Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation of the Non-isothermal In-mold Vulcanization of Natural Rubber

According to the vulcanization kinetic equation of natural rubber(NR) established in the isothermal situation, the numerical computation expression of the degree of cure under non-isothermal condition is constructed by means of incremental method. The description of non-isothermal in-mold vulcanization process is carried out by the finite element method. The mold-opening time, the rubber and mold temperatures, the degree of rubber cure and its distribution characteristics are numerically analyzed, by changing the key formulas and parameters in the process including the temperature of curing medium, the concentration of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, the heat transfer manner of mold side, and the convective heat transfer coefficient of heating boundary. The quantitative results will help engineers to design proper formulas and optimize processing conditions.