An Experimental and Theoretical Study of Heat Conduction and Vulcanization of Rubber Compounds in Molds

A fundamental study on curing of rubber compounds in molds is presented. We have measured the thermal conductivity of a range of rubber compounds determining the influence of carbon black, other fillers, and oil. The heats of reaction associated with the curing kinetics of model compounds were measured. A mathematical model is proposed to predict the temperature profiles for curing a reactive slab. This involves inclusion of an energy generation rate, which depends on time and temperature. This is expressed through a Damkohler number. Solutions of the heat conduction equation are interpreted in terms of the Fourier number and the Damkohler number. Calculations are carried out using experimentally determined thermal conductivities and curing kinetics. Thick parts are shown to heat up more slowly (associated with the Fourier number) and to show greater overshoots of cure temperature (associated with the Damkohler number).