Applications of Magnesium Oxide in Rubber Industry Products

Magnesium oxide (MgO) is an important multi-functional additive in the rubber industry, with functions such as vulcanization acceleration, reinforcement, anti-scorching, and acid absorption. Its applications widely cover various rubber products. The following are the main product categories in the rubber industry where it is applicable:

Applications of Magnesium Oxide in Rubber Industry Products

I. Tires and Tire Components

In tire production, magnesium oxide is one of the key additives, especially playing an important role in specific rubber components:

Bias tire carcass: In natural rubber or styrene-butadiene rubber base materials, magnesium oxide can act as a vulcanization activator, promoting the reaction efficiency of vulcanization systems (such as sulfur and accelerators), and improving the elasticity and fatigue resistance of the tire carcass.
Radial tire cushion layer: The cushion layer needs to have good adhesion and heat resistance. Magnesium oxide adjusts the vulcanization speed of the rubber compound to avoid scorching (premature vulcanization), and at the same time enhances the bonding strength between the rubber compound and framework materials (such as steel cords).
Tire inner liner: For inner liners made of butyl rubber or halogenated butyl rubber, magnesium oxide can neutralize acidic substances (such as hydrogen halide) generated during rubber processing, prevent rubber degradation, and ensure the air tightness and chemical stability of the inner liner.

II. Industrial Rubber Products

Rubber hoses:
- Steam hoses and heat-resistant hoses for conveying high-temperature media: Magnesium oxide can improve the heat resistance and oxidation resistance of rubber compounds, reduce aging and cracking at high temperatures, and prolong the service life of hoses.
- Acid and alkali resistant hoses for conveying chemicals: In chloroprene rubber and other chemical-resistant rubbers, magnesium oxide can enhance the corrosion resistance of rubber compounds, and at the same time act as an acid absorbent to neutralize trace acidic media that may penetrate.
Rubber belts:
- Conveyor belts (especially high-temperature resistant conveyor belts): Magnesium oxide can improve the heat resistance of rubber, so that the conveyor belt can maintain structural stability in high-temperature environments (such as mining and metallurgy industries) and is not easy to soften or decompose.
- Transmission belts: It enhances the tensile strength and wear resistance of rubber compounds through reinforcement, ensuring the durability of transmission belts under high-speed operation.
Sealing products:
- O-rings and sealing rings: In materials such as nitrile rubber and fluororubber, magnesium oxide can adjust the vulcanization speed to avoid scorching during processing, and at the same time improve the oil resistance and temperature resistance of seals, which are suitable for sealing scenarios in automobiles, machinery and other fields.
- Gaskets: It enhances the hardness and compression set resistance of rubber compounds, ensuring the sealing effect of gaskets under long-term stress.

III. Special Rubber Products

Chloroprene rubber products: Chloroprene rubber has good weather resistance and flame retardancy, and is widely used in cable sheaths, raincoats, adhesives, etc. Magnesium oxide is a key additive for chloroprene rubber vulcanization. It can cooperate with metal oxides (such as zinc oxide) to form an efficient vulcanization system, improving the cross-linking density and mechanical properties of rubber.
Fluororubber products: Fluororubber is resistant to high temperature and chemical corrosion, and is often used in seals and hoses in aerospace, chemical and other high-end fields. Magnesium oxide acts as an acid acceptor in it, neutralizing hydrogen fluoride generated during fluororubber processing, preventing rubber degradation, and stabilizing the vulcanization process.
Silicone rubber products: Silicone rubber is resistant to high temperature and has good insulation, and is used in electronic component packaging, medical devices, etc. Magnesium oxide can be used as a reinforcing agent to improve the tensile strength and tear strength of silicone rubber, and at the same time improve its heat aging resistance.

IV. Other Rubber Products

Rubber shock-absorbing products: Such as automobile shock-absorbing pads and bridge shock absorbers. Magnesium oxide adjusts the hardness and elasticity of rubber compounds, so that shock-absorbing products can absorb vibration while maintaining structural stability when subjected to impact.
Rubber cable sheaths: In rubber sheaths of wires and cables, magnesium oxide can enhance the weather resistance and ozone resistance of materials, and at the same time assist in flame retardancy (in cooperation with other flame retardants), which is suitable for cable protection in outdoor or harsh environments.
Rubber shoes and daily necessities: In products such as rubber shoe soles and rain boots, magnesium oxide can improve the wear resistance and tear resistance of rubber, prolonging the service life; in rubber gloves, it can also improve the flexibility of rubber compounds.

Summary

The application of magnesium oxide in the rubber industry relies on its properties such as vulcanization activation, acid absorption, reinforcement, and heat resistance, covering multiple fields from tires, industrial hoses and belts, seals to special rubber products. Different types of rubber products will adjust the dosage and matching system of magnesium oxide according to performance requirements (such as heat resistance, chemical resistance, mechanical strength, etc.) to achieve the best processing performance and use effect.