Rubber vulcanization

Rubber vulcanization, also known as curing, involves the treatment of rubber with sulfur and high heat to improve its mechanical properties. Here's a general overview of a typical vulcanization process:
Mixing: The process begins with the mixing of raw rubber material with other compounding agents such as fillers, plasticizers, accelerators, and sulfur.
Molding: The mixed rubber compound is shaped according to the desired design by using molds or other shaping techniques.
Vulcanization: The molded rubber compound is then exposed to elevated temperatures typically ranging from 140°C to 160°C. During this stage, the sulfur atoms form cross-links with the rubber polymer chains, resulting in improved mechanical properties and thermal stability. The duration of heating and the specific temperature conditions depend on the type of rubber and the desired properties.
Cooling: After the vulcanization process, the rubber product is cooled down to ambient temperature, allowing the cross-linking structure to stabilize.
Post-treatment: Depending on the specific requirements of the rubber product, additional processes such as trimming, inspection, and testing may be performed to ensure quality and dimensional accuracy.
It's worth noting that the sulfurization process for rubber joints in industrial applications may involve specialized equipment, exact temperature control, and specific formulations tailored to the requirements of the joint and the surrounding operating conditions. For detailed information on the sulfurization process specific to rubber joints, it's advisable to consult technical experts in the field of rubber manufacturing or industrial rubber products.