How Do Rubber and Plastic Additives Affect Material Properties? A Guide to PVI, ULTRASIL, AZO and DCP
Rubber and plastic additives play a critical role in controlling processing conditions and improving the final properties of polymer products. This article examines four important additives: PVI, ULTRASIL, AZO, and DCP. PVI helps prevent premature vulcanization and improves processing safety; ULTRASIL, a precipitated silica, reinforces rubber and can improve abrasion resistance; AZO acts as a chemical blowing agent for producing lightweight cellular structures; and DCP creates crosslinks that can improve the thermal, chemical, mechanical, and dimensional properties of polymers. The article also reviews the main industrial applications of each additive and the key factors to consider when selecting additives for rubber and plastic formulations.