In the pursuit of miniaturized and high-performance electronic devices, thermal pads serve as silent guardians. They fill gaps, establish efficient heat conduction channels, and shoulder multiple responsibilities including insulation, shock absorption, and sealing. However, the often-unavoidable aging of traditional thermal pads after long-term use has become a potential threat to the long-term reliability of equipment.

When your device experiences performance degradation, abnormal shutdowns, or a shortened lifespan, the root cause may very well lie with a thermal pad that has aged.

The Aging Pains of Traditional Thermal Pads:

Increased Hardness & Reduced Elasticity: Under the continuous influence of heat and stress, the internal polymer structure of the pad changes, leading to increased cross-linking and the material becoming hard and brittle. This prevents it from conforming closely to surfaces, causing a dramatic increase in contact thermal resistance and a sharp drop in heat dissipation efficiency.

Permanent Decline in Thermal Conductivity: Aging destroys the microscopic thermal pathways within the pad. Thermal fillers can agglomerate, and the polymer matrix can degrade. These defects collectively increase thermal resistance, causing a significant衰退 in the pad's core function – its thermal conductivity.

Deterioration in Physical Form: You might observe the pad cracking, powdering, or even exuding silicone oil onto its surface. These are not just signs of performance failure; they can also contaminate surrounding components, posing secondary risks like short circuits.

So, how can we fundamentally address these challenges?

The answer lies in innovation at the material source – adopting advanced thermal pads that use Aluminum Nitride (AlN) as the core filler.

Aluminum Nitride is not merely a simple filler alternative; it is a functional ceramic material capable of redefining the performance and longevity boundaries of thermal pads. Here's how it precisely solves the aforementioned aging problems:

1. Combats Hardening, Preserves Lasting Softness & Compliance

Aluminum Nitride filler offers excellent thermal stability and chemical inertness. It does not react adversely with the polymer matrix, inhibiting the hardening problem caused by excessive cross-linking at its fundamental level. This means that pads using Aluminum Nitride filler can maintain excellent softness and resilience even under long-term high-temperature environments, ensuring consistent, intimate contact with the thermal interface, thereby stably maintaining low contact thermal resistance.

2. Stable Thermal Conductivity, Rejects Performance Decay

This is a core advantage of Aluminum Nitride. Firstly, it possesses an inherently high thermal conductivity, easily constructing efficient three-dimensional thermal networks. More importantly, its robust crystal structure remains stable even during long-term high-temperature aging, effectively preventing the structural degradation of the thermal pathways. Both the agglomeration of fillers and the degradation of the matrix are significantly suppressed, thereby ensuring the long-term stability of the thermal conductivity throughout the product's entire lifecycle and preventing performance from silently declining.

3. Reinforces Structure, Prevents Cracking & Oil Bleed

Aluminum Nitride filler exhibits good compatibility with polymer matrices like silicone. This stable composite structure can greatly reduce the bleeding of small molecules such as silicone oil, avoiding contamination and performance loss due to oil separation at the source. Simultaneously, its reinforcing effect grants the pad greater resistance to tearing and fatigue, enabling it to withstand the stresses from thermal cycling more effectively and significantly reducing the risk of cracking and powdering.

Conclusion

Choosing a thermal pad is not just about selecting an initial specification; it is about making a long-term reliability commitment for your product. Using Aluminum Nitride as a strategic filler is no longer a simple material upgrade, but a fundamental innovation targeting the aging pains of traditional thermal pads.

About Xiamen Juci Technology Co., LTD

Xiamen Juci Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading Chinese manufacturer specializing in aluminum nitride ceramic fillers. Our filler product line includes two series: aluminum nitride single crystal filler and aluminum nitride ceramic microspheres. Known for their high purity, narrow particle size distribution, and excellent thermal conductivity, these materials have established us as a trusted thermal management solutions provider for clients worldwide.

Contact:

Xiamen Juci Technology Co., Ltd.

Phone: +86 592 7080230

Email: miki_huang@chinajuci.com

Website: www.jucialnglobal.com

Among the various forming processes for aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramics, traditional methods such as die pressing, hot pressing, and isostatic pressing are well-established but face several challenges. Due to the strong hydrophilicity of AlN powder, contact with water should be minimized during the forming process to avoid oxidation that could compromise material performance. Although hot pressing and isostatic pressing can produce high-performance bulk materials, their high cost and low efficiency make it difficult to meet the ever-growing demand for AlN ceramic substrates in the electronics industry. Against this backdrop, tape casting technology has gradually emerged as a mainstream process for manufacturing aluminum nitride ceramics in electronics.

How Does Tape Casting Prepare Multilayer Aluminum Nitride Ceramics?

