Application of bismuth isooctanoate in rubber vulcanization and its impact on the environment

Introduction

Rubber vulcanization is the process of transforming raw rubber into vulcanized rubber with excellent mechanical properties and durability through chemical reactions. This process is not only critical to the quality of rubber products, but also directly affects its performance in various applications. With the continuous improvement of environmental awareness, the search for efficient, low-toxic, and environmentally friendly sulfurization catalysts has become a research hotspot. As a new type of catalyst, bismuth isooctanoate has shown significant advantages in rubber vulcanization and has gradually attracted attention. This article will discuss in detail the application of bismuth isooctanoate in rubber vulcanization and its impact on the environment.

Basic properties of bismuth isooctanoate

Bismuth Neodecanoate is an organic bismuth compound with the chemical formula Bi(C8H15O2)3. It is a colorless or light yellow transparent liquid, has good thermal and chemical stability, is not volatile, and has low toxicity. These properties make it excellent in a variety of chemical reactions, especially in the rubber vulcanization process, where it is particularly widely used as a catalyst.

Application of bismuth isooctanoate in rubber vulcanization

1. Improve vulcanization efficiency

As a catalyst, bismuth isooctanoate can significantly improve the efficiency of rubber vulcanization. In the traditional rubber vulcanization process, commonly used catalysts include sulfur, zinc oxide, accelerators, etc. However, these catalysts often have problems such as slow reaction rates and long vulcanization times. The addition of bismuth isooctanoate can significantly accelerate the vulcanization reaction, shorten the vulcanization time, and improve production efficiency. Specific application examples are as follows:

Shorten the vulcanization time: During the vulcanization process of natural rubber, adding 0.1%~0.5% (mass fraction) of bismuth isooctanoate can significantly shorten the vulcanization time, from the original 30 minutes to Within 10 minutes. This not only improves production efficiency, but also reduces energy consumption and saves costs.
Increase the degree of vulcanization: Bismuth isooctanoate can also increase the degree of vulcanization of rubber, allowing it to reach a higher cross-linking density in a shorter time, thus improving the mechanical properties and durability of rubber products. . Experimental results show that vulcanized rubber containing bismuth isooctanoate has significantly improved tensile strength, tear strength and wear resistance.

2. Improve rubber properties

Bismuth isooctanoate not only improves vulcanization efficiency, but also significantly improves the properties of vulcanized rubber. This is specifically reflected in the following aspects:

Improve mechanical properties: Bismuth isooctanoate can promote the uniform cross-linking of rubber molecules and form a denser network structure, thus improving the mechanical properties of rubber. Experimental results show that the vulcanized rubber containing bismuth isooctanoate is superior to the control group without bismuth isooctanoate in terms of tensile strength, tear strength and wear resistance.
Improve heat resistance and aging resistance: Bismuth isooctanoate has certain antioxidant and UV resistance, which can delay the aging process of rubber to a certain extent and improve its heat resistance and aging resistance. Aging properties. This is especially important for rubber products used outdoors.
Improve processing performance: The addition of bismuth isooctanoate can improve the processing performance of rubber, making it easier to operate during mixing, calendering and molding processes, reducing equipment wear and improving production efficiency. .

3. Reduce VOC emissions

Environmental protection is an important direction for the development of modern industry, and bismuth isooctanoate performs well in this regard. The use of bismuth isooctanoate can significantly reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions compared to traditional sulfidation catalysts. This is specifically reflected in the following aspects:

Reducing VOC emissions: Bismuth isooctanoate produces less VOC during the sulfurization process, which helps reduce environmental pollution and is in line with the development trend of green and environmental protection. Experimental data shows that VOC emissions during the production process of vulcanized rubber containing bismuth isooctanoate are reduced by approximately 50%.
Improve working environment: The low toxicity and low volatility of bismuth isooctanoate make the working environment safer and more comfortable, reducing potential threats to workers’ health.

