Rubber
Rubber-Lined Products
Iracore rubber-lined products are manufactured in a broad range of compositions and configurations tailored to meet specific requirements for resistance to chemicals, abrasion, impact and temperature.
All rubber-lined parts are prepared for vulcanization (curing), a critical stage of rubber processing. The vulcanization is necessary to enhance the performance properties of raw compounded rubber through crosslinking of its molecular structure.
Crosslinking is accomplished through a reaction with accelerators like organic peroxides or sulfur that are mixed into the raw rubber base. The four basic methods for vulcanizing (curing) rubber linings are autoclave, internal steam, atmospheric steam and ambient (chemical cure).
The autoclave steam method involves placing the object(s) to be covered or lined with rubber inside a pressure vessel called an autoclave. The autoclave provides a carefully monitored flow of steam, which delivers the best control over the vulcanization process between the four basic curing methods.
With some of the largest autoclaves in the industry, Iracore can properly cure rubber applied to most large equipment. Autoclave curing offers the greatest potential for producing exceptional rubber-to-substrate bond strength and high-quality rubber products. Other curing methods are susceptible to either reduced rubber-to-substrate bond strength or variable rubber material properties.
Protective rubber linings are based on several families of compounds.
The following are the most common types along with their general characteristics.
Soft Natural Gum Rubber
Outstanding abrasion and tear resistance in the toughest hard rock mining services. Good resistance to most inorganic chemicals with the exception of strong oxidizing agents. Lowest cost of all elastomers. Not recommended if oil is present and has poor resistance to ozone, sunlight and weathering.
Chlorobutyl/Bromobutyl
Excellent resistance to acids and caustic solutions. Extreme heat resistance rating up to 260 degrees F. Not recommended if oil or solvents are present.
Soft Natural Gum Rubber
Outstanding abrasion and tear resistance in the toughest hard rock mining services. Good resistance to most inorganic chemicals with the exception of strong oxidizing agents. Lowest cost of all elastomers. Not recommended if oil is present and has poor resistance to ozone, sunlight and weathering.
Chlorobutyl/Bromobutyl
Excellent resistance to acids and caustic solutions. Extreme heat resistance rating up to 260 degrees F. Not recommended if oil or solvents are present.
Chloroprene (Neoprene)
Good oil, chemical, ozone, weathering and abrasion resistance. Excellent general purpose rubber that can handle a wide variety of applications.
MOR (Moderate Oil Resistance) Rubber
Blended natural gum and nitrile rubber lining for general purpose use in abrasion and applications with trace amounts of oil present. General material properties are closely related to soft natural gum rubber.
Chloroprene (Neoprene)
Good oil, chemical, ozone, weathering and abrasion resistance. Excellent general purpose rubber that can handle a wide variety of applications.
MOR (Moderate Oil Resistance) Rubber
Blended natural gum and nitrile rubber lining for general purpose use in abrasion and applications with trace amounts of oil present. General material properties are closely related to soft natural gum rubber.
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR)
Good abrasion resistance, high tensile strength and excellent sliding abrasion resistance. Most commonly used in pulley lagging applications. Not recommended if oil is present and has poor resistance to ozone, sunlight and weathering.
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR)
Good abrasion resistance, high tensile strength and excellent sliding abrasion resistance. Most commonly used in pulley lagging applications. Not recommended if oil is present and has poor resistance to ozone, sunlight and weathering.