The core of this technology lies in mixing aluminum nitride powder with sintering aids, binders, and solvents to form a homogeneous slurry, which is then cast into thin green sheets using a tape caster. Subsequently, these sheets undergo processes such as punching, drilling, metal pattern printing, stacking, and lamination to form multilayer ceramic green bodies. Finally, after high-temperature binder burnout and sintering in a nitrogen atmosphere, dense and high-performance multilayer aluminum nitride ceramics are produced. This process is not only efficient but also particularly suitable for the large-scale production of ceramic substrates.

Process Details Determine Final Performance

The properties of AlN ceramic substrates prepared by tape casting are closely related to multiple process parameters: powder quality, casting parameters, binder burnout, and sintering regimes all require meticulous control. For example, coarser powders are easier to form but struggle to achieve high-quality substrates, while finer powders, though more challenging to process under strictly controlled conditions, often yield superior product quality. The binder burnout process must be gentle and stable, as excessively high temperatures or rapid heating rates can easily cause cracking in the green body. The sintering regime is even more critical, directly determining the final properties of the ceramic, such as thermal conductivity and strength.

Currently, tape casting systems are mainly divided into organic-based and water-based systems. Organic systems face environmental pressure due to the use of toxic solvents, while water-based systems, though environmentally friendly, still require further refinement in drying technology, representing an important direction for future development. For instance, research using a mixed solvent of ethanol and isopropanol has successfully prepared AlN ceramics with a thermal conductivity of 178 W/(m·K), demonstrating the potential of non-aqueous solvent systems.

Conclusion

Tape casting technology, with its advantages of high efficiency, consistent quality, and suitability for mass production, has become an indispensable part of aluminum nitride ceramic substrate manufacturing. As environmental requirements become more stringent and product forms diversify, this technology continues to evolve. Together with other forming processes, it drives the broader application of aluminum nitride ceramics in fields such as electronic packaging and heat dissipation components.

About Xiamen Juci Technology Co., Ltd.

Xiamen Juci Technology Co., Ltd., a national high-tech enterprise dedicated to the R&D and production of high-performance aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramic powders, stands at the forefront of electronic ceramic materials technology. We recognize the growing demand for advanced thermal management substrates and packaging solutions driven by 5G communications, advanced packaging, power modules, and high-brightness LEDs. Beyond supplying premium AlN powders, Juci Technology delivers integrated material solutions incorporating advanced tape casting processes. We collaborate with partners to overcome thermal challenges and lead industry progress together.

Contact:
Xiamen Juci Technology Co., Ltd.

Phone: +86 592 7080230
Email: miki_huang@chinajuci.com
Website: www.jucialnglobal.com

With the rapid advancement of microelectronics technology, there is an increasingly urgent market demand for ceramic components that offer high thermal conductivity, miniaturization, and complex shapes. While the traditional tape casting process is efficient and yields stable products, it often falls short when confronting intricate three-dimensional structures. It is precisely this challenge that has propelled Powder Injection Molding (PIM) technology to the forefront of the industry, becoming the key breakthrough for manufacturing high-precision, complex-shaped aluminum nitride ceramics.

Why Choose Powder Injection Molding?

Powder Injection Molding is an advanced process that merges modern plastic injection molding with powder metallurgy. Its core advantage lies in "near-net-shape forming"—it can directly produce components with intricate structures and complex geometries. Due to the flow state during mold filling, the material uniformly fills the mold cavity with minimal die wall friction. This results in green bodies with highly uniform density and exceptional dimensional accuracy. Internationally, this technology is regarded as a significant innovation in the field of component manufacturing for the 21st century.

The Key to Success: Binder and Feedstock System

The core of this technology lies in the binder system. The binder not only acts as a carrier for the powder, determining the material's fluidity and injection properties, but must also maintain the shape of the green body during the critical debinding process. To meet these dual requirements, modern binders are typically scientifically formulated from multiple organic components.

Simultaneously, the rheological properties of the feedstock system are paramount. An ideal system requires low viscosity, high strength, and good thermal stability. During processing, balancing temperature and fluidity is crucial: excessive temperature can lead to decomposition and pore formation, while insufficient temperature results in poor fluidity and incomplete mold filling.

Process Details Determine Success or Failure

Injection Pressure: Requires precise control. Insufficient pressure can lead to incomplete filling; excessive pressure introduces internal stress, causing demolding difficulties or cracking and deformation of the green body.

Injection Speed: Also requires optimization. Speed that is too slow allows the material to cool prematurely, preventing complete filling. Speed that is too fast can cause jetting, phase separation, and the formation of surface defects.

