Paper Mills: Heat and Humidity Resistance of Rubber Rollers
Problem Statement
Rubber rollers in paper mills degrade under continuous exposure to 180°C steam, high humidity (>90% RH), and acidic sizing chemicals. Common EPDM formulations fail due to compression set (>40%) and surface cracking after 6 months.
Material Science Analysis
Standard EPDM lacks sufficient crosslink density for steam resistance. RubberQ’s HNBR compound uses 34% acrylonitrile content and peroxide curing to achieve:
- Thermal stability via saturated backbone structure
- Hydrolysis resistance from optimized filler-polymer bonding
- Acid resistance through fluorinated additives (0.5-1.2% fluorine)
Technical Specifications
- Shore A Hardness: 75 ±5
- Tensile Strength: 18 MPa (ASTM D412)
- Elongation at Break: 250%
- Temperature Range: -30°C to 200°C continuous
- Compression Set (22h @ 175°C): ≤15% (ASTM D395 Method B)
| Parameter | HNBR (RubberQ) | Standard EPDM | FKM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Steam Resistance | 200°C | 150°C | 230°C |
| Compression Set @175°C | 15% | 45% | 10% |
| Acid Resistance (pH 2-5) | Excellent | Good | Poor |
| Cost Index | 1.8x | 1.0x | 3.2x |
Standard Compliance
RubberQ’s IATF 16949 system ensures:
- Batch traceability of raw materials (ASTM D2000 AA-706)
- Adhesion strength >4.5 MPa (ASTM D429 Method B)
- ISO 3601 Class A cleanliness for metal-bonded components
For custom material compound development or IATF 16949 documentation, consult RubberQ’s engineering department.
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