NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF HEAT TRANSFER AND CHEMICAL REACTION COUPLING IN THE RUBBER SEAL VULCANIZATION PROCESS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Vulcanization parameters significantly affect the performance of rubber seals and the energy savings of the manufacturing process, which require a relationship between process parameters and vulcanization characteristics. Based on the vulcanization kinetics of rubber seal materials, a transient thermochemical-coupled finite-element model of the vulcanization process was established and solved. Changes in thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity during vulcanization were considered in detail. The effects of operational and structural parameters, such as mold temperature, heating duration, and rubber seal shape, cross-sectional dimensions on vulcanization characteristics were investigated. Finally, feasible suggestions for the vulcanization production of rubber seals are discussed. The study is expected to design parameters and control the vulcanization process of rubber seals accurately.