Therefore, by comprehensively optimizing various injection parameters, structurally sound and high-performance aluminum nitride ceramic green bodies can be successfully prepared.

Looking to the Future

Powder Injection Molding not only solves the manufacturing challenges of complex-shaped AlN ceramics but also provides the material realization possibilities for innovative designs in fields such as electronic thermal management, semiconductor packaging, and high-frequency devices. As the technology continues to mature, it is driving the rapid development of high-thermal-conductivity ceramic components towards greater miniaturization, higher integration, and enhanced performance.

About Xiamen Juci Technology Co., LTD

If you are seeking high-thermal-conductivity ceramic solutions that can break through design limitations, the combination of aluminum nitride and Powder Injection Molding technology might be the ideal choice for your next product.Xiamen Juci Technology is proficient in this technology and can provide you with tailor-made injection molding solutions for aluminum nitride ceramics.

Contact:
Xiamen Juci Technology Co., Ltd.

Phone: +86 592 7080230
Email: miki_huang@chinajuci.com
Website: www.jucialnglobal.com

First, the manufacturing process is extremely challenging.

To achieve high-performance AlN powder, ultra-high-purity raw materials are required, followed by sintering in a high-temperature (above 1800°C) inert atmosphere, which consumes significant energy. The powder is prone to oxidation, and achieving dense sintering is difficult. Special additives must be used, and the process requires precise control, as any defect can cause a sharp decline in key properties such as thermal conductivity. This results in high production barriers and low yield. Moreover, precision machining adds to the cost: with a Mohs hardness of 8–9, AlN’s brittleness makes cutting and drilling prone to chipping and microcracking, leading to low processing yield, rapid tool wear, and high machining costs. Ensuring consistency in mass production remains a major challenge.

Second, its performance is irreplaceable.

AlN combines excellent thermal conductivity (about 10 times that of alumina), a thermal expansion coefficient matching that of silicon, and outstanding electrical insulation. This makes it an indispensable material for heat dissipation substrates and critical packaging in 5G communications, high-power LEDs, aerospace electronics, and next-generation semiconductor packaging. These high-end applications demand exceptional reliability and are less price-sensitive.

Finally, the market is highly concentrated.

The global high-end AlN market has long been dominated by a few Japanese and American companies. Technological barriers limit supply, creating tension in availability. Additionally, AlN is a "small yet critical" strategic material. Its overall demand remains relatively low, making it difficult to achieve significant cost reductions through economies of scale. Amid the current trend toward semiconductor industry self-sufficiency, its strategic importance has further increased, keeping prices high.

Contact:

Xiamen Juci Technology Co., Ltd.

Phone: +86 592 7080230
Email: miki_huang@chinajuci.com
Website: www.jucialnglobal.com

Want to mix aluminum nitride (AlN) filler, a high-thermal-conductivity ceramic powder, into epoxy resin to make thermally conductive materials? Simply blending them in often yields disappointing results. The crucial step is: surface treatment of the AlN fillers is essential.

What happens if aluminum nitride (AlN) filler  WITHOUT surface treatment in Epoxy Resin??

Agglomeration: AlN particles clump together, failing to disperse evenly in the resin.

Poor thermal conductivity: Due to clumping, an effective heat-transfer network cannot form, limiting heat dissipation.

Weak bonding: Fillers and resin don't adhere well, making the composite prone to cracking under stress or heat.

Benefits after treatment:

Excellent dispersion: Particles separate nicely and distribute uniformly in the resin.

High thermal conductivity: A continuous and efficient heat-transfer pathway is established, fully utilizing AlN's high thermal conductivity.

Strong adhesion: Tight bonding with the resin makes the material more robust and durable.

Enhanced stability: The treated surface resists moisture, preventing AlN from degrading and ensuring long-lasting performance.

Contact:

Xiamen Juci Technology Co., Ltd.

Phone: +86 592 7080230
Email: miki_huang@chinajuci.com
Website: www.jucialnglobal.com

Food and consumer goods packaging is undergoing significant technological upgrades. On the one hand, the market demands longer food shelf life and reduced reliance on preservatives; on the other hand, sustainable development and regulatory compliance are driving the transformation of packaging materials towards recyclability and biodegradability. In this context, the demand for barrier properties in paper and cardboard packaging has increased significantly, especially in terms of oxygen, grease, and mineral oil barrier properties.

Traditional plastic films (such as PE and PP) have limited oxygen barrier performance, while multi-layer composite materials, although offering excellent performance, increase the difficulty of recycling and compliance. In contrast, water-based barrier coatings can significantly improve the functionality of the material without significantly altering the paper substrate structure, giving paper packaging performance close to that of high-barrier materials while maintaining good recyclability.

