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The use of Magnesium Oxide in Synthetic Rubber

PCP Synthetic Rubber

Polychloroprene (PCP) synthetic rubber was invented by Dupont in 1930 and
Neoprene was commercially announced in 1931.

The main uses of polychloroprene rubber are:
Contact adhesives, mechanical parts (engine mounts), wire & cable, hose, v-
belts and automotive molded sponge.

The main industries consuming PCP rubber are:
Automotive (v-belts, hoses, engine mounts)
Wire and cable (PCP covered cable e.g. for elevators or appliances)
Construction (bridge isolation blocks),
Machinery (solid rubber wheels, conveyor belts),
Wet suits for the leisure industry

Metal Oxides are necessary to regulate the scorch and cure rate of
Neoprene compounds as well as to develop acceptable vulcanizate quality.
Of the many oxides studied, combinations of magnesium oxide and zinc oxide
provide the best balance of these features. Generally, four parts of magnesia
and five parts of zinc oxide are used for the best combination of processing
safety and heat resistance.

Hypalon (a cross-linked chlorinated polyethylene) is used for non-black
compounds where applications require bright colors and good weatherability.

Acid acceptors play a dual role in the curing of Hypalon :
1. They provide a readily available reactant for neutralization of acid by-
products of vulcanization and;
2. They act as cross-linking agents forming weak ionic bonds.

Magnesium oxide (MgO) and litharge (PbO) are the most commonly used acid
acceptors. Magnesia is a lower cost acid acceptor for general purpose use
where water resistance is not a critical property. Because it is non-
discoloring, magnesia can be used in both black and non-black compounds.
Magnesia is generally used at the 4 or 5 parts per hundred level in conjunction
with pentaerythritol, a cure promoter at 3 phr.

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DSP can provide grades of active magnesium oxide packed in private brand
marked bags. We can pack in polyethylene sachets (1 Kg packs) in cartons
or in EVA bags in cartons. We can provide magnesium oxide certified for use
in medical products (e.g. serum vial caps, syringe seals, etc.).

Sensitive parameters of the MgO specification for rubber are:

1. activity
2. Loss on Ignition
3. particle size
4. levels of metals such as copper and manganese should
be very low


Silicone Rubber and fluroelastomers
MgO is needed for compounding of the fluroelastomer Viton used for high
tensile strength rubber to metal bonding, and also some silicon rubber
products.

All active magnesia products will react with moisture and CO
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in the air.
Product should be stored in a covered warehouse. Our tests show that a
shelf life of 12 months in good storage conditions is safe. When packing is
opened product should be used immediately.