Air Entrapment: Preventing Internal Voids in Thick Rubber Components.

Air Entrapment: Preventing Internal Voids in Thick Rubber Components

Problem Statement

Internal voids in thick rubber components compromise structural integrity and sealing performance. Air entrapment during molding leads to reduced tensile strength, uneven compression set, and premature failure under high-pressure cycles.

Material Science Analysis

Air entrapment occurs due to inadequate degassing and improper flow dynamics during molding. EPDM excels in this application due to its low viscosity and high filler compatibility, ensuring uniform dispersion and minimal air pockets. FKM, while chemically resistant, struggles with air release due to its high molecular weight.

Technical Specs

• Material: EPDM
• Shore A Hardness: 70 ± 5
• Tensile Strength: 12 MPa
• Elongation at Break: 300%
• Temperature Range: -40°C to 150°C
• Compression Set: 25% (22 hours at 125°C)

Material Comparison

Parameter	EPDM	FKM	NBR
Shore A Hardness	70 ± 5	75 ± 5	65 ± 5
Tensile Strength (MPa)	12	15	10
Elongation at Break (%)	300	200	400
Temperature Range (°C)	-40 to 150	-20 to 200	-30 to 120
Compression Set (%)	25	30	35

Standard Compliance

RubberQ adheres to IATF 16949 standards for batch-to-batch consistency. Our in-house compounding ensures precise control of polymer ratios, fillers, and curing agents. ASTM D2000 material callouts and ISO 3601 sealing standards guide our production process.

For custom material compound development or IATF 16949 documentation, consult RubberQ’s engineering department.