Permeability barrier
Due to the platy shape of their particles, our high-aspect-ratio talcs and kaolins reduce the gas and vapor permeability of rubber materials leading to improved barrier properties.
Improved permeability in a range of rubber applications
High aspect ratio minerals have highly lamellar particles that create an impermeable barrier, reducing air and liquid permeability in the rubber compound due to an increase in the mean-free path of diffusion.
They also improve air permeability in butyl, natural and polyisoprene rubber compounds.
Generally speaking, the more lamellar the mineral, the lower the permeability. Our platy minerals are particularly suitable for improving permeability in tire inner liners, medical stoppers, membranes and hoses.
We recommend:
- High aspect ratio talc*, ImerFlex HAR® talc, for critical applications such as tire inner liners, where it provides downgauging opportunities.
- Cost-effective Polwhite™ kaolin grades could also be used at elevated loading to improve permeability in tire inner liners.
- ImerFlex talc and silane-treated Mistrobond® talc are also used to improve barrier properties in medical stoppers, gaskets and membrane applications.
*Talc products are not available in the USA and Canada. Contact us for an alternative range.
