STUDY ON THE FEASIBILITY OF USING THE ORGANIC COMPONENT OF OIL SLUDGE IN RUBBER SEAL FORMULATIONS

This study presents the results of an investigation into the physicochemical properties of oil sludge, its organic fraction, and PN-6sh oil. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy were used for analysis. Based on the physico-mechanical testing of oil sludge samples from PetroKazakhstan Oil Products LLP, it was determined that the composition of the oil sludge includes organic compounds, solid inorganic components, and water. The main portion of the organic fraction of the oil sludge consists of paraffins and asphalt-resin substances. The presence of organic compounds in the oil sludge suggests a plasticizing effect when the organic fraction is introduced into rubber mixtures. The results of the physicochemical analysis of oil sludge, its organic fraction, and PN-6sh oil indicate the feasibility of replacing PN-6sh oil with the organic fraction of oil sludge in rubber formulations, offering economically efficient approaches to the production of rubber materials. As part of the research, a rubber mixture was developed for manufacturing rubber seals for water traps using the organic fraction of oil sludge as a substitute for PN-6sh oil. The developed mixtures demonstrated satisfactory physical and mechanical characteristics. It was established that the organic fraction of oil sludge can be used in doses ranging from 2.0 to 6.0 parts by weight in elastomer compositions based on SKI-3 rubber. It was shown that introducing the organic fraction of oil sludge into the elastomer composition increases the Mooney viscosity of rubber mixtures by 9.09%, while the time to reach the maximum vulcanization rate for rubber seals of water traps is reduced to 3 minutes and 9 seconds, making the tested mixture superior to the reference one. The use of a secondary product, such as the organic fraction of oil sludge, in elastomer compositions helps reduce production costs while maintaining essential performance characteristics.