RUBBER

Soltex Acetylene Black and Polybutenes are useful in the rubber and tire industry in a variety of ways.

Acetylene Black is a modifier for thermal conductivity that extends the life and resiliency of the rubber. Common applications are: 

• Anti-static compounds for belts and hoses
• Spark plug cables
• Window spacers and sealants
• Conductive rubber rollers
• Silicone rubber compounds
• Tire curing bladders
• Tire tread

Polybutene may be used as a processing aid as well as a plasticizer. The effects on the final product’s physical properties are improved flexibility, impact strength, clarity, and stress crack resistance.

• Polybutene can be used as an extender and plasticizer for vulcanized elastomers
• Natural rubber, butyl rubber, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, ethylene-alpha olefin rubber, and styrene- butadiene rubber (SBR) are examples of systems where polybutene can be incorporated
• Roofing and pipe wraps using butyl rubber or EPDM-modified butyl rubber can be plasticized with polybutene
• Asphalt materials that incorporate thermoplastic block copolymers in roofing materials as well as roofing adhesives can be plasticized with polybutene to increase cold flexibility and adhesion
• Unlike mineral oil or process oils, polybutene cannot be easily extracted from vulcanized elastomers by solvents, heat, or UV exposure and the result is a longer life for the end-product