Struktol's ZB 47 and ZB 49 improve processability in rubber compounds

Struktol Co. of America LLC, Stow, Ohio, says its advanced processing aids ZB 47 and ZB 49 are engineered to meet the rigorous performance standards of modern rubber compounding and manufacturing environments. ZB 47 and ZB 49 are designed to optimize performance, flexibility and reliability for processors, including those using recycled content.

ZB 47 and ZB 49 are formulated as visually distinct pastilles—ZB 47 is white to off-white, and ZB 49 is beige to brown—ensuring accurate identification and straightforward dosing in plant settings. ZB 47 features a dropping point of 105-119 C, according to Stuktol, facilitating integration with common rubber processing parameters and supporting predictable mixing behaviors. ZB 49 offers a comparable softening point of 105-120 C, providing similar adaptability for a wide range of rubber blends. Both products exhibit long-term storage stability of at least two years and are supplied in 55-pound bags.

Engineered as a formulated zinc soap, Struktol’s ZB 47 functions as a physical peptizer and processing aid, improving processability, delivering enhanced heat stability and resistance to reversion in high-temperature and demanding curing environments. ZB 47 also increases dynamic properties in natural rubber compounds with carbon black, mineral fillers or silane coupling agents, Struktol says.

Strukol’s ZB 49 delivers significant processing enhancements in silica-filled rubber blends with or without silane coupling agents. Its effective synergy with silanes delivers measurably improved coupled properties for advanced end uses and maintains stabilization during high-temperature vulcanization, reducing reversion and supporting demanding injection, transfer molding and continuous vulcanization processes, according to the company.