Improve the dispersion of nanomaterials in rubber suction cups

In order to expand the range of applications of nanomaterials in rubber, in addition to using a suitable composite process to ensure that nanomaterials are highly matched to rubber to ensure good affinity between them; uniform dispersion of nanomaterials in the rubber matrix is ​​also critical. In addition to relying on a suitable composite process, it is necessary to cooperate with advanced testing methods to verify that the dispersion of the resulting composite has reached the specified requirements, and to grasp the combination between the two phases.

In view of the mesoscopic fineness of the nanomaterial itself, it is impossible for the naked eye to distinguish the degree of uniformity of dispersion, even if it is generally difficult to identify by a low magnification optical microscope. Therefore, there are two prerequisites for producing an ideal rubber nanocomposite.

First, we must ensure that the selection and compounding (including operating procedures and processing conditions) are reasonable and appropriate. Improper material selection or conditions (including temperature, pressure, time, etc.) that do not meet the requirements may affect the composite effect and cause errors. The focus of the composite process is first to ensure a relatively complete and uniform dispersion of the nanopowder material in the rubber matrix. From a macro perspective, it is required to achieve uniform dispersion of all parts of the rubber compound. From a microscopic point of view, it is more demanded that at least a large part of the nanoparticles do not agglomerate and agglomerate. If this is not possible, it will be equal to the former.

Second, the composite process relies on advanced testing methods to determine if the composite meets the requirements and whether the composite can provide the expected performance to meet the requirements.

How to achieve the composite requirements mainly depends on the selection of a suitable composite process. Mechanical blending is the most common and feasible method compared to the current conditions of the suction cups manufacturing industry. However, according to the ordinary mechanical blending operation, it is difficult to achieve the high composite requirement of the nano material and the rubber, and a specific operation sequence and method are required. There are three more effective measures:

First, the addition of a dispersant during blending can achieve certain effects, but the effect is too small.

Second, two or more stages of blending are used, that is, thinning is repeated multiple times during the compounding process.

Third, take the masterbatch method.
With the help of modern high-tech detection instruments, the dispersion state of nanoparticles in the rubber substrate is directly observed and read, the grade of the dispersion size is known, and the functional groups on the surface of the particles are characterized.