyzed tire wear particles (TWPs), recycled rubber doormats, and turf-field crumb rubbers for seven PPD antioxidants, five PPD-quinones (PPDQs), and five other 6PPD TPs using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. PPD antioxidants, PPDQs, and other TPs were present in all samples with chemical profiles dominated by 6PPD, DTPD, DPPD, and their corresponding PPDQs. Interestingly, the individual [PPDQ]/[PPD] and [TP]/[PPD] ratios significantly increased as total concentrations of the PPD-derived chemical decreased, indicating that TPs (including PPDQs) dominated the PPD-derived compounds with increased environmental weathering. Furthermore, we quantified 15 other industrial rubber additives (including bonding agents, vulcanization accelerators, benzotriazole and benzothiazole derivatives, and diphenylamine antioxidants), observing that PPD-derived chemical concentrations were 0.5-6 times higher than these often-studied additives. We also screened various other elastomeric consumer products, consistently detecting PPD-derived compounds in lab stoppers, sneaker soles, and rubber garden hose samples. These data emphasize that PPD antioxidants, PPDQs, and related TPs are important, previously overlooked contaminant classes in tire rubbers and elastomeric consumer products.

Study on lignin amination for lignin/SiO2 nano-hybrids towards sustainable natural rubber composites

Lignin-based hybrid fillers are of increasing importance with regards to the valorization of low-value biomass and the requirement of sustainability in rubber industry, however, a facile lignin modification approach tuning the supramolecular interactions to favor the assembly of the hybrids is in demand. This study aimed to design a lignin/SiO2 nano-hybrid via an in-situ assembly of diethylamine grafted lignin (DL) and SiO2, and investigate its reinforcing effect on natural rubber (NR). DL was prepared through Mannich modification of lignin, and the grafted diethylamine can be clearly identified by FTIR, NMR and elemental analysis. The resultant hybrid (DLSi) displays as homogeneous nanospheres with well integrated DL and SiO2 components as shown in the TEM images, and the hybrid (DLSi1) prepared with weight ratio of DL/SiO2 = 1/2 shows a minimum particle size of 101.8 nm and significantly reduced polarity. Compared to the reference composite filled only with carbon black (CB), NR composites filled with DLSi/CB of 10/40 phr shows comparable mechanical properties and reduced rolling resistance, which is due to the low particle size, homogenous dispersion and strong rubber-filler interfacial affinity. Such remarkable performance suggests that the DLSi hybrid can be a promising versatile biobased filler for the application in gasoline-saving “green” tires.

DNA Damage on Buccal Epithelial Cells, Personal Working in the Rubber Industry Occupationally Exposed to Carbon Disulfide (CS2).

The most significant industrial utilization of carbon disulfide (CS2) has been in the manufacture of cellulose rayon, cellophane, and rubber industry. CS2 prompts expanded recurrence of chromosomal variations in laborers occupationally exposed to CS2. In the current study, the DNA analysis was carried out from exfoliated buccal epithelial cells from rubber industry workers exposed to CS2 and an equal number of healthy control subjects. Both the control and experimental subjects were categorized by their smoking habits such as smokers (S) and non-smokers (NS). Furthermore, experimental subjects were further separated based on their exposure period. Students t-test statistical tools were used to analyze the final results. The present analysis identified a high frequency of DNA damage in rubber industry workers (16.55±0.43) than control subjects (9.8±0.21). Also, maximum number of DNA damage detected in smoking experimental group (18.27±0.02) than non-smoking experimental (15.02±0.01) and smoking control groups (10.25±0.04 ). Smoking habits synergistically increased the DNA damage in the rubber industry workers exposed to CS2.

