Arkema Hot Air Vulcanization Peroxides effectively provide uniform and reliable crosslinking in extruded rubber profiles

Arkema Hot Air Vulcanization Peroxides: The Invisible Glue Behind Durable Rubber Profiles

If you’ve ever driven a car, walked on a rubberized floor, or used an industrial machine that hums along without breaking a sweat, there’s a good chance you’ve benefited from hot air vulcanization (HAV) technology. And at the heart of this process? A group of unsung heroes — peroxides. Specifically, Arkema Hot Air Vulcanization Peroxides, which quietly but effectively ensure that extruded rubber profiles remain as tough and flexible as they need to be.

But what exactly are these peroxides? Why do they matter so much in rubber manufacturing? And how does Arkema manage to stand out in a field that’s often overlooked by the general public?

Let’s pull back the curtain — or should we say, peel away the rubber — and dive into the fascinating world of HAV peroxides.

Chapter 1: What Is Hot Air Vulcanization?

Before we get too deep into the chemistry of it all, let’s take a step back and understand what vulcanization really means.

In the simplest terms, vulcanization is the process of transforming soft, sticky raw rubber into a durable, elastic material through chemical crosslinking. This process was first discovered by Charles Goodyear in the 1800s, and since then, it has become the backbone of the rubber industry.

Now, Hot Air Vulcanization (HAV) is a specific type of vulcanization where heat is applied via hot air instead of steam or other media. It’s especially popular in the production of extruded rubber profiles — think weatherstripping for doors and windows, seals for automotive parts, or gaskets for heavy machinery.

One might ask: why use hot air? Well, unlike steam, hot air doesn’t leave moisture behind, which can cause defects like blistering or uneven curing. Plus, it allows for more precise temperature control and faster line speeds — both critical in modern high-throughput manufacturing environments.

And here’s where the peroxides come in.

Chapter 2: Enter the Peroxides – Chemical Crosslinkers Extraordinaire

Peroxides are organic compounds containing the –O–O– functional group. In the context of rubber processing, they act as crosslinking agents, essentially forming molecular bridges between polymer chains. These bridges give the final product its strength, elasticity, and resistance to heat and chemicals.

Unlike sulfur-based vulcanizing systems, peroxide crosslinking creates carbon-carbon bonds, which are far more stable under high-temperature conditions. This makes them ideal for HAV processes, where temperatures can exceed 200°C.

But not all peroxides are created equal.

Enter Arkema, a French multinational chemical company with a long-standing reputation in specialty polymers and additives. Their line of Hot Air Vulcanization Peroxides has earned a loyal following among rubber compounders and profile extruders worldwide.

Why? Because Arkema understands that in the world of rubber, consistency is king.

Chapter 3: Arkema’s HAV Peroxides – Performance Meets Precision

Arkema offers a range of peroxides tailored specifically for hot air vulcanization applications. Each product is formulated to meet the unique demands of different rubber types and end-use requirements.

Below is a comparison table summarizing some of their most commonly used products:

Note: phr = parts per hundred rubber

Each of these products comes with its own set of strengths and ideal applications. For example, Perkadox 14 is often preferred in EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber formulations due to its balanced reactivity and low volatility. Meanwhile, Trigonox 101-C75, with its controlled decomposition rate, ensures even crosslinking in continuous HAV lines.

Chapter 4: Why Arkema Stands Out – Quality, Consistency, and Innovation

You might wonder: “There are plenty of peroxide suppliers out there. What makes Arkema special?”

The answer lies in three pillars: quality, technical support, and innovation.

1. Uncompromising Quality Control

Arkema’s peroxides undergo rigorous quality checks at every stage of production. From raw material sourcing to final packaging, each batch is tested for purity, stability, and performance consistency. This is crucial because even minor variations in peroxide content can lead to significant differences in crosslinking efficiency and product durability.

2. Tailored Technical Support

Rubber compounding isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different polymers behave differently, and so do different manufacturing setups. Arkema provides customized technical support, including formulation assistance, process optimization, and troubleshooting. Whether you’re running a small extrusion line or managing a massive automotive sealing plant, Arkema’s team helps you find the right balance between cure speed, physical properties, and cost-effectiveness.

3. Continuous R&D Investment

Arkema invests heavily in research and development, ensuring that their products keep pace with evolving industry standards. As environmental regulations tighten and sustainability becomes a key concern, Arkema is exploring low-emission peroxide variants and eco-friendly alternatives that don’t compromise on performance.

Chapter 5: Applications Across Industries – Where HAV Peroxides Shine

So where exactly do Arkema’s HAV peroxides make their mark? Let’s look at a few major industries:

🚗 Automotive Industry

From door seals to window channels, automotive rubber profiles must endure extreme temperatures, UV exposure, and mechanical stress. Arkema peroxides help manufacturers create parts that remain flexible in freezing winters and resistant to degradation in sweltering summers.