Among the many water-based barrier materials, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) system coatings have become an important solution for current paper-based packaging barrier technology due to their excellent oxygen and grease barrier properties and mature industrial application base. The KURARAY POVAL (POVAL 6-98), ELVANOL, and EXCEVAL series of products are representative material systems based on PVOH.

1. PVOH Barrier Mechanism and Performance Advantages in Paper Packaging

Polyvinyl alcohol is a non-ionic, water-soluble, linear crystalline polymer, whose molecular chains can form a large number of hydrogen bonds. This highly ordered molecular arrangement makes it difficult for oxygen molecules to diffuse, which is the fundamental reason for its excellent oxygen barrier performance. Under suitable coating and drying conditions, the PVOH coating can form a dense and continuous film layer, thereby significantly reducing the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of the paper substrate material.

In addition, the hydrophilic nature of PVOH makes it equally outstanding in blocking grease and mineral oil, which is particularly crucial for the packaging of bread, coffee, baked goods, etc. By coating ordinary starch-based paper with EXCEVAL HR-3010, with a coating weight of only 7 g/m², the OTR (Oxygen Transmission Rate) can be reduced from >2000 mL/m²/d to <1 mL/m²/d (23℃, 50% RH), demonstrating extremely high barrier efficiency.

♠ Compared to other common barrier materials, PVOH is a leading material in terms of oxygen barrier performance:

Polyethylene, Polypropylene: Weak barrier

PET, PA6: Medium barrier

PVDC: High barrier but with environmental concerns

EVOH / PVOH: Extremely high oxygen barrier performance

At the same time, PVOH has been certified by BfR and FDA for food contact regulations, making it safe for use in food packaging systems, which is an important prerequisite for its widespread use in the packaging coating field.

2. PVOH Barrier Coating Product System and Typical Performance Parameters

We offer a variety of PVOH product models suitable for paper-based packaging barrier coatings. Different models vary in viscosity, barrier focus, and application suitability, allowing for selection based on actual needs. The following is a performance comparison table:

From an application perspective, low-viscosity models (such as EXCEVAL AQ-4104) are more suitable for high-speed coating or low-coating weight systems, while high-viscosity models (such as ELVANOL 71-30) are beneficial for forming thicker, denser barrier layers. The above products are compatible with various common coating processes, such as blade coating, gravure coating, or curtain coating, and have good process compatibility.

In summary, water-based barrier coatings based on PVOH provide a well-balanced solution for paper-based packaging in terms of performance, sustainability, and regulatory compliance, especially suitable for food packaging scenarios sensitive to oxygen and grease.

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Chloroprene latex is a type of water-based polymer material formed from chloroprene rubber through emulsion polymerization or re-emulsification processes. This series has great adhesion, strong weather resistance, and high flame retardancy, and it can be used in many ways. The series is divided into two main types: anionic chloroprene latex (SNL series) and cationic chloroprene latex (CRL series). These types are based on different ionic properties and can be used in construction, transportation, industrial bonding, surface reinforcement, coating, and impregnation.

1. SNL Series Core Performance and Technological Advantages

♠ Superior Bonding Strength and Initial Tack

In adhesive formulation design, initial tack is a key factor determining production efficiency. SNL series latexes exhibit extremely strong affinity for various substrates, including metals, fabrics, glass fibers, and even porous sponge materials.

♠ Comprehensive Environmental Resistance

Unlike natural latex, which is prone to aging, the SNL series inherits the excellent properties of chloroprene rubber (CR). It possesses excellent resistance to ozone, weathering, oil, and chemical corrosion.

♠ Environmental Protection and Process Adaptability

In today's increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the water-based, non-toxic, and solvent-free characteristics of the SNL series are one of its biggest competitive advantages. It not only eliminates the health and safety hazards caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), but also has a "non-irritating" characteristic.

2. Main Model Performance Characteristics and Application Areas

2.1 SNL-511A Anionic Chloroprene Latex

SNL-511A (Neoprene 842A) is a gel-type anionic chloroprene latex with a slower crystallization rate, easy spraying, good flame retardancy, and wide material compatibility. It can be used alone or in combination with natural latex or other synthetic latexes to replace some natural latex applications. Its main application characteristics include:

• Fast-setting spraying application: It can be used in black asphalt waterproof coating systems, suitable for waterproofing and seepage prevention in water plants, pools, sewage tanks, underground foundation treatment, tunnel and subway construction, roofs, balconies, etc.
• Engineering Applications: Waterproof coatings for roads, water conservancy projects, canals, subways, etc.; seepage-proof coatings for reservoirs, underground landfills, etc.; corrosion protection and waterproofing for roof steel structure panels.
• Industrial Applications: Suitable for industrial coatings, impregnated products, composite material adhesives, and can also be used as a bonding substitute for sponge products.