Amine-Functionalized Lignin as an Eco-Friendly Antioxidant for Rubber Compounds

Although the typical antioxidant, N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), ensures high durability and long lifespan for rubber compounds, it generates a highly toxic quinone in water, causing serious environmental pollution. Herein, as an alternative material of 6PPD, we newly introduce eco-friendly amine-functionalized lignin (AL) to be incorporated in rubber, which can provide excellent combinatorial antiaging properties of thermal stability and ozone/fatigue resistances through radical scavenging effect. The heterolytic ring-opening reaction of AL and sulfur can accelerate curing and improve the cross-link density by 28% (v, 4.107 × 10–4 mol/cm3), consequently reducing the ozone vulnerable areas of the matrix and further improving the aging resistance. Notably, AL allows its rubber compound to exhibit superior anti-ozone performance after ozone aging, with the arithmetic surface roughness (Sa) of 2.077 μm, which should be compared to that of 6PPD (4.737 μm). The developed chemically modified lignin and the methodology have enormous potential as a promising additive for future eco-friendly rubber compounds. The eco-friendly lignin-based antioxidant manufactured by amination reaction has the potential to reduce environmental pollution for the future rubber industry.

Effects of microstructures of liquid polyisoprene on the properties of styrene–butadiene rubber/butadiene rubber compounds

AbstractRecently, there has been an increasing interest in liquid rubbers (LRs), which can work as reactive processing aids to replace conventional plasticizers and are used as prepolymers to synthesize novel block copolymers. However, the understanding of effects of their microstructures on the properties of materials is still not sufficient. In this study, liquid 1,4‐polyisoprene (L1,4‐IR) and liquid 3,4‐polyisoprene (L3,4‐IR) with similar molecular weight were selected and mixed with styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR)/butadiene rubber (BR). The effects of microstructures of the LRs on the properties of materials were investigated. L1,4‐IR has more 1,4‐units and fewer 3,4‐units than L3,4‐IR. This gives L1,4‐IR a lower glass transition temperature and much more flexible polymer chains. Vulcanizates containing L1,4‐IR had advantages over samples containing L3,4‐IR, including lower Mooney viscosities, smaller ΔG′ value from 0.3% to 43% of strain, fewer sol fractions, better abrasion resistance and lower values of tan δ at 60 °C. In contrast, high contents of 3,4‐units endow L3,4‐IR with low unsaturation in polymer backbones and high glass transition temperature. Samples containing L3,4‐IR showed higher values of tan δ at 0 °C, better thermal stabilities and excellent DIN abrasion resistance after aging compared to samples with L1,4‐IR. Furthermore, there were no big differences in the mechanical properties of SBR/BR compounds containing L1,4‐IR or L3,4‐IR. The results of this study are of great importance to the practical application of liquid polyisoprene in the rubber industry. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.

Rigidoporus microporus and the white root rot disease of rubber

AbstractRigidoporus microporus is an economically important plant pathogenic fungus causing particularly severe losses to the rubber industry worldwide. The pathogen is responsible for white root rot (WRR) disease, infecting the host roots via white fibrous mycelia, causing vascular disfunction, and visible symptoms including leaf discolouration and dieback in severely infected trees. The final stage of the disease is characterized by the appearance of basidiocarps at the tree collar. The development of WRR in rubber plantations is dependent on fungal diversity in the soil, pH, temperature, and cation levels. Several ‘‐omics’ approaches have been undertaken to understand how R. microporus functions with the objective, ultimately, to control WRR. Unfortunately, no resistant rubber clone has been identified to date. The disease is managed through physical and chemical methods that are laborious and negatively impact the environment, respectively. Recent developments in research on R. microporus shed light on potential sustainable routes to WRR disease control using beneficial microorganisms and natural compounds. This review discusses the characteristics of R. microporus isolates from different geographical origins, the pathogenicity and virulence mechanisms of the necrotrophic fungal pathogen, factors that influence the development of WRR, recent findings from the multi‐omics studies, and control methods that are available to combat this economically important pathogen.

