Rubber White Oil

Updated: 2026-07-15

Overview

Rubber white oil is a highly refined mineral oil specifically formulated for the rubber industry. It serves as a processing aid to improve the plasticity and workability of rubber compounds during mixing and molding operations. The oil is carefully refined to remove aromatic compounds and other impurities that could negatively affect rubber properties. This specialty oil is categorized by viscosity grades, with different grades selected based on the specific rubber formulation and processing requirements. It's particularly valuable in synthetic rubber production where it helps achieve consistent compound viscosity and enhances filler dispersion.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Rubber white oil exhibits a balanced combination of physical properties including appropriate viscosity, low volatility, and good thermal stability. The oil's viscosity at 40°C typically ranges from 60 to 500 mm²/s depending on the grade, with higher viscosity oils providing better plasticizing effects for certain rubber types. Chemically, it consists primarily of saturated hydrocarbons (naphthenic and paraffinic) with minimal aromatic content (<1%). This composition ensures compatibility with most rubber polymers while minimizing the risk of staining or migration. The oil maintains stability across a wide temperature range (-20°C to 150°C), making it suitable for various rubber processing conditions.

Main Applications

The primary use of rubber white oil is in tire manufacturing, where it accounts for approximately 60% of total consumption. It improves the processing characteristics of tire tread compounds and enhances the dispersion of carbon black and other fillers. In radial tire production, specific grades help achieve the required flexibility in sidewall components. Beyond tires, it's widely used in industrial rubber products like hoses, belts, and seals. The oil also serves as a plasticizer in EPDM rubber for automotive parts and as a processing aid in nitrile rubber for oil-resistant applications. Some specialty grades are formulated for food-contact rubber products where purity is critical.

Safety and Storage

While rubber white oil is generally considered low hazard, proper handling procedures should be followed. The material can cause skin irritation with prolonged contact, requiring appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves and safety glasses. Adequate ventilation is recommended when handling at elevated temperatures. Storage should be in original sealed containers or dedicated tanks protected from water contamination and extreme temperatures. The oil has good oxidative stability but benefits from storage away from strong oxidizing agents. Typical shelf life is 2 years when stored properly, though properties should be verified if stored near the limit.

B2B Procurement Guide

When procuring rubber white oil, buyers should first determine the required viscosity grade based on their specific rubber formulation and processing equipment. Technical specifications to verify include kinematic viscosity (at 40°C and 100°C), aniline point (indicator of aromatic content), and flash point (safety consideration). Reputable suppliers should provide full technical data sheets and material safety data sheets. For large-volume purchases, consider requesting samples for trial processing. Pricing is typically quoted FOB or CIF depending on shipment terms, with discounts available for container-load quantities. Quality certifications like ISO 9001 and REACH compliance documents should be verified for European market shipments.