Zinc borate, as an important inorganic additive, plays an irreplaceable role in the rubber industry. This white crystalline powder, with its unique chemical properties, exhibits multiple functions in the production of rubber products, from flame retardancy to smoke suppression, from reinforcement to corrosion resistance, endowing rubber materials with superior performance.
In terms of improving the flame retardant performance of rubber products, zinc borate produces a glassy coating through thermal decomposition, effectively isolating oxygen from contact with the rubber substrate. This flame retardant mechanism not only reduces the combustion risk of rubber products, but also significantly reduces the production of toxic smoke during the combustion process. Experimental data shows that adding 2-3% zinc borate to rubber materials can increase their ultimate oxygen index by more than 30%.
The enhancing effect of zinc borate is mainly reflected in its interaction with rubber molecular chains. The zinc ions in its crystal structure can form coordination bonds with rubber molecules, enhance intermolecular forces, and thus improve the mechanical strength of rubber products. Meanwhile, the uniform dispersion of zinc borate particles can also improve the processing performance of rubber and increase production efficiency.
In terms of anti-corrosion function, zinc borate neutralizes acidic substances generated during rubber aging through its alkaline characteristics, delaying material aging. The boron element in its crystal structure can also react with unsaturated bonds in rubber to form stable chemical bonds, further enhancing the durability of the material.
With the increasing environmental requirements and advances in material science, zinc borate has broad prospects for application in the rubber industry. The development of a new type of nanoscale zinc borate improves its dispersibility in rubber matrix and results in more significant modification effects. In the future, zinc borate will play a greater role in improving the performance and functionalization of rubber materials.