Characterization of Natural Rubber, Styrene Butadiene Rubber, and Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Monomer Blend Composites Loaded with Zinc Stearate to Be Used in the Solid Tire Industry

Vulcanization is an important step in the manufacture of solid tires in which the crosslinking process occurs. In vulcanization, the materials commonly used as activators and coactivators are ZnO and stearic acid, respectively. In this research, ZnO and stearic acid were replaced with zinc stearate to improve the characteristics of vulcanized rubber. Zinc stearate was applied in four formulas with a composition of 5 to 9 phr. A formula that is often used in the rubber industry was used as a comparison, and ZnO and stearic acid of 5 phr and 2.5 phr, respectively, were applied. The rubber compound for solid tire production was developed using an open mill at a compounding temperature of 45 °C ± 5 °C. The vulcanization process of developing the rubber compound into vulcanized rubber was carried out at 150 °C for 20 min. Rubber compound test results showed that the use of zinc stearate at a ratio of 8 phr accelerated the curing time (t90) between 58.3% and 69%, the scorch time (ts2) between 22.4% and 95.5%, and the torque delta (Δs) between 17.67 and 24.21 kg-cm. In addition, the vulcanized rubber mechanical properties test results for the compression set parameter increased between 28.6% and 57.1%. Scan results with SEM–EDS showed that using ZS could improve the homogeneous distribution of the material in the vulcanized matrix of solid tire rubber.

Methylene Blue Dye Wastewater Treatment Based On Tertiary Stage of Industrial Wastewater Treatment Process: A Review

Methylene blue (MB) is frequently used in the textile, rubber, plastics, leather, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. As a colouring and staining agent, MB is reported as one of the most studied dyes involving degradation and photocatalytic activity. Unfortunately, the discharge of waste from the mentioned industries contains residues of dyes, whereby the presence of a very low concentration of dyes can be highly visible. Discharging the waste without suitable treatment can cause many complications for the environment and human health. Due to that reason, the control of dye wastewater has become the most challenging task. Therefore, this review article will be focused on the MB treatment process, especially membrane filtration technology involving a pressure-driven membrane process, which is reported to be the most efficient method to treat MB dye wastewater.

Effects of the surface chemical groups of cellulose nanocrystals on the vulcanization and mechanical properties of natural rubber/cellulose nanocrystals nanocomposites

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), as the promising reinforcing fillers in the rubber industry, their surface chemical groups have vital effects on the vulcanization kinetics, cross-linking densities, and mechanical properties of rubber composites. Herein, CNCs with acidic carboxyl (CCA) and alkaline amino groups (CCP) were produced by modifying the sulfonic CNCs (CCS) in environment-friendly ways. Studies found the CCS and CCA with acid groups have obvious inhibiting effects on the vulcanization of natural rubber (NR), while CCP with alkaline amino groups accelerates the vulcanization of NR. Differential scanning calorimeter, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Electron paramagnetic resonance, etc. were performed to clarify the effecting mechanisms of CNCs surface groups on NR vulcanization. It was found that NR/CCS and NR/CCA nanocomposites vulcanize through radical reactions, and the surface acidic groups of CCS and CCA, i.e., hydroxyl, sulfonate, and carboxyl groups inactivate the sulfur radicals generated during vulcanization and depress the vulcanization activity. The amino groups of the polyethyleneimine of CCP promote the ring opening of sulfur (S8) or the breaking of polysulfide bonds connected to NR molecular chains to form sulfur anion with a strong nucleophilic ability, which leads to the cross-linking of NR/CCP reacts via ionic reaction mainly. The vulcanization rate and cross-linking density of NR/CCP are improved by the ionic reaction. And benefiting from the higher cross-linking density and the reinforcement of CCP, NR/CCP had the best physical and mechanical properties. Our work elucidates the mechanism of the surface chemical groups of CNCs affecting NR vulcanization and may provide ideas for the preparation of high-performance rubber composites reinforced by CNCs.

