An application note from PerkinElmer outlines the use of the new Spectrum Spotlight chemical imaging system in the characterisation of a rubber modifier in a drive belt of an electrical product
Many industrial electrical products use natural or synthetic rubber for sealing, vibration damping and in drive motors. Depending on the application, the composition of the rubber can be modified to make it more flexible, or harder, to provide durability.
An application note from PerkinElmer outlines the use of the new Spectrum Spotlight chemical imaging system in the characterisation of a rubber modifier in a drive belt, in this case a filler to increase hardness.
The concentration and distribution of this filler have a critical effect on the durability of the drive belt.
Too little filler, or aggregation of the filler, can cause the drive belt to fail The drive belt consisted of a flexible outer layer and an inner layer with rubber teeth to improve traction.
These teeth had been hardened by the addition of an inorganic compound to improve traction and durability.
The analytical process is described, with illustrations clearly demonstrating that the filler was distributed evenly throughout the contact surfaces of the drive belt.
Concentration of filler was homogeneous, without aggregation.
The Spectrum Spotlight is ideal for quality control applications in the manufacture of this type of product.
The sensitivity provided by the robust system allows for extremely rapid measurement and high quality results.