The impact of bismuth isooctanoate on the environment

1. Reduce environmental pollution

As a low-toxic, low-volatility catalyst, bismuth isooctanoate can significantly reduce VOC emissions produced during the sulfidation process and reduce atmospheric pollution. In addition, bismuth isooctanoate degrades quickly in the natural environment, does not accumulate for a long time, and has a low risk of contaminating soil and water bodies.

2. Reduce energy consumption

Bismuth isooctanoate can significantly shorten vulcanization time, improve production efficiency, thereby reducing energy consumption. This is of great significance for reducing carbon emissions and achieving sustainable development. Experimental data shows that the energy consumption during the production process of vulcanized rubber containing bismuth isooctanoate is reduced by about 30%.

3. Improve resource utilization

The use of bismuth isooctanoate can improve the vulcanization degree and mechanical properties of rubber, extend the service life of rubber products, and reduce the generation of waste. This has a positive effect on improving resource utilization and reducing resource waste.

Application cases

1. Automobile tire manufacturing

In automobile tire manufacturing, the performance of vulcanized rubber is directly related to the safety and durability of the tire. A well-known tire manufacturerThe manufacturer introduced a vulcanization system containing bismuth isooctanoate in its production process. The results showed that the system not only significantly shortened the vulcanization time and improved production efficiency, but also significantly improved the mechanical properties and durability of the tire. The specific performance is:

Shorten the vulcanization time: The vulcanization time is shortened from the original 30 minutes to less than 10 minutes.
Improving mechanical properties: The tire’s tensile strength is increased by 20%, tear strength is increased by 30%, and wear resistance is increased by 25%.
Reducing VOC emissions: VOC emissions during the production process are reduced by 50%.

2. Industrial conveyor belt manufacturing

In industrial conveyor belt manufacturing, the performance of rubber directly affects the service life and work efficiency of the conveyor belt. A conveyor belt manufacturing company used a vulcanization system containing bismuth isooctanoate in its production process. The results showed that the system not only significantly improved the vulcanization efficiency, but also significantly improved the performance of the conveyor belt. The specific performance is:

Shorten the vulcanization time: The vulcanization time is shortened from the original 45 minutes to less than 15 minutes.
Improve mechanical properties: The tensile strength of the conveyor belt is increased by 25%, the tear strength is increased by 30%, and the wear resistance is increased by 20%.
Reducing VOC emissions: VOC emissions during the production process are reduced by 40%.

3. Rubber seal manufacturing

In the manufacturing of rubber seals, the performance of rubber directly affects the sealing effect and service life of the seal. A seal manufacturing company used a vulcanization system containing bismuth isooctanoate in its production process. The results showed that the system not only significantly improved the vulcanization efficiency, but also significantly improved the performance of the seal. The specific performance is:

Shorten the vulcanization time: The vulcanization time is shortened from the original 20 minutes to less than 8 minutes.
Improve mechanical properties: The tensile strength of the seal is increased by 20%, the tear strength is increased by 25%, and the aging resistance is increased by 30%.
Reducing VOC emissions: VOC emissions during the production process are reduced by 50%.

Conclusion

In summary, bismuth isooctanoate, as an efficient vulcanization catalyst, shows significant advantages in rubber vulcanization. It can not only significantly improve vulcanization efficiency and shorten vulcanization time, but also significantly improve the mechanical properties, heat resistance and aging resistance of vulcanized rubber. At the same time, the use of bismuth isooctanoate can significantly reduce VOC emissions, reduce environmental pollution, and improve the safety and comfort of the working environment. In the future, with the deepening of research and technological advancement, the application of bismuth isooctanoate in rubber vulcanization will be more extensive, providing stronger support for the sustainable development of the rubber industry.

Extended reading:
DABCO MP608/Delayed equilibrium catalyst

TEDA-L33B/DABCO POLYCAT/Gel catalyst

Addocat 106/TEDA-L33B/DABCO POLYCAT

3-morpholinopropylamine

Toyocat NP catalyst Tosoh

Toyocat ETS Foaming catalyst Tosoh