Bioinspired Sustainable Polymer with Stereochemistry-Controllable Thermomechanical Properties

The regulation of polymer properties based on stereochemistry is essential but rarely studied. Inspired by the isomerization of unsaturated phospholipids in cell membranes, we report a novel method of preparing stereocontrolled polymer using sustainable Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) as a raw material. Under the catalysis of thiyl radical, EUG with 100% trans-1,4-polyisoprene structure isomerized to cis-configuration partly in a controllable way, thus achieving the rational modulate of thermomechanical properties. The isomerization mechanism was verified by density functional theoretical calculation. The isomerized EUG (IEUG) with low cis content (≤8.7%) can serve as plastics or shape memory materials, while high cis content (≥10.7%) IEUG transferred into elastomer materials. Especially for IEUG-10.7%, its vulcanizates without filler reinforcement shows high tensile strength (15.5 MPa) and elasticity (97%) comparable to natural rubber due to its strain-induced crystallization ability, which has the potential to be the second natural rubber. This paper provides a new strategy for stereocontrol of polymer properties, and the prepared materials have broad application prospects in the intelligent sensing and rubber industry.

О МОДЕЛИРОВАНИИ ПРОЦЕССА ТЕЧЕНИЯ РЕЗИНОВЫХ СМЕСЕЙ В КАНАЛАХ СОЭКСТРУЗИОННОЙ ГОЛОВКИ С УСИЛЕННОЙ ЗОНОЙ КОНТАКТА МАТЕРИАЛОВ

Currently, in the chemical and related industries, the process of obtaining polymeric, two-layer products with a reinforced contact zone of materials is common. These products include: caterpillar tracks, liners for tram tracks, etc. Particular attention is paid to the quality of products obtained by coextrusion. The article presents ways to solve problems of obtaining a strong connection between the layers of materials and an unstable shape of the extrudate at the outlet of the co-extrusion head. The authors propose to use a co-extrusion head with a reinforced material contact zone. In order to save time and computing resources, it is necessary to identify a rational design zone, in which sufficient calculation accuracy will be ensured. To identify the rational design zone, numerical experiments were carried out in the ANSYS software and computer system. The Maxwell model was chosen as the rheological model. Velocity and pressure distribution patterns were obtained, which can be used to solve various applied problems. It was revealed that the maximum speed is achieved in the center of the head section, while its minimum values are located along the periphery. As a result, dependences of the velocity inhomogeneity coefficient in the outlet section on the relative tooth height were drawn. The resulting regression curves are similar for the cases of the full and partial simulation zones. That is why it is sufficient to simulate the process only in the part of the extrusion head. With such a scheme, the number of finite elements will be less, which, with a given accuracy, will reduce the calculation time. The results obtained can be used in the design of co-extrusion heads for tire and rubber industries in order to replace foreign equipment with domestic developments.

Investigation of the Potential of Using Liquid Rubbers in Rubber Industry

Investigation of the Potential of Using Liquid Rubbers in Rubber Industry

Impact of Ukraine-Russia War, China Risks on Rubber Industry

Impact of Ukraine-Russia War, China Risks on Rubber Industry

Technical Carbon Black and Green Technology

Abstract Carbon black (CB) is produced through the incomplete combustion of biomass or thermal decomposition in an oxygen-deprived environment. Technical carbon black (TCB) primarily consists of elemental carbon and comes in various grades distinguished by surface area and nanostructure morphologies. However, TCB production raises sustainability concerns due to its reliance on non-renewable feedstock, significant CO2 emissions and high energy consumption. TCBs find extensive use as reinforcing fillers in the tire and rubber industries. Recent studies underscore the importance of eco-friendly alternatives. This research was carried out to monitor the renewability of the TCB samples by determining the 14C isotope concentration. Liquid scintillation counting (LSC) and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon techniques were employed for measuring the 14C isotope concentration, while isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) corrected standardised isotope fractionation correction. The investigation revealed that the examined TCB samples contain extremely low 14C concentrations, measuring <1 per cent modern carbon (pMC). This finding raises concerns regarding potential environmental ramifications.