A Comparative Study on Rubber's Gas Barrier Properties After Aging

Rubber, a versatile material widely used in various industries, is susceptible to degradation over time due to factors like exposure to light, heat, and chemicals. This process, known as aging, can affect the material's physical and mechanical properties, including its gas barrier performance. This study aimed to investigate the impact of aging on the gas permeability of rubber, specifically nitrogen, using the VAC-V2 Differential Pressure Gas Permeability Tester.

A brand of tire rubber was selected as the test sample. The nitrogen permeability of both non-aged and aged samples was measured using the Labthink VAC-V2 tester, which operates based on the differential pressure method. This involves clamping the sample between two chambers, filling one with nitrogen and creating a vacuum in the other. The rate at which nitrogen diffuses through the sample is measured, providing an indication of its gas permeability.

The results showed that the nitrogen permeability of the aged rubber sample was lower than that of the non-aged sample. Before aging, the nitrogen transmission of the sample is 24.893 cm3/(m2·24h·0.1MPa), and after aging, the nitrogen transmission of the sample 20.746 cm3/(m2·24h·0.1MPa). This suggests that the aging process had improved the rubber's gas barrier properties. This phenomenon could be attributed to the crosslinking reactions that occur during aging, strengthening the molecular structure of the rubber and making it less permeable to gases.

Labthink VAC-V2 is based on the differential pressure method, and is professionally applicable to the determination of gas transmission rate as well as solubility coefficient, diffusion coefficient and permeability coefficient of plastic films, composite films, high barrier materials, sheeting and aluminum foils. This test instrument conforms to ISO 15105-1, ISO 2556, GB/T 1038-2000, ASTM D1434 and many other industrial standards.

The study demonstrates that aging can have a positive impact on the gas barrier performance of rubber. While further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms, the findings provide valuable insights for industries that rely on rubber for its gas barrier properties. Labthink VAC-V2 Differential Pressure Gas Permeability Tester proved to be a reliable tool for assessing the gas permeability of rubber samples, both before and after aging.

As the demand for functional packaging materials grows, testing methods are evolving to ensure a more comprehensive evaluation of packaging films. Labthink encourages collaboration with packaging industry companies for quality control! Visit the website www.labthink.com to learn more!