NR Surface Finish

[donaloriain]

Can anyone point me in the right direction for achieving a smooth, low friction and semi-glossy finish on a natural rubber moulded product? The mould has been chrome-plated but it's still not giving me the required finish. The compound formulation can be changed if necessary. I've already tried using different additives such as fatty acids, waxes and crodamide. None have given me what I need so I'm beginning to wonder if it's a secondary post-moulding process such as polishing that should be used. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[GrahamBennett]

A highly polished chrome plated mould should be OK provided you keep it free from mould fouling.

 

[tom1953]

Try adding a small amount of an incompatible plasticizer, like a low viscosity silicone fluid (PDMS).

http://www.akrochem.com/pdf/product/silicone/silicone_fluids_df_55_series.pdf

 

[GrahamBennett]

Or by using a silicone emulsion as a mould release agent.