The aging of rubber is a commonplace topic. Rubber aging refers to the process of rubber and its products gradually declining in performance due to the combined effect of internal and external factors in the process of processing, storage and use until the loss of use value. There are three main external causes of rubber aging:
First, physical factors. Aging is caused by heat, light, electricity, metal ions, high-energy radiation and mechanical force.
Second, chemical factors. By oxygen, ozone, strong oxidant, inorganic acid, alkali, salt aqueous solution and other factors to produce aging phenomenon;
Third, biological factors. Aging is caused by microorganisms, insects, sea creatures, etc. (mostly in tropical and subtropical regions).
Aging rubber has obvious external characteristics, such as soft and sticky, hard and brittle, crack, mold, spots, cracks, spray, powder white and so on. In terms of performance, the aging rubber's cold resistance, heat resistance, tensile strength, wear resistance, elasticity, insulation, etc., will also decrease to varying degrees.
The aging of rubber is as natural as human aging and is an inevitable phenomenon. However, innovative production processes, suitable storage environments, and reasonable use methods can delay rubber aging.
