Various uses Of ZnO Nanopowder for Rubber
Nanoparticles have ushered in a new world of possibilities owing to their high surface area. In fact, nanoparticles are finding extensive use in various areas of scientific research, manufacturing etc. Depending on the material the nanoparticles may serve a variety of purpose. ZnO nanopowder too is used extensively to various industrial applications. However, it finds most common use in rubber processing industry.
ZnO Nanopowder for Rubber
The rubber processing industry is dependent on ZnO oxide since this compound can alter various properties of rubber. ZnO Nanopowder for Rubber has an even greater use since the nanoparticle have the ability to enhance the characters of Zno. This is why ZnO nanopowder is universally used to manufacture various rubber products, the most common among which is vehicle tyres.
Vehicle Tyre and the use of ZnO Nanopowder
Nanopowders of ZnO are extremely useful in vehicle tyre manufacturing since it has the ability to strengthen various properties of rubber and make the tyre fit for long journeys. ZnO Nanopowder is used to enhance properties of rubber such as resistance to heat, durability, wear and tear from ultraviolet rays of sun etc. In effect, vehicle tyre manufacturers use this chemical to make the rubbers tyres fit for running without compromising with safety.
Why ZnO nanopowders are used
ZnO has the ability to modify various properties of rubber and make it fit for tough vehicle tyres, However, this chemical is highly toxic for the environment. It is not possible to continue using ZnO Nanopowder for rubber since that may endanger the environment. However, using the nanoparticles of ZnO reduces this threat by a great extent.
ZnO nanopowder and the environment
ZnO nanopowder has a huge surface area. Since the chemical acts as an activator during vulcanization of rubber, the surface area of ZnO Nanopowder is an excellent indicator of its capacity. Nanoparticles have a very high surface area compared to normal ones. This makes sure that much less quantity of ZnO is required to activate the reaction between rubber and sulfur during vulcanization.
Properties sought to be modified by ZnO
- Vulcanization
Rubber is vulcanized by sulfur in presence of ZnO. This causes rubber to harden up so that it can be used in various industries.
- Heat Stabilization
ZnO itself is resistant to heat. This is the reason that it is used during manufacturing of vehicle tyres. They make sure that tyres are safe even at high temperatures arising out of friction.
- Latex Gelation
Zinc oxide helps in solidification of foam. This property is made use of in gelation of rubber for manufacturing mattresses.
- Light Stabilization
ZnO can absorb ultra-violate rays. Owing to this character, ZnO is pretty useful in manufacturing rubber tires. Since tyres may be exposed to UV rays throughout the day, ZnO can stabilize them against sunlight. This material is also used for producing tinted rubber.
- Pigmentation
The whitish look that you can see in some rubber products is due to ZnO since it acts as a pigment. It is also used in manufacturing surgical equipment.