Ageing characteristics of conveyor belt splices

Summary

Rubber splice kits were characterised, and samples were vulcanised and subjected to ageing in air in ovens at 60, 80, 90 and 1000C for periods of up to several months.

Temperature and access of oxygen are the most significant factors in the ageing process, the fastest ageing occurring at temperatures of 1000C in air.

Metal-rubber bonding, and the ageing of metal-rubber bonds, were tested by measuring pulloff strengths for flat plate samples.

The effects of etching the metal surfaces prior to bonding were assessed.

Keywords: ageing, rubber, splice, conveyor belt