Rubber manufacturer improves dynamic properties of elastomer
Two rubber heavyweights collaborate to create one super intelligent product.
- (1888PressRelease) May 03, 2018 - Martin’s Rubber, a long-established manufacturing business in Southampton, has developed an enhanced rubber compound that will allow engineers to work with a material that complements both oils and high ozone environments – a first in the industry.
Working with Haydale, Martin’s Rubber has developed the compound by replacing some of the existing filler system with Haydale’s HDPlas™ carbon nanotubes. The result is the ability to reduce the weight of the final product, increase the elongation to break, increase tensile modulus and load deflection characteristics, as well as improving tear resistance.
This development in using nanomaterials in combination with rubber will allow engineers to tailor a material that can work with oils and in high ozone environments but combine this with excellent damping properties, allowing for a much more versatile option in terms of designing finished parts and selecting the most appropriate material for the application.
The project aim was to enhance the dynamic properties of a rubber compound by substituting a portion of the current filler system with Haydale’s HDPlas® functionalised nanomaterials. A selection of nanomaterials and HDPlas® functionalisations were assessed for performance improvements in different elastomers.
As the filler was substituted with HDPlas® nanomaterials, the modulus and elongation at break increased. Tensile and tear strength increased at higher substitution and density, as measured by specific gravity, reduced with substitution. All whilst maintaining hardness and resistance to compression.
In addition to the mechanical performance improvements, the electrical and dynamic properties of the rubber compound were also enhanced. The array of elastomers
produced ranged from resistive to conductive, and the damping characteristics were also improved, as shown through an increase in tan delta.
With the increase in elastomer properties shown through these trials, a range of benefits can be realised: Stronger and more lightweight rubber parts, improved part manufacturing and increased electrical and dynamic performance.
The uplift in other physical properties, as a result of the introduction of nanomaterials, means that parts may now be either smaller in size than previously designed for an application, or will be able to dissipate more force, providing potential cost- and weight-savings.
Martin’s Rubber uses the entire range of thermoset elastomers, from natural through to fluorocarbon rubber. The business is dedicated to developing new technologies, and utilising emerging technologies, to increase the options available, for optimum performance in application.
Website: http://www.martins-rubber.co.uk/
Press enquires: charlotte.hartley ( @ ) kwdigital dot co.uk
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