Rubber mats are widely used in power distribution rooms,factory workshops,machinery equipment protection and other scenarios.Featuring stable wear resistance,insulation and cushioning performance,they serve as common consumables in the industrial sector.Many procurement and maintenance personnel hold a misconception that rubber mats are durable and hard to damage.They stack the products randomly,store them outdoors or fold them after delivery.In fact,premature scrapping of most rubber mats stems from improper storage.
General rubber sheets,fabric-reinforced rubber sheets and high-voltage insulating rubber mats are polymer elastic materials,which are highly sensitive to storage conditions and stacking methods.Improper storage may lead to premature cracking,hardening,discoloration,delamination and elasticity loss of rubber mats.For high-voltage insulating rubber mats,aging will reduce their insulating performance and bring potential electrical safety hazards.
I.Common Storage Mistakes Accelerating Aging and Failure of Rubber Mats
1.Outdoor Storage Exposed to Sunlight and Rain
Ultraviolet rays are the primary cause of rubber degradation.They destroy the molecular structure of rubber and result in surface discoloration,embrittlement and cracking.Rainwater and moisture may penetrate into the sheets,causing mildew and delamination of the interlayer fabric of fabric-reinforced rubber sheets and impairing tensile and wear resistance.
2.Stacking Near Heat Sources and High-temperature Environments
Some warehouses stack rubber mats beside heat sources such as boilers,heating equipment and air conditioner outdoor units.High temperatures soften and stick rubber materials and cause permanent elasticity loss.The mats are prone to deformation and collapse in subsequent use and lose their cushioning and insulating functions.
3.Folded Storage and Heavy Load Compression
To save warehouse space,many people fold rubber rolls or pile heavy goods on rubber mats.Creases from folding and depressions caused by heavy loads are permanent deformations.Rubber mats tend to tear along creases under stress,greatly shortening their service life.
4.Co-storage with Corrosive Materials
Rubber mats shall not be stored together with engine oil,diesel oil,acids,alkalis or chemical solvents.Corrosive media penetrate into rubber and cause swelling and peeling,damaging physical properties.Direct contact between rubber and metals such as copper and manganese should also be avoided,as these metals catalyze oxidative aging of rubber.
5.Long-term Placement in Humid and Sealed Environments
Mold tends to grow in humid and poorly ventilated environments.It corrodes the rubber surface and attacks the interlayer fabric of fabric-reinforced rubber sheets,making the sheets hard,brittle and delaminated and completely losing their original toughness.
＞send emails to sales@jingdongrubber.com,get a quote now
II.Standard Storage Requirements for Rubber Mats to Delay Aging
To retain the elasticity,wear resistance and insulation of rubber mats to the maximum extent and extend their service life,users only need to follow standardized warehouse maintenance specifications,which are simple to operate and highly practical.
1.Prefer Cool and Dry Warehouse Environment
Store the products in shaded,ventilated and dry indoor warehouses,away from doors,windows and heat sources.Recommended storage temperature:-10℃~25℃,relative humidity:50%~80%.A constant temperature and humidity environment can slow down the natural aging of rubber to the greatest extent.
2.Standardized Stacking to Avoid Folding and Compression
Rubber rolls shall preferably be stored vertically to reduce compression from self-weight.If horizontal storage is required,stacking height shall be controlled to prevent deformation of the bottom layer.Folded storage is strictly prohibited.Cut rubber gaskets are recommended to be laid flat.
3.Keep Original Packaging for Protection and Sealing
Do not remove the original protective film in advance,as it blocks light,dust and moisture.For opened and partially used rubber mats,re-wrap and seal them with film to isolate air,moisture and dust and keep the products intact.
4.Tips for Transportation and Inventory Management
Transportation and daily inventory management play an important role in protecting rubber mats from premature aging.During transportation,do not leave rubber mats exposed to sunlight and rain for extended periods.Rough handling may damage the rubber surface,so handle products gently during loading and unloading to avoid dragging and scratches caused by sharp objects.For inventory management,implement the first-in,first-out principle.Carry out regular product inspections to detect aging symptoms including hardening,cracks,delamination and discoloration at an early stage.High-voltage insulating rubber mats with aging or damage shall not be applied at power operation sites.
III.Conclusion
Aging and damage of rubber mats are mostly not caused by product quality defects,but by artificial losses due to improper storage and maintenance.Compliance with standard storage requirements can stably maintain insulation,wear resistance,cushioning and other properties of rubber mats,extend service life,reduce corporate procurement and replacement costs,and ensure on-site operation safety.Proper basic warehouse maintenance guarantees product performance and builds a solid safety barrier for industrial production and power operation and maintenance,enabling rational storage and efficient utilization of rubber products.
Jingdong Rubber Co., Ltd. is a professional rubber mat manufacturer, producing silicone rubber sheet, natural rubber sheet, fluorine rubber sheet, neoprene rubber sheet, insulating rubber sheet,EPDM rubber sheets, oil-resistant rubber sheets, anti-static rubber sheets, flame-retardant rubber sheets, conductive rubber sheets, anti-slip rubber sheets, and cowshed mats, etc. with over 40 years of industry experience, are popular both at home and abroad. If you need any of our products,please send emails to sales@jingdongrubber.com.