The production process of EPDM pellets involves multiple steps, including raw material preparation, polymerization reactions, particle formation, and post-processing.
1. Preparation of raw materials.
The production of EPDM granules first requires the preparation of various raw materials. The main raw materials include ethylene, propylene, and one or more diene monomers such as 1,4-hexadiene or 5-ethyl-2-norbornene. These feedstocks play a key role in the production process, determining the performance and use of EPDM particles.
2. Polymerization reaction.
In the polymerization reaction stage, the raw material undergoes a chemical reaction at high temperature and high pressure to form EPDM rubber. Polymerization reactions are usually carried out in special polymerization reactors, such as continuous stirred tank reactors or tubular reactors. Catalysts and initiators also play a key role in this process, facilitating the chemical reaction between the feedstocks to produce EPDM rubber.
3. Particle formation.
After the polymerization reaction is completed, the resulting EPDM rubber needs to be further processed into pellets. This step is usually done by an extruder or slicer. In the extruder, the EPDM rubber is heated and extruded into strips, which are then cut into pellets by a cutting device. The slicer cuts the EPDM rubber directly into thin slices and then crushes it into pellets.
Fourth, post-processing.
After particle formation, a series of post-processing steps are required to ensure the quality and stability of the EPDM particles. These steps include drying, screening, and packaging. Drying is done to remove moisture and volatile substances from the particles to prevent deterioration during storage and use. Sieving is to sort particles according to different particle sizes to meet the needs of different uses. Finally, the screened pellets are packaged for storage and transportation.
5. Quality control.
Quality control is crucial in the production process. By regularly testing the quality of raw materials, intermediate products and final products, it is possible to ensure that the EPDM particles produced meet the relevant standards and customer requirements. In addition, parameters such as temperature and pressure during the production process need to be tightly controlled to ensure that the polymerization reaction proceeds smoothly.
6. Environmental impact and sustainability.
The production process of EPDM pellets has an impact on the environment, especially in terms of energy consumption and waste generation. Therefore, a series of environmental protection measures need to be adopted in the production process, such as using environmentally friendly raw materials, optimizing production processes, and reducing waste emissions. At the same time, as society becomes more and more demanding for sustainability, the production of EPDM pellets also needs to constantly seek innovation and improvement to reduce the environmental impact.
7. Application fields and market prospects.
EPDM particles have excellent weather resistance, ozone resistance, water resistance, good electrical insulation and anti-aging properties, so they are widely used in automobiles, construction, wires and cables, sealing materials and other fields. With the development of the global economy and people's increasing attention to environmental protection, safety and other issues, the market demand for EPDM particles will continue to grow. At the same time, with the advancement of technology and the reduction of production costs, the application field of EPDM particles will continue to expand.