SNL-511A's flame retardancy, sprayability, and wide-range adhesion make it a commonly used variety in engineering waterproofing and industrial protective materials.

2.2 SNL-5042 Anionic Neoprene Latex

SNL-5042 (Denka Neoprene 750) is characterized by strong initial tack, fast bonding speed, high bond strength, good storage stability, no need for solvents, non-toxicity, ozone resistance, oil resistance, chemical corrosion resistance, and excellent flame retardancy. Its main applications include:

• Water-based adhesive systems: Footwear materials, flooring, PVC flooring, foam, mattresses, fiber cloth, aluminum foil, glass cloth, etc.
• Building materials: Bonding of cement, mortar, adhesive mortar, etc., improving the durability and bond strength of the construction site.
• Transportation and Industrial Products: Adhesive materials for industries such as railway vehicles, automobiles, furniture, and electronic components.

This model's fast-drying and strong adhesion characteristics make it particularly suitable for high-efficiency assembly and rapid construction scenarios.

2.3 CRL-50KL Cationic Neoprene Latex

CRL-50KL (Denka Neoprene 571) is a cationic latex with positively charged emulsion particles, thus maintaining stability and preventing aggregation even in environments containing Ca²⁺ and Na⁺. Key features include:

• Excellent weather resistance: Ozone and aging resistant, suitable for long-term exposure environments.
• Good film-forming properties and high strength: Dense and high-strength film, suitable for structural applications such as waterproofing, corrosion protection, and bonding.
• Compatible with various substrates: Strong affinity for materials such as cement, fiber, steel, wood, and fiberglass.

♠ Main applications include:

Modified bitumen waterproofing materials, rigid waterproofing layers, ship deck coatings, etc.

Fiber impregnation, bonding mortars, wood protection, and fiberglass product treatment, etc.

Applications include fire-retardant materials, corrosion-resistant coatings, and structural surface reinforcement.

The salt resistance and high adhesion of cationic systems make them widely applicable in cement, steel, and composite materials.

3. Packaging, Appearance, and Transportation/Storage Requirements

Neoprene latex products are typically white or off-white emulsions. According to available data, the SNL and CRL series products are mostly packaged in 1100 kg ± 2 kg plastic drums for easy transportation and large-scale application.

Transportation and storage requirements include:

• Maintaining a well-ventilated and dry environment during storage and transportation, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperatures.
• Recommended storage temperature: 5–30℃; if the storage temperature is below 23℃, the shelf life of the product is 6 months from the date of production.
• Avoid damaging the packaging and keep it sealed to prevent impurities from entering and affecting stability.

These storage and transportation requirements ensure that the emulsion remains uniform, non-gelling, and non-stratified before use, guaranteeing the safety and consistency of application and processing.

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In the field of specialty rubber materials, chloroprene rubber (CR) has long held an irreplaceable position due to its excellent weather resistance, flame resistance, oil resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance. Among the various types of chloroprene rubber, sulfur-modified chloroprene rubber, with its unique molecular structure design, exhibits excellent physical and mechanical properties and adhesion, making it a key focus in the rubber products industry.

This article will delve into the SN32 and SN12 series of sulfur-modified chloroprene rubber produced using a low-conversion polymerization process. These two series of products, through specific process control, overcome the challenges of Mooney viscosity stability in traditional sulfur-modified rubber, providing a more uniform and reliable raw material choice for industrial products.

1. Characteristics of Sulfur-Modified Process and Advantages of Low-Conversion Polymerization

The core of sulfur-modified chloroprene rubber lies in the introduction of sulfur as a regulator during the polymerization process, and the use of thiuram for chain termination. Compared with traditional thiol-modified rubber, sulfur-modified rubber generally has higher tear strength, better adhesion, and superior dynamic fatigue performance.

The SN32 and SN12 series discussed here are based on a low-conversion emulsion polymerization process. This process is key to improving product quality stability:

• Uniformity of Mooney viscosity: By strictly controlling the monomer conversion rate during polymerization, it effectively avoids polymer gelation or excessively broad molecular weight distribution caused by over-reaction. This means that each batch of rubber produced maintains a very narrow range of Mooney viscosity fluctuations, greatly improving the consistency of compounding and processing in downstream factories.
• Optimization of molecular chain structure: This process, combined with advanced molecular weight regulation technology, results in chloroprene rubber with low crystallinity. Low crystallinity means that the material is softer at room temperature and less prone to premature hardening, thus ensuring the flexibility and service life of the products.
• Improved processing safety: Through precise polymerization control, these two series of products significantly improve the processing safety of the rubber compound while maintaining the high strength of sulfur-modified rubber, reducing the risk of dead stock and scorching.

