ETU (Ethylene Thiourea), also known as NA-22, is a widely used rubber accelerator that plays a crucial role in the production of rubber products. This article aims to provide an overview of ETU, its characteristics, its applications in rubber product manufacturing, potential product combinations, and important considerations for commercial procurement.
1. What is ETU?
ETU is an organic compound belonging to the thiourea class of accelerators. It is a white crystalline powder with a faint odor. Chemically, it consists of an ethylene bridge connecting two thiourea functional groups. ETU is known for its high solubility in rubber and compatibility with various types of rubber.
2. Characteristics of ETU:
- Acceleration: ETU functions as a primary accelerator, meaning it can initiate and speed up the vulcanization process in rubber production.
- High reactivity: It exhibits a high level of reactivity, allowing for rapid curing and improved productivity in rubber processing.
- Good scorch safety: ETU offers good scorch safety, preventing premature curing during processing and providing extended processing time.
- Excellent vulcanization properties: It promotes cross-linking between rubber molecules, resulting in improved mechanical properties, such as increased tensile strength, elongation, and resilience.
- Good heat resistance: ETU provides enhanced heat resistance, making it suitable for rubber products that will be exposed to elevated temperatures.
3. Applications in Rubber Product Manufacturing:
ETU finds extensive use in the production of various rubber products, including:
- Tires: It is commonly used in tire manufacturing to accelerate vulcanization, ensuring optimal performance, durability, and tread wear resistance.
- Industrial rubber goods: ETU contributes to the production of conveyor belts, seals, gaskets, hoses, and other rubber components, providing enhanced mechanical properties and improved aging resistance.
- Wire and cable insulation: ETU is employed in the production of rubber compounds used for insulation in wire and cable applications, enhancing their electrical properties and durability.
4. Combinations with Other Products:
ETU can be combined with other accelerators to achieve specific performance requirements. Some common combinations include:
- ETU and sulfur: This combination is widely used in tire manufacturing and other rubber applications, providing excellent vulcanization properties, aging resistance, and overall performance.
- ETU and thiurams: Thiuram accelerators, such as TMTD (Tetramethylthiuram Disulfide) and TMTM (Tetramethylthiuram Monosulfide), when combined with ETU, can enhance the vulcanization process and improve aging resistance.
- ETU and guanidines: The combination of ETU with accelerators like DPG (Diphenyl Guanidine) can provide synergistic effects, improving the overall curing efficiency and performance.
5. Considerations for Commercial Procurement:
When procuring ETU for commercial purposes, it is important to consider the following information:
- Quality assurance: Ensure that the supplier follows stringent quality control measures and provides certificates of analysis to ensure the product's consistency and reliability.
- Regulatory compliance: Verify that the ETU product meets the required industry standards and complies with relevant regulations and guidelines.
- Packaging and storage: Check if the packaging is suitable for your specific requirements and that proper storage conditions are provided to maintain the product's quality and stability.
- Technical support: Evaluate if the supplier offers technical support and assistance, such as formulation recommendations, to optimize the use of ETU in your rubber products.
ETU (NA-22) is a valuable rubber accelerator with notable characteristics,
including acceleration, high reactivity, good scorch safety, and excellent vulcanization properties. It finds widespread application in various rubber products, including tires, industrial rubber goods, and wire and cable insulation. By combining ETU with other accelerators, manufacturers can tailor rubber formulations to meet specific performance requirements. When engaging in commercial procurement, prioritize quality assurance, regulatory compliance, appropriate packaging, and technical support to ensure optimal results in rubber product manufacturing.