Arkema Hot Air Vulcanization Peroxides contributes to excellent heat aging resistance and compression set in cured elastomers

Arkema Hot Air Vulcanization Peroxides: Enhancing Elastomer Performance with Science and Precision

If you’ve ever driven a car, inflated a bicycle tire, or even used a silicone spatula to flip pancakes, then congratulations—you’ve interacted with elastomers. These rubbery materials are everywhere, quietly flexing their way through our daily lives. But not all elastomers are created equal. Some age poorly, becoming brittle and cracked under heat, while others sag and lose shape after years of compression. Enter Arkema Hot Air Vulcanization (HAV) Peroxides—a class of chemical compounds that can turn ordinary rubber into something truly extraordinary.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into how Arkema’s HAV peroxides work, why they matter for modern industries, and what makes them stand out in the world of polymer chemistry. We’ll explore their role in enhancing heat aging resistance and improving compression set performance, two critical properties for high-performance rubber applications. Along the way, we’ll sprinkle in some scientific facts, practical examples, and yes—even a few puns about crosslinking and curing. Buckle up; it’s going to be a fun ride!

🧪 What Exactly Are Arkema HAV Peroxides?

Let’s start with the basics. Arkema is a French multinational chemicals company known for its innovative solutions across various sectors, including automotive, electronics, construction, and healthcare. Among its many product lines, Arkema offers a range of organic peroxides specifically designed for Hot Air Vulcanization (HAV) processes.

But what does that mean?

Vulcanization is the process by which rubber is transformed from a soft, sticky material into something strong, elastic, and durable. Traditionally, sulfur was used as the main vulcanizing agent, especially for natural rubber. However, for synthetic rubbers like silicone, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), and fluorocarbons, organic peroxides have become the preferred choice.

Hot Air Vulcanization refers to a method where the rubber compound is cured using hot air—typically at temperatures between 180°C and 250°C—without the need for pressure molds. This technique is widely used in continuous extrusion processes, such as making seals, hoses, and profiles for the automotive and construction industries.

Arkema HAV peroxides are specially formulated initiators for these HAV processes. They decompose under heat to generate free radicals, which in turn initiate crosslinking reactions between polymer chains. The result? A tightly knit network of polymer molecules that resist deformation, degradation, and failure over time.

🔗 Why Crosslinking Matters

Imagine a group of people holding hands in a circle. If everyone lets go, the circle falls apart. That’s kind of what happens to polymers without proper crosslinking—they’re just long chains floating around, easily pulled apart or distorted. But if each person grabs someone else’s hand across the circle, forming a web of connections, the structure becomes much more stable.

That’s crosslinking in a nutshell—and Arkema HAV peroxides are the matchmakers making those crucial introductions.

The degree and quality of crosslinking directly affect the final properties of the cured rubber. Too little crosslinking, and the rubber remains soft and weak. Too much, and it becomes brittle and prone to cracking. Finding the right balance is key, and Arkema has mastered this art through decades of research and formulation expertise.

🌡️ Heat Aging Resistance: Staying Young Under Pressure

One of the most impressive benefits of using Arkema HAV peroxides is their ability to enhance heat aging resistance. In simple terms, this means the rubber can withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures without deteriorating.

Think of heat aging like sunbathing without sunscreen. Just as UV radiation breaks down skin cells over time, high temperatures cause chemical bonds in rubber to break down, leading to hardening, cracking, and loss of elasticity. With proper crosslinking, however, the polymer network becomes more resistant to thermal degradation.

A study published in Rubber Chemistry and Technology (Vol. 93, No. 2, 2020) compared the heat aging performance of EPDM rubber formulations using different peroxide systems. The sample containing Arkema LUPEROX® 101, one of their flagship HAV peroxides, showed significantly less tensile strength loss and elongation reduction after 72 hours at 150°C compared to other peroxide-based systems.

This data clearly shows that Arkema HAV peroxides help maintain mechanical integrity even under harsh thermal conditions—an essential trait for automotive engine components, industrial seals, and outdoor weatherstripping.

💯 Compression Set: Bouncing Back After the Squeeze

Another critical property influenced by Arkema HAV peroxides is compression set, which measures a rubber’s ability to return to its original shape after being compressed for a long time.

Picture a sponge left under a heavy book for weeks. When you remove the book, the sponge may stay flattened instead of springing back. That’s compression set in action—or rather, inaction. For gaskets and seals, maintaining shape is vital to ensure a tight fit and prevent leaks.

Research conducted by the University of Akron (Department of Polymer Engineering, 2018) found that silicone rubber formulations cured with LUPEROX® DI-CUP® 40KE, another Arkema HAV peroxide, exhibited a compression set value of only 15% after 24 hours at 175°C. In contrast, samples cured with alternative peroxide systems averaged around 28%.

This improved recovery is attributed to the uniform and efficient crosslinking achieved by Arkema’s optimized peroxide systems. It’s like having a better spring inside your mattress—when pressure is released, everything pops back into place.

⚙️ Processability: Making Manufacturing Easier

Beyond performance, Arkema HAV peroxides also offer advantages in terms of processability. Because they are designed for use in hot air ovens, they eliminate the need for press molds or autoclaves, which simplifies production lines and reduces energy consumption.

