Rubber additive solutions for efficient manufacturing

Struktol Company of America’s advanced processing aids ZB 47 and ZB 49 meet the rigorous performance standards of modern rubber compounding and manufacturing environments. ZB 47 and ZB 49 are designed to optimise performance, flexibility, and reliability for processors seeking precise control and superior outcomes.

Both ZB 47 and ZB 49 are formulated as visually distinct pastilles, ZB 47 as white to off-white, and ZB 49 as beige to brown, ensuring accurate identification and straightforward dosing in any plant setting. ZB 47 features a dropping point of 105-119°C, enabling easy integration with common rubber processing parameters and supporting predictable mixing behaviours. ZB 49 offers a comparable softening point of 105-120°C, providing similar adaptability for a wide range of rubber blends. Both products exhibit long-term storage stability of at least two years and are supplied in convenient 55 lb. bags, facilitating both inventory management and consistent quality assurance.

Engineered as a formulated zinc soap, Struktol’s ZB 47 is recommended at usage levels of 1.5-4 phr. ZB 47 functions as a physical peptiser and processing aid in natural rubber. This additive is designed to improve processability, delivering enhanced heat stability and robust resistance to reversion in high-temperature and demanding curing environments. ZB 47 also increases dynamic properties in natural rubber compounds with carbon black, mineral fillers or silane coupling agents. Manufacturers can further drive cost efficiency by partially replacing stearic acid in SBR and NBR, while still maintaining competitive tensile and elastic values. ZB 47’s demonstrated improvement in tack for high natural rubber compounds means easier handling and superior green strength throughout manufacture.

Strukol’s ZB 49 is a key addition to the high-performance additive family, recommended at levels of 1-5 phr. ZB 49 delivers significant processing enhancements in silica-filled rubber blends with or without silane coupling agents. Its effective synergy with silanes delivers measurably improved coupled properties for advanced end uses. Crucially, ZB 49 maintains stabilisation during high-temperature vulcanization, reducing reversion and supporting demanding injection, transfer molding, and continuous vulcanization processes.