How does the elastic recovery ability of EPDM canopy rubber strip come about?
Publish Time: 2024-11-28
In many fields such as building protection and industrial sealing, EPDM canopy rubber strip plays a key role with its excellent elastic recovery ability, and behind this magical property, there are exquisite scientific principles.From the perspective of molecular structure analysis, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) is a copolymer generated by polymerization reaction of ethylene, propylene and a small amount of non-conjugated dienes under the action of a catalyst. Among them, ethylene gives it a basis for flexibility and elasticity, propylene strengthens chemical stability and processing performance, and non-conjugated dienes play a key "bridge" role. In the vulcanization process, it introduces cross-linkable double bonds. The vulcanization process is like building a "molecular spring network". By heating and adding vulcanizing agents, chemical bonds are formed between rubber molecular chains with sulfur atoms to construct a three-dimensional mesh cross-linked structure. Under normal conditions, when external force is applied, the molecular chain can stretch and bend like a spring to store energy; once the external force is removed, relying on the "binding" and "traction" of the cross-linked structure, the molecular chain quickly rebounds to its position and the elasticity is restored.The filling system also helps elastic recovery. Inorganic fillers such as calcium carbonate and talcum powder are often added during production. They are evenly dispersed in the rubber matrix. On the one hand, they optimize the rigidity of the material and reduce costs. More importantly, they support the molecular chain like a "skeleton". The regular arrangement makes the force more uniform, avoids local excessive deformation and fracture, and ensures elastic stability during repeated expansion and contraction.Crystallization behavior at the microscopic level is equally important. During the stretching and retraction process of EPDM, some sections of the molecular chain will be arranged and crystallized in an orderly manner. This process is reversible. Stretching induces crystallization to enhance the anti-deformation ability. After the force is removed, the crystallization "disassembles" to help restore the initial shape, just like a natural "buffer valve" to balance the external force impact and its own elasticity.It is the coordinated efforts of molecular structure, filling assistance, and crystallization regulation that have created the excellent elastic recovery of EPDM canopy rubber strip. After wind and rain erosion, frequent opening and closing vibration, it still adheres to the sealing and buffering duties, and stabilizes the efficient operation of awnings, doors and windows and other facilities.
