The use of rubber in different industries has come on leaps and bounds over the last century. It can now be used in even highly sensitive applications thanks to the advances made in active agents. But what are these active agents and what do they bring to the table?
What are Active Agents?
Active agents are molecules that, when added to the rubber, give it new characteristics which can be used in a range of applications. This includes:
- Enhanced heat resistance
- Improved tearing strength
- Enhanced ozone-resistance
- Reduced swelling in solvents
For products which require resilient materials, such as automotive and aerospace parts, these active agents are essential to their production.
Different Types of Agent
Active agents can come in many forms, such as additives, co-agents, and curatives. Additives are added at the compound stage to provide an immediate benefit. Co-agents are a combination of agents which when combined become much more effective. Meanwhile, curatives are used to cure the rubber compound after the final product has been manufactured.
the Benefits of Agents
- Improved manufacturing: By making use of active agents, manufacturing can be made more consistent and more easily automated. This offers cost and efficiency improvements.
- Improved performance: By improving the performance of the rubber, it can be used in a wider range of applications. This opens up markets which may otherwise be out of reach.
- Improved safety: By dealing with the hazardous chemicals and solvents involved in rubber processing, working conditions can be improved and safety risks reduced.
Conclusion
Active agents are an essential tool for unlocking the potential of rubber in modern applications. Improving the production process, performance, and safety, they open up a wider range of uses and potential partnerships.
Hopefully, this brief introduction has shed some light on the exciting world of active agents and their role in helping organisations meet their goals.
