The Application of Rubber Antioxidant (TMQ/RD) in Clutch Facings Production
In the production of clutch facings, ensuring the long – term performance and durability of clutch facings friction materials is of utmost importance. Rubber Antioxidant (TMQ/RD) has become a key additive in clutch facings mixtures and clutch facings mixes, playing a significant role in maintaining the quality of the final product.
I. Function in Clutch Facings Production
Rubber Antioxidant (TMQ/RD) is added to the clutch facings mixture to protect the rubber – based components in the clutch facings from oxidative degradation. It typically accounts for 0.5% – 3% by weight in the clutch facings mixture. This antioxidant retards the chemical reactions that occur when the clutch facings are exposed to oxygen, heat, and mechanical stress during operation, thereby extending the service life of the clutch facings.
II. Advantages
A. Extended Service Life
- Oxidation Resistance
- One of the primary benefits of using Rubber Antioxidant (TMQ/RD) is its remarkable oxidation – resistance property. In an accelerated aging test, where clutch facings samples were exposed to an oxygen – rich environment at 80°C for 1000 hours, the samples with 2% TMQ/RD showed only a 10 – 15% reduction in their mechanical properties, while those without the antioxidant experienced a 30 – 40% reduction. This indicates that TMQ/RD can effectively slow down the oxidation process and maintain the integrity of the clutch facings.
- Long – Term Friction Stability
- Over an extended period of use, clutch facings with TMQ/RD maintain a more stable friction coefficient. In a long – term friction – coefficient test with 500,000 clutch engagement – disengagement cycles, the friction coefficient of clutch facings with TMQ/RD fluctuated within ±0.03, while that of the samples without the antioxidant had a larger fluctuation range of ±0.06. This stability ensures consistent clutch performance over time.
B. Heat Resistance Enhancement
- Thermal Stability
- Rubber Antioxidant (TMQ/RD) also improves the heat resistance of clutch facings. Clutch facings with TMQ/RD can withstand higher temperatures without significant degradation. In a heat – resistance test, the samples with TMQ/RD could maintain their normal performance at temperatures up to 150°C, while those without the antioxidant started to show signs of decomposition and reduced friction performance at around 120°C.
III. Disadvantages
A. Compatibility Issues
- Interaction with Other Additives
- In some cases, Rubber Antioxidant (TMQ/RD) may have compatibility issues with other additives in the clutch facings mixture. For example, when combined with certain types of fillers in the clutch facings mixes, it can lead to a decrease in the overall mechanical strength of the clutch facings. In a test where TMQ/RD was used with a new type of inorganic filler, the tensile strength of the clutch facings decreased by 15 – 20% compared to when the filler was used without TMQ/RD.
- Effect on Curing Process
- TMQ/RD can also affect the curing process of the clutch facings. In some formulations, it may slow down the curing rate. For instance, in a standard curing process at 130°C, the curing time of the clutch facings mixture with TMQ/RD was 10 – 15 minutes longer than that without TMQ/RD, which may impact production efficiency.
B. Cost – Effectiveness
- Higher Material Cost
- The use of Rubber Antioxidant (TMQ/RD) increases the material cost of clutch facings production. The price of TMQ/RD is relatively high compared to some other common additives. For a medium – sized clutch facings production facility, using TMQ/RD can increase the material cost per unit by about 10 – 15%, which may put pressure on the overall production cost.
In conclusion, Rubber Antioxidant (TMQ/RD) offers significant advantages in terms of extending the service life and enhancing the heat resistance of clutch facings. However, its compatibility issues with other additives and the increased cost need to be carefully considered. Manufacturers need to conduct thorough research and optimization to balance these factors and produce high – quality clutch facings at a reasonable cost.