Rubber compounds used in tyres, industrial products, automotive rubber parts, hoses, belts, seals, gaskets and molded components require long-term protection against heat, oxygen, flexing fatigue, and environmental aging. This is where Rubber Antioxidant TMQ (Polymerized 2,2,4-Trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline) and Rubber Antioxidant TDQ (Polymerized Dihydroquinoline) play a crucial role. Both TMQ and TDQ are widely used in natural and synthetic rubber to prevent cracking, hardening, softening, and deterioration caused by long exposure to oxygen and heat.
While accelerators control how fast rubber cures during vulcanization, antioxidants like TMQ/TDQ