META-Z (Active zinc oxide/rubber vulcanisation accelerator)
Features of Active Zinc Oxide META-Z
Zinc oxide (ZnO) is an essential compounding ingredient in rubber, where it works as a vulcanization activator. During vulcanization it reacts with acidic substances such as stearic acid and with the accelerator to activate sulfur, and it fixes the hydrogen sulfide generated during the reaction — together making the cross-linking reaction markedly more efficient.
Because this reaction takes place on the surface of the zinc oxide particles, the degree of vulcanization activation is governed by the zinc oxide's surface activity, specific surface area and dispersibility. Our META-Z series is produced by wet synthesis, a route chosen specifically to maximise all three.
Conventional Zinc Oxide vs. META-Z
| Item | Conventional zinc oxide (dry process) | META-Z (wet synthesis) |
|---|---|---|
| Production method | Combustion of metallic zinc | Wet synthesis |
| Particle size | Large | Very fine and uniform |
| Specific surface area | Small | Large |
| Vulcanization activation | Standard | Very high |
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Two product lines are available for rubber compounding: the composite active zinc oxide META-Z L series and the active zinc oxide META-Z 102.
Composite Active Zinc Oxide: META-Z L Series
The META-Z L series has a composite structure in which precipitated calcium carbonate serves as the carrier into the rubber, with the entire particle surface coated with active zinc oxide.
Replacing the core with calcium carbonate reduces the amount of zinc metal required. Because the surface remains highly active, an equal-weight substitution for ordinary zinc oxide delivers equivalent or better rubber properties.
- Cost advantage over ordinary zinc oxide
- Lower specific gravity for lighter compounds
- Improved dispersibility and easier processing
- Low heavy metal content
Composition Ratio
| Grade | Composition (ZnO / CaCO3) |
|---|---|
| L40 | 40% / 60% |
| L50 | 50% / 50% |
| L60 | 60% / 40% |
META-Z L series
Active Zinc Oxide: META-Z 102
META-Z 102 is a high-purity active zinc oxide produced by wet synthesis. Its particles are far finer than those of ordinary zinc oxide and its specific surface area is substantially larger, giving it an exceptionally high degree of activity.
- Fine particles with a large specific surface area
- Strong vulcanization activation (higher cross-link density)
- Improved tensile strength
- Improved compression set (C-set)
- Low heavy metal content
META-Z 102
About META-Z