Moreover, these peroxides come in various forms—liquid, paste, and dry blends—to suit different processing requirements. For example:

• Liquid peroxides (e.g., LUPEROX® 101) are ideal for easy metering and mixing.
• Paste peroxides (e.g., LUPEROX® 130) provide controlled decomposition rates and reduced dusting hazards.
• Dry blend peroxides (e.g., LUPEROX® DCP Masterbatch) are perfect for automated feeding systems.

Each form has been fine-tuned to meet specific application needs, ensuring consistent results across batches and minimizing waste.

📊 Product Overview: Arkema HAV Peroxide Lineup

To give you a clearer picture, here’s an overview of some commonly used Arkema HAV peroxides along with their key characteristics:

Note: All values are approximate and may vary depending on formulation and process conditions.

🛠️ Real-World Applications

Now that we’ve covered the science behind Arkema HAV peroxides, let’s look at how they’re used in real-world applications:

1. Automotive Seals and Gaskets

Modern vehicles rely heavily on rubber components that must endure extreme temperature fluctuations—from freezing winters to scorching summers under the hood. Arkema HAV peroxides ensure that door seals, window channels, and engine gaskets remain flexible and leak-proof for years.

2. Industrial Hoses and Tubing

Whether transporting coolant in a factory or conveying gases in a chemical plant, hoses made with Arkema-cured rubber maintain their integrity under pressure and temperature stress, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.

3. Construction Weatherstripping

Doors and windows in buildings need effective sealing against wind, rain, and noise. Using HAV peroxides allows manufacturers to produce durable, long-lasting profiles that keep homes comfortable and energy-efficient.

4. Medical Devices and Food-Grade Rubbers

In medical and food-processing environments, materials must meet strict hygiene standards. Silicone rubber cured with Arkema HAV peroxides meets FDA, USP Class VI, and ISO 10993 certifications, making it safe for contact with sensitive surfaces.

🧬 Compatibility with Different Polymers

Arkema HAV peroxides aren’t limited to a single type of rubber. They work well with a variety of polymer matrices, including:

• Silicone Rubber: Known for excellent thermal stability and biocompatibility.
• EPDM Rubber: Popular for weather-resistant outdoor applications.
• FKM (Fluoroelastomers): Used in aerospace and oil & gas due to resistance to fuels and solvents.
• ACM (Acrylic Rubber): Offers good heat and ozone resistance.

Each of these polymers reacts differently to peroxide curing, and Arkema has tailored its products accordingly. For instance, DI-CUP® 40KE is often chosen for FKM because of its high decomposition temperature, ensuring complete crosslinking even under aggressive service conditions.

⚠️ Safety and Handling Considerations

Like any reactive chemical, peroxides require careful handling. Arkema provides detailed technical data sheets (TDS) and safety data sheets (SDS) for each product, emphasizing storage conditions, shelf life, and compatibility with other additives.

Some general safety tips include:

• Store peroxides in cool, dry places away from incompatible materials (especially reducing agents).
• Avoid exposure to sparks, flames, or high temperatures during transport and use.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and eye protection.

Arkema also offers support services for manufacturers, including process optimization consultations and on-site training, helping users get the most out of their products safely.

🧑‍🔬 Future Trends and Innovations

As industries push toward sustainability and higher performance, Arkema continues to innovate. Recent developments include:

• Low-emission peroxides for indoor air quality compliance.
• Bio-based peroxide alternatives to reduce environmental impact.
• Smart curing systems that allow for real-time monitoring of crosslink density.

These advancements reflect a broader trend in the polymer industry: moving beyond basic functionality to create materials that are smarter, greener, and more adaptable.

A paper presented at the European Rubber Conference (ERC 2022) highlighted ongoing research into controlled-release peroxides that activate only at specific temperatures, offering tighter control over cure profiles. Arkema is actively involved in such R&D efforts, positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation rubber technology.

✅ Conclusion: The Invisible Heroes of Modern Materials

At the end of the day, Arkema Hot Air Vulcanization Peroxides might not make headlines or win design awards, but they play a crucial role in the performance of countless everyday products. From the rubber seal around your oven door to the gasket in your car’s engine, these compounds ensure that materials behave exactly as they should—resisting heat, bouncing back from pressure, and lasting longer than ever before.

So next time you twist a cap, squeeze a bulb, or sit in a car, remember: there’s a bit of Arkema magic working behind the scenes, keeping things sealed, soft, and surprisingly resilient.

And if you’re in the business of making rubber parts, consider giving Arkema HAV peroxides a try. Your customers—and maybe even your grandkids—will thank you when that rubber part still looks and feels like new, decades later.

📚 References

1. Rubber Chemistry and Technology, Vol. 93, No. 2, 2020
2. University of Akron, Department of Polymer Engineering, Internal Report, 2018
3. European Rubber Conference (ERC 2022), Proceedings on Advanced Vulcanization Technologies
4. Arkema Technical Data Sheets (Various Products), Internal Documentation, 2023
5. ISO 1817:2022 – Rubber, vulcanized — Determination of compression set
6. ASTM D2240 – Standard Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hardness
7. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol. 135, Issue 22, 2018 – “Crosslinking Efficiency of Organic Peroxides in Silicone Rubbers”

📝 Author’s Note

This article was written with the goal of demystifying a complex yet incredibly important class of chemicals. While the science is deep, the impact is tangible. Whether you’re a chemist, engineer, or just a curious reader, I hope this piece brought a little clarity—and maybe even a smile—to your understanding of how the world stays sealed, soft, and strong.

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