19 Aug What Is Vulcanized Rubber?
The word’s other form, “vulcanize,” belongs to industrial manufacturing and is part of the everyday routine at I.B. Moore Company.
What exactly is vulcanization? It involves heating rubber and sulfur to enhance the rubber’s physical properties. This chemical process forms strong cross-links between the rubber molecules, making rubber more versatile and durable than unvulcanized rubber.
What Is Vulcanized Rubber Used For?
Vulcanized rubber’s enhanced characteristics make it sought after in many industries. Here’s a look at some of its common uses:
Automotive Industry
Vulcanized rubber is indispensable in the automotive sector. Companies use it to manufacture tires, where its durability and flexibility ensure a smooth and safe driving experience. The rubber’s resistance to high temperatures and wear makes it ideal for tires, which endure significant stress and friction.
In addition to tires, companies also prefer vulcanized rubber for gaskets, seals, and specific under-the-hood components. These parts benefit from the material’s ability to withstand extreme temperatures and exposure to oils and chemicals.
Industrial Applications
Vulcanized rubber plays a major role in industrial settings. It provides durability and abrasion resistance in conveyor belts, which makes them suitable for transporting materials in manufacturing and mining operations.
Additionally, hoses and seals made from this material provide reliable performance under pressure and in harsh environments. Shock absorbers and vibration mounts also use vulcanized rubber to reduce noise and absorb vibrations in machinery and equipment.
Footwear Industry
The footwear industry makes excellent use of vulcanized rubber, particularly for shoe soles. The material’s pliability and resistance to wear and tear make footwear comfortable and durable. Vulcanized rubber soles provide superior traction and support for various footwear, including sneakers and work boots.
Consumer Goods
Everyday consumer products also have vulcanized rubber. Rubber bands, gloves, and mats benefit from its elasticity and strength. For example, rubber gloves made from vulcanized rubber are strong and provide added protection against chemicals and abrasion. Similarly, mats made from vulcanized rubber are durable and comfortable. Consumers and workers use these mats in homes, gyms, and industrial environments.
Medical Equipment
Vulcanized rubber’s properties are well-suited for various medical field applications. Its compatibility with biological systems and its ability to withstand sterilization make it ideal for medical devices such as surgical gloves and seals. These products require materials that withstand repeated chemical exposure and high temperatures while maintaining integrity and performance.
Vulcanized Rubber vs. Unvulcanized Rubber
The I.B. Moore Company team prefers vulcanized rubber over unvulcanized rubber for several reasons.
Vulcanized Rubber
The vulcanization process creates a more durable and heat-resistant material. Vulcanized rubber can withstand harsh conditions like high temperatures, making it more advantageous for demanding applications like automotive parts and industrial machinery.
Unvulcanized Rubber
Unvulcanized rubber has not undergone that chemical process. It remains more flexible and less resistant to heat and wear than vulcanized rubber. Unvulcanized rubber is often used for temporary applications or in products where high durability is not essential. It is less effective in environments that involve extreme temperatures or mechanical stress.
What is Vulcanized Rubber Used for at I.B. Moore Company?
At I.B. Moore Company in Lexington, KY, we incorporate vulcanized rubber into a range of products, leveraging its superior qualities to meet the needs of various industries.
Rubber Gaskets and Seals
We manufacture rubber gaskets and seals from vulcanized rubber to ensure high performance and durability. These components are critical for preventing leaks and providing a secure seal in machinery and equipment. The vulcanized rubber’s resistance to heat and chemicals helps these products maintain their effectiveness in demanding conditions.
Custom Rubber Parts
Our team designs and produces custom rubber parts tailored to customer requirements. Vulcanized rubber provides the necessary endurance, flexibility, and quality that they demand. Our custom solutions meet their needs and exceed our high standards of performance.
We incorporate a range of top-quality rubber materials into our products:
- NBR
- Neoprene
- Silicone
- Nitrile
- Urethane
Additionally, our custom-molded products have hardness ranges from 35A to 90A. For even more structural integrity, ask us about custom rubber-to-metal bonding solutions.
Ask Us About Custom Vulcanized Rubber Solutions
Looking for reliable rubber products that deliver performance and durability? I.B. Moore Company has vulcanized rubber solutions to help your company succeed. Our knowledgeable team of professionals is ready to help you find the right product for your needs. Contact us in Lexington, KY, for nationwide service.