Inflatable Stopper Latex Composition for Ozone Cracking Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Natural rubber latex used in inflatable stoppers is susceptible to ozone degradation, leading to cracking and potential explosion hazards due to electrostatic charging, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed for non-crosslinked rubber compositions.
Innovation Solution
A non-crosslinked natural rubber latex composition incorporating a surfactant, ammonia, and an amine-based ozone scavenger, along with fiber reinforcement and electrically conductive carbon nanotubes, to enhance ozone resistance and prevent electrostatic charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If natural rubber latex is used for inflatable stoppers, then excellent mechanical performance is achieved, but thermal stability and compatibility with petroleum products deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses natural rubber latex as the base material and combines it with carbon black filler and protective agents to create a composite material system. This composite structure allows the natural rubber to maintain its excellent mechanical properties while the added components provide enhanced thermal stability and ozone resistance, resolving the contradiction between mechanical performance and reliability.
2Strength
If natural rubber latex is used for inflatable stoppers, then excellent mechanical performance is achieved, but resistance to ozone attack deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces protective agents including amine-based antiozonants as intermediary substances that act between the ozone environment and the natural rubber latex. These agents form a protective barrier or react with ozone before it can attack the rubber polymer chains, thereby protecting the mechanical integrity of the inflatable stopper while maintaining its natural rubber properties.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining natural rubber latex with carbon black and antiozonant additives, the patent creates a composite material system where each component contributes specific properties: natural rubber provides mechanical performance, carbon black provides UV and ozone resistance, and antiozonants provide chemical protection against ozone degradation.
3Strength
If natural rubber latex is used for inflatable stoppers, then excellent mechanical performance is achieved, but susceptibility to electrostatic charge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates conductive carbon black filler into the natural rubber latex matrix to create a composite material with improved electrical conductivity. This allows the inflatable stopper to dissipate electrostatic charges that build up during use, preventing spark generation while maintaining the excellent mechanical properties of natural rubber.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional rubber compounds are used, then manufacturing experience is available, but applicability to non-crosslinked natural latex rubber deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adapts conventional protective agent formulations by modifying their chemical composition and concentration parameters to be suitable for non-crosslinked natural latex rubber. Specifically, it uses amine-based antiozonants in optimized concentrations that are effective for latex applications, and adjusts processing parameters to ensure proper dispersion and protection without requiring vulcanization or crosslinking processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition provides ozone resistance at 50 parts per hundred million ozone concentration for 48 hours and maintains a surface resistivity below 100 GΩ, preventing cracking and electrostatic discharge, thus ensuring the durability and safety of inflatable stoppers.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a surfactant, ammonia, and an amine-based ozone scavenger, to enhance ozone resistance
Implementation Method 2
Degradation results from the reaction of ozone with rubber double bonds
Implementation Method 3
electrically conductive carbon nanotubes, to enhance ozone resistance and prevent electrostatic charging
Implementation Method 4
Another drawback of natural rubber is that it is sensitive to electrostatic charge. In case natural rubber is used as a base material for the inflatable body of an inflatable stopper, this charge can cause sparks in a pipeline
Implementation Method 5
A non-crosslinked natural rubber latex composition incorporating a surfactant, ammonia, and an amine-based ozone scavenger
Implementation Method 6
The composition provides ozone resistance at 50 parts per hundred million ozone concentration for 48 hours
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a non-crosslinked natural rubber latex composition for an inflatable stopper comprising a homogeneous mixture of: a) natural rubber latex; b) a surfactant; c) an amine based chemical antiozonant; d) possibly ammonia and preferably e) single or double wall electrically conductive nanotubes. The invention furthermore relates to an ozone resistant inflatable stopper comprising non-crosslinked natural rubber latex and fiber reinforcement, the rubber having an ozone resistance according to ISO 1431/1 at 50 pphm concentration ozone at 23±2° C., for the time frame of 48 hours, atmospheric humidity of 55% and strain static exposure of 20% and preferably a surface resistivity lower than 100 GΩ according to DIN EN 60079-32-2 and DVGW G 5621-3 (VP) measured at 1000 V and a maximum relative humidity of 30%.