Optimization of the Vulcanization Formula of Pneumatic Rubber Fender (PRF) to Increase Resistance to the Aging Process

Abstract

One rubber products, pneumatic rubber fender (PRF), is fully imported, where the raw material is made primarily by synthetic rubber. PRF products have been used in the transport sector as the impact protection of ports and ships. In this study, the mixture between natural and synthetic rubber conducted to determine the  optimum formula of mixing rubber for  the product PRF. Then the PRF-product was subjected to Aging Resistance Test (ART). Physical and mechanical properties of the PRF were analyzed by tensile strength test, elongation at break test, tear resistance test, hardness test, and also some samples of the product of mixing were observed by Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetry Analysis (TGA) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The formula used in this study is the ratio of single-NR-100%; combinations of NR-70% and CR-30%; combinations of NR-30% and CR-70%; and the CR-100%. The results showed that the optimum mix formula for the PRF product is NR-70%: CR-30%.