2. SN32 Series

The SN32 series is positioned as a general-purpose sulfur-modified chloroprene rubber. From a molecular structure perspective, it undergoes a special adjustment of the degree of mechanical shearing and chain scission. According to technical data, the SN32 series has a lower degree of molecular chain mechanical shearing and scission than the SN12 series, but its thermal stability is stronger than the SN12 series. This characteristic determines that SN32 performs better in high-temperature environments.

♠ Physical and Mechanical Properties and Processing Characteristics

The SN32 series exhibits excellent physical and mechanical properties, with tensile strength greater than 22 MPa and elongation at break above 800%. Compared with the traditional CR322(such as Polychloroprene Rubber CR3221), the advantages of the SN32 series are mainly reflected in the processing stage:

• Easy to plasticize and compound: The rubber compound absorbs powder quickly and disperses evenly.
• Excellent extrusion molding: The rubber sheet surface is flat and smooth, with low shrinkage, which is crucial for manufacturing extruded products requiring high dimensional accuracy (such as sealing strips and hoses).
• Good appearance quality: The surface of the product is smooth after vulcanization, with a low defect rate.

♠ Grade Subdivision 

The SN32 series is subdivided into three main grades according to different Mooney viscosity (ML100℃ 1+4), corresponding to different hardness and processing requirements:

• SN321 (Mooney 37-49): Low viscosity, good fluidity, suitable for complex mold injection molding.
• SN322 (Mooney 50-65): Medium viscosity, most versatile.
• SN323 (Mooney 66-75): High viscosity, higher physical strength, suitable for high-load products.

♠ Key Applications

Thanks to its excellent oil resistance, chemical resistance, ozone aging resistance, and non-flammability, the SN32 series is widely used in mining conveyor belts, power transmission belts, dust covers, and various sealing parts. In particular, its excellent thermal stability makes it perform outstandingly in power transmission components involving frictional heat generation.

3. SN12 Series

♠ Outstanding Scorching Safety and Anti-Aging Properties

The most significant feature of the SN12 series is its long scorching time. In rubber processing, scorch time determines the "safety window" of the operation. A longer scorch time means that the rubber compound is less prone to premature vulcanization (scorch) during high-temperature mixing and molding, which is crucial for thick products or injection molding processes with complex structures. Furthermore, the SN12 series blended rubber exhibits superior vulcanization characteristics, particularly in terms of aging resistance. Data shows that its products have better aging resistance than the GNA type, and also possess good electrical properties and weather resistance.

♠ Physical Performance Advantages

Although both are sulfur-cured types, the SN12 series has slightly higher tensile strength (≥23 MPa) and elongation at break (≥850%) than the SN32 series. This indicates that the SN12 series has greater molecular chain flexibility and toughness, allowing it to withstand greater deformation without damage.

♠ Differences between SN122 and SN121

The main difference lies in Mooney viscosity; SN122 (51-65) is slightly higher than SN121 (30-50). Users can choose based on the power of their mixing equipment and process requirements.

♠ Comparison with CR121

Compared to traditional CR121(such as Polychloroprene Rubber CR1212), the SN12 series has better processing performance, especially in plasticizing, mixing, and extrusion molding, with less shrinkage and better product appearance quality.

4. Application Scenario Analysis and Series Selection Recommendations

Both the SN32 and SN12 series possess the characteristic "all-round" properties of chloroprene rubber: oil resistance, heat resistance, flame retardancy, and suitability for rubber products with special requirements for comprehensive performance. However, in actual engineering applications, engineers should select materials based on specific needs.

♠ Power Transmission and Mining Fields (Conveyor Belts, Drive Belts)

This is the core application area for sulfur-cured chloroprene rubber. Mining conveyor belts require extremely high flame retardancy and wear resistance, as well as good adhesion between the rubber compound and the reinforcing materials (such as nylon and polyester canvas).

• Recommendation: If thermal stability of the rubber compound is important (e.g., drive belts in high-temperature environments), the SN32 series is the preferred choice.
• Recommendation: If tear strength and a long scorch time are important (facilitating long-term vulcanization molding of large conveyor belts), the SN12 series is more suitable.

♠ Cable Sheathing and Seals

Cable sheathing requires materials with good weather resistance, ozone resistance, and certain electrical insulation properties.

The SN32 series, with its excellent extrusion surface smoothness and low shrinkage, is ideal for extruded cable sheathing and profiled sealing strips, ensuring dimensional accuracy and aesthetic appearance of the finished product.

