In-Place Cleaning of Rubber Curing Molds

Abstract

Abstract Causes of mold fouling and conventional methods for cleaning fouled curing molds are reviewed. These methods generally require removal of the mold from the press for cleaning, and can abrade the mold surface. This paper describes the nature of some of the deposits that build up in the mold, and a new technique for cleaning in the curing press. Undesirable deposits are removed by vulcanizing a mold cleaning compound in the dirty mold. The aminohydroxy additive in the compound releases the deposit, which is then removed with the vulcanizate. Infrared analysis established both the presence of deposits on a metal surface by several different rubber compounds and their removal after treatment with the mold cleaning compound. In-place cleaning of rubber curing molds offers distinct advantages over conventional cleaning methods.