

The kinetic model, encompassing the curing and reversion phenomena of the NR/SBR rubber vulcanization process, was developed by means of the finite element method simultaneously with heat transfer equations, including heat generation due to curing reactions. The vulcanization simulation was conducted for three spheres of different diameters (1, 5 and 10 cm) and two rubber wheels, one of which was a commercial product of the rubber industry. The proposed advanced simulation model, based on products’ two-dimensional axisymmetry, includes cooling after vulcanization, during which the crosslinking reactions continue to take place as a result of the products’ heated interiors. As a criterion for removing the product from the mold, an average vulcanization degree of 0.9 was set, whereby, during cooling, the vulcanization degree increases, due to crosslinking reactions. Based on the minimal difference between the maximal and minimal vulcanization degrees, which did not exceed a value of 0.0142, the optimal process parameters for each product were determined, achieving homogeneity and obtaining high-quality rubber products, while simultaneously ensuring a more efficient vulcanization process and enhanced cost effectiveness for the rubber industry. © 2023 by the authors.
| Engineering controlled terms: | Cost effectivenessCrosslinkingCuringHeat transferRubber applicationsRubber industryRubber products |
|---|---|
| Engineering uncontrolled terms | Computer modelsCrosslinking reactionHeat transfer equationsKinetic modelsRubber vulcanizationSBR rubberSimulationSimulation and optimizationVulcanisationVulcanization process |
| Engineering main heading: | Vulcanization |
| Funding sponsor | Funding number | Acronym |
|---|---|---|
| Ministarstvo Prosvete, Nauke i Tehnološkog Razvoja | 200134,451-03-47/2023-01/200134 | MPNTR |
The authors would like to acknowledge the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia for their financial support, Project No. 451-03-47/2023-01/200134.
Bera, O.; Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar cara Lazara 1, Novi Sad, Serbia;
© Copyright 2023 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.