♠ Hoses and Vibration Damping Products

The high elongation and tensile strength of the SN12 series make it perform exceptionally well in hoses and damping pads subjected to high-pressure deformation. Its excellent dynamic fatigue resistance can effectively extend the service life of damping products.

The SN32 and SN12 series sulfur-modified chloroprene rubber, produced using a low conversion rate polymerization process, represents the advanced level of current domestic synthetic rubber technology. The SN32 series excels in thermal stability and processing appearance, while the SN12 series is known for its scorch safety and high strength and elongation properties. These two series not only meet the standards of comparable high-end international products (such as DuPont, Lanxess, and Denka) in various physical and chemical indicators, but also achieve uniform and stable Mooney viscosity through process innovation, solving a major pain point of processing instability for rubber product manufacturers. They are ideal base materials for manufacturing high-quality rubber products.

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Thiol-modified chloroprene rubber plays a crucial role in adhesive chloroprene rubber systems due to its unique polymerization control mechanism. Thiol-modified products, especially the SN24 series, SN244X series, and SN23 series, are widely used in shoe adhesives, spray adhesives, high-grade universal adhesives, architectural decorative adhesives, and automotive interiors.

1. Mechanism of Thiol Modification

During the polymerization of chloroprene rubber (CR), modifiers significantly affect the polymerization rate, molecular weight, distribution, and controllability of the polymerization process. Thiol modifiers, due to their moderate reactivity, are widely used in the production of adhesive chloroprene rubber.

1.1 More Stable Polymerization Process

Thiol modification effectively controls chain growth, maintaining suitable molecular weight and distribution, resulting in good solubility and stable processing properties. This directly affects adhesive viscosity, film-forming characteristics, and long-term storage stability.

1.2 Determining Initial Tack and Final Strength of Adhesives

Taking the SN24 series as an example, the molecular structure obtained through thiol regulation exhibits superior film-forming strength. When grafted with MMA (methyl methacrylate), it significantly improves adhesion to various substrates, resulting in higher initial tack and final bond strength.

1.3 Affecting Open Time and Working Window

The SN23 series is specifically designed for "adjustable open time." Through meticulous control of the molecular structure, it provides more flexible application times for the footwear and decoration industries, effectively improving operational convenience and production efficiency.

Thiol regulation is not merely simple polymerization control; it is a core technical means influencing the application performance of the entire adhesive system, providing a strong technical foundation for complex bonding scenarios.

2. Performance and Application Value of the SN24/SN244X Series

Among thiol-regulated chloroprene rubbers, the SN24 and SN244X series are the products with the highest market attention. SN24 focuses on bond strength and grafting applications, while SN244X further optimizes solubility, color, and weather resistance, resulting in more comprehensive overall performance.

2.1 SN24 Series: High-strength, graftable, and widely applicable basic products

♠ Key features of the SN24 series include:

Thiol-modified system for stable molecular weight control

MMA grafting adaptability, further improving adhesion to substrates such as metals, leather, and rubber

High initial tack and excellent final bond strength

Suitable for fast bonding systems

♠ Typical applications:

Shoe adhesives in the footwear industry

Spray adhesives in the furniture and packaging industries

Advanced all-purpose adhesives and engineering adhesives

Chloroprene Rubber SN-242A is a widely used product, extensively adopted in footwear adhesive applications due to its strength, fast bonding speed, and ease of use.

2.2 SN244X Series: Upgraded Products with High Solubility, Light Color, and High Weather Resistance

Chloroprene Rubber SN-244X series optimizes several key properties based on SN24, making it a higher-end and more stable thiol-modified chloroprene rubber.

♠ Key advantages include:

Faster dissolving speed, improving production efficiency

Lighter glue color, suitable for light-colored or appearance-sensitive products

High initial bond strength, long holding time, and better weather resistance

Less prone to aging after bonding, suitable for outdoor or strong light environments

♠ Typical applications:

High-end shoe adhesives

Construction and decoration adhesives

Automotive interior bonding

Furniture and decoration industries

For companies requiring "fast dissolution + strong adhesion + high weather resistance," the SN244X series is a typical choice.

3. SN23 Series: Complementary Products Specifically Designed for Adjusting Open Time

Unlike the direct application of SN24 and SN244X, the SN23 series acts as a "modifier" in adhesive chloroprene systems. Its core value is adjusting the open time.

3.1 Why is open time so critical?

In adhesive applications, too short an open time leads to application difficulties; too long an open time reduces efficiency. Different seasons, application temperatures, and substrate conditions can all cause fluctuations in the final bonding effect.

