Quality Control of Neoprene Elastomeric Materials

Elastomer is a polymer that has high viscoelasticity (viscosity and elastic together). Their Poisson's ratio is very close to 0.5 and therefore they can be considered incompressible. Before producing any elastomeric product, experts identify the installation site, i.e. the conditions of the place where the product is to be used and operated. Recognizing factors such as acidity of the site, the possibility of oil existing and contact with seawater or any other factor that affects the operation of the final product. If the product needs acid resistance, EPDM rubber is added. If the product needs oil resistance, NBR rubber is added. In some cases, neoprene or other plastic parts, such as fenders (shore bumpers made of neoprene and used to absorb the impact force of ships at anchorage) should be evaluated, including reactions in contact with seawater. In other words, they must be resistant to sea water. Now, according to the knowledge of the environment and the use of the product, its appropriate formulation is designed in the factory laboratory and is subjected to initial tests are brought in this research. Among other things that should be considered is the rubber curing system, for which sulfur and peroxide curing systems are available, and case studies of this research use sulfur curing systems. Care must be taken not to apply the curing system to the rubber, the rubber does not take any shape, because sulfur or peroxide bonds must be formed to remove the rubber from the amorphous state and form itself