The rubber polymers are processed and synthesized by adding some chemicals; these chemicals are known as rubber additives. The overall quality and the performance of rubber can be improved by combining with raw rubber polymer which enhances the structural and mechanical properties of the rubber additives.
Different types of rubber additives include adhesion promoters, antiozonants, chemical blowing agents, fillers, processing aids, and vulcanization accelerators & inhibitors. Cross-linking efficiency is improved by vulcanization accelerators while vulcanization process is slowed down by using inhibitors. Viscosity of rubber is reduced by using processing aids. The usage of the overall energy required is reduced during the fabrication process, which in turn becomes helpful to fabricate rubber with other components. Adhesion promoters improve the rubber-to-metal adhesion during the tire manufacturing. Fillers generally increase the stiffness of the unvulcanized rubber.
The major industries where rubber additives are being used are construction, consumer goods, electrical insulation, and tire and tubing. As rubber is a bad conductor of electricity, it is highly favorable for insulation materials. Electrical insulation in household and industrial constructions is also driving the global demand for rubber additives. The oil extenders that widely use rubber additives help to reduce the overall insulation costs. Adding stabilizers such as esters of fatty acids improves the heat and voltage resistance of rubber. Tire and tubing industry has the largest market share. They are used in the automotive industry for the production of the automotive tires. Demand for automobiles has increased in the recent years which will boost the rubber additives market globally. However, new protocols imposed by the government regarding the environment may hinder the market growth. VOC emissions by the rubber manufacturing industries, which cause air pollution, are dangerous; hence, regulations are imposed by the government to lower the risk.
The rubber additive market is segmented on the basis of application, type, and geography exclusively. On the basis of application, the market is segmented as adhesives, electric cables and hoses, insulation, specialty tapes, tiers, and others. The rubber additives market on the basis of types is categorized into accelerators, activators, peptizers, plasticizers, tackifiers, vulcanization inhibitors, and others. Each type greatly varies and their compositions also differ with different technical specifications. Based on the regions, the market has been segmented into four regions, namely, Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and Rest of the World.
The key players in the rubber additives market are Akrochem Corporation, Behn Meyer Holding AG, AkzoNobel N.V., Wacker Chemie AG, Arkema S.A., Thomas Swan & Co. Ltd., LLC, Struktol Company of America, Eastman Chemical Company, LANXESS Aktiengesellschaft, VELOX GmbH, and others.
Rubber Additives Market: Regional Segment Analysis
- North America
- U.S.
- Europe
- UK
- France
- Germany
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Middle East and Africa