The SN23 series allows for precise adjustment of the adhesive's drying speed and operating window, ensuring stable performance under various environmental conditions.

3.2 Enhanced results when used in conjunction with SN24/SN244X

The SN23 series is typically not used alone, but rather in combination with SN24 and SN244X, serving the following purposes:

Extending or optimizing adhesive open time

Improving sprayability and application feel

Optimizing the balance between initial and final bond speeds

Enhancing adaptability to complex processes

Typical products such as SN236T and SN237T possess suitable solution viscosity and good stability, making them highly valuable in the footwear and industrial adhesive industries.

As industries such as footwear manufacturing, furniture decoration, and automotive interiors demand increasingly higher performance from adhesives, adhesive-grade neoprene rubber is entering a stage of development focused on higher performance, greater controllability, and greater stability.

♣ The thiol-modified SN24, SN244X, and SN23 series are key components of this trend:

SN24 – High strength, graftable, and comprehensive adhesive properties

SN244X – An upgraded solution offering fast dissolution, light color, and high weather resistance

SN23 – An open-time modifier product that makes production more controllable.

Through proper combination, these adhesives can create more stable, easier-to-process, and more adaptable neoprene adhesive systems, bringing higher efficiency and better bonding quality to end-user industries.

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In the world of cosmetic preservation, formulating at higher pH levels has always been a challenge. Traditional organic acid preservatives like sorbic acid, benzoic acid, or dehydroacetic acid lose their effectiveness as pH rises above 6, leaving formulations vulnerable to microbial growth. This limitation often forces brands to compromise between stability, skin feel, and preservation efficacy.

Enter DropPrev® CHA (Caprylhydroxamic Acid) – a innovative, multifunctional ingredient that breaks the pH barrier.

What is DropPrev® CHA?

DropPrev® CHA is a mild organic acid derived from caprylic acid and hydroxylamine. With the INCI name Caprylhydroxamic Acid and a molecular weight of 159.23, it’s a globally recognized and compliant material, included in China’s IECIC 2015 inventory.

But what truly sets it apart is its exceptionally high pKa of ~9.4.

The pH Game-Changer

For traditional organic acids, antimicrobial activity depends on the percentage of undissociated acid, which drops dramatically as pH increases. At pH 6, an acid needs a pKa of at least 6 to be 50% active. Most conventional preservatives fall short.

DropPrev® CHA defies this trend. Thanks to its high pKa, it remains fully active across a wide pH range.

Comparative Activity at Various pH Levels:

This means CHA is the only organic acid that remains completely undissociated and active at neutral pH.

Dual Mode of Action

1. Metal Chelation – Primary Mechanism

• CHA acts as a potent chelator, particularly for Fe³⁺ (stability constant: 11.4), competing with microbial siderophores for iron.

• Iron is essential for microbial growth, electron transport, and DNA synthesis. By sequestering iron, CHA starves microbes of this vital nutrient.

• It also chelates Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ at the cell membrane, increasing permeability and disrupting microbial integrity.

2. Classic Organic Acid Activity

• In its undissociated form, CHA exhibits lipophilic properties, allowing it to penetrate microbial cell membranes.

• Once inside, it can disrupt internal pH and metabolic processes.

Key Benefits & Features

• Broad-Spectrum Activity: Effective against bacteria, yeast, and mold. Shown to inhibit Aspergillus niger at a low MIC of 0.078%.

• Formulation Flexibility: Compatible with emulsions, anhydrous systems, surfactant-based cleansers, and color cosmetics.

• Similar Log Kow (1.67) to other common preservatives like caprylyl glycol and glyceryl caprylate, indicating favorable skin feel and solubility.

• High Safety Profile: Widely studied, non-mutagenic (AMES test negative), and historically used as a feed additive.

Recommended Use

• Usage Level: 0.05% – 0.15%

• Solubility: Soluble in propylene glycol, glycerin, and surfactants.

• pH Range: Effective from pH 2–8 (activity gradually decreases above pH 8).

• Application: Best paired with bacterial and yeast inhibitors (e.g., phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-octanediol) for broad-spectrum protection.

• Note: Avoid extended heating above 90°C. Add EDTA-2Na to prevent discoloration from iron-containing clays or minerals.

Conclusion

DropPrev® CHA represents a significant step forward in preservation technology. Its ability to remain active at neutral pH, combined with its dual-action mechanism and strong safety record, makes it an ideal choice for modern, mild, and high-performance cosmetic formulations.

Whether you're developing a gentle facial cream, a pH-balanced shampoo, or a long-wearing makeup product, CHA offers reliable preservation without compromising pH or sensory attributes.

Please contact: judyzhou@drop-bio.com