Why is the insulating rubber sheet aging

Time:2019-11-19
Insulating rubber sheets are widely used in power plants, power distribution rooms, substations and other places to provide insulation and protection, but improper handling can easily cause aging and damage of rubber sheets.

Do you know the reasons for the aging of insulating rubber sheets? How to better maintain the rubber sheet?

A large number of insulating rubber sheets are laid on the ground in power plants, power distribution rooms, substations and other places. These rubber sheets can effectively protect the safety of workers and avoid electric shock.

Since the insulating rubber sheet is laid on the ground for a long time, it is prone to aging due to long-term wear and stepping, and the following reasons for the aging of the insulating rubber sheet are specifically analyzed.

1. Mechanical stress. Due to the long-term effect of mechanical stress, the rubber molecular chain is cracked to form free radicals, which triggers the oxidation chain reaction and constitutes a chemical process.

2. Light. The shorter the light wave, the greater the energy. Ultraviolet's energy is the highest, so it has the greatest damage to the rubber sheet. Moreover, in addition to directly causing the cracking and cross-linking of the rubber molecular chain, the ultraviolet light also promotes the production of free radicals in the rubber and accelerates the oxidation reaction process.

3. High temperature. Excessive temperatures can cause thermal cracking or thermal crosslinking of the rubber. High temperatures accelerate the oxidation reaction of the rubber, which leads to thermal aging.

So how to delay the aging of the insulating rubber sheet?

1. Insulating rubber sheets should be protected from direct sunlight and scratches by sharp objects, away from heat sources.


2. Before laying the insulating rubber sheet, it is necessary to check whether the ground is clean, flat and free of sharp objects. For rubber sheets with cracks, scratches, and reduced thickness, need to replace new ones.

3. The insulating rubber sheet should be kept dry and clean. Far away from acid, alkali and various oily substances to avoid corrosion of the rubber sheet, then causing cracking, aging and damage, thereby reducing the insulation performance of the product.