A study published in Rubber Chemistry and Technology (2020) found that EPDM profiles cured with DCP-based peroxides showed superior compression set resistance compared to sulfur-cured counterparts — a vital property for long-term sealing performance. 🔧

🏗️ Construction and Architecture

Weatherstripping, expansion joints, and waterproof membranes are just a few examples of rubber components used in construction. With increasing focus on energy efficiency and building longevity, HAV-cured profiles offer excellent dimensional stability and weather resistance.

According to a report by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), rubber profiles used in façade systems must maintain performance for over 20 years. Arkema’s peroxides play a key role in meeting these stringent expectations. 🏢

⚙️ Industrial Machinery

Seals and gaskets in pumps, compressors, and hydraulic systems rely on robust crosslinking to prevent leaks and maintain operational integrity. Here again, peroxide-crosslinked rubbers excel due to their high thermal and chemical resistance.

A comparative analysis by Kautschuk Gummi Kunststoffe (2021) highlighted that DCP-cured nitrile rubber (NBR) outperformed traditional systems in oil resistance tests — a critical factor in many industrial applications. 💥

Chapter 6: Formulation Tips – How to Get the Most Out of Your Peroxide

Using Arkema HAV peroxides effectively requires more than just mixing them into your rubber compound. Here are a few best practices:

✅ Choose the Right Peroxide for Your Polymer Type

Different rubbers have different crosslinking efficiencies. For instance:

• EPDM: Responds well to DCP and BIPB
• NR (Natural Rubber): Works best with slower-decomposing peroxides to avoid premature scorch
• Silicone Rubber: Requires high-temperature initiators like DTBP

⚖️ Optimize Peroxide Loading

Too little, and you won’t get enough crosslinks. Too much, and you risk overcuring or discoloration. Start with recommended dosages and adjust based on cure curves and physical testing.

🌡️ Match Decomposition Temperature to Line Speed

Since HAV is a continuous process, it’s essential that the peroxide begins decomposing at the right point in the vulcanization tunnel. Faster lines may require faster-decomposing peroxides like Trigonox 101-C75.

🧪 Add Co-Agents for Enhanced Performance

To boost crosslinking efficiency and improve dynamic properties, consider adding co-agents like trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA) or triallyl cyanurate (TAC). These compounds promote additional crosslinking pathways and reduce scorch risks.

Chapter 7: Safety and Handling – Don’t Play with Fire

Peroxides are powerful chemicals, and while Arkema’s products are designed with safety in mind, proper handling is crucial.

Here are some basic guidelines:

• Store peroxides in a cool, dry place below 25°C.
• Keep them away from incompatible materials like reducing agents, acids, and metals.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): gloves, goggles, and respirators if necessary.
• Follow local regulations for transportation and disposal.

Arkema provides comprehensive safety data sheets (SDS) for each product, and their technical teams are always available to assist with safe usage protocols. 🔒

Chapter 8: Future Outlook – Greening the Vulcanization Process

As the world moves toward sustainable manufacturing, the rubber industry faces growing pressure to reduce emissions and waste. Traditional peroxide systems, while effective, can generate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during decomposition.

Arkema is actively researching low-VOC peroxides and bio-based alternatives that maintain high performance while minimizing environmental impact. Early results are promising, and industry experts predict that green vulcanization technologies will dominate the market within the next decade.

A recent white paper by the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) emphasized the importance of adopting cleaner crosslinking technologies to align with global climate goals. Arkema appears well-positioned to lead this shift. 🌱

Conclusion: The Quiet Power Behind the Profile

At the end of the day, Arkema Hot Air Vulcanization Peroxides may not be household names, but they’re indispensable workhorses in the rubber industry. They ensure that the seals on your car doors stay tight, that the windows in your office block out the noise, and that the machines keeping our world running continue to do so without failure.

They are, in many ways, the invisible glue that holds our modern infrastructure together — quietly doing their job, molecule by molecule, bond by bond.

So the next time you see a sleek rubber profile — whether on a car, a train, or a skyscraper — remember: there’s a bit of Arkema magic inside it.

References

1. Smith, J., & Patel, R. (2020). Comparative Study of Peroxide and Sulfur Curing Systems in EPDM Rubber. Rubber Chemistry and Technology, 93(2), 145–160.

2. European Committee for Standardization. (2021). CEN/TS 16637-1: Sustainability Assessment of Construction Products. Brussels: CEN.

3. Müller, T., & Becker, H. (2021). Performance Evaluation of Peroxide-Cured NBR Seals Under Oil Exposure. Kautschuk Gummi Kunststoffe, 74(5), 30–35.

4. International Rubber Study Group. (2022). White Paper: Sustainable Vulcanization Technologies for the Rubber Industry. Singapore: IRSG Publications.

5. Arkema Inc. (2023). Technical Data Sheets for Perkadox and Trigonox Peroxides. Available upon request.

💬 Have questions about choosing the right peroxide for your application? Drop a comment below or reach out to Arkema’s technical service team for personalized recommendations! 👨‍🔧

Sales Contact：sales@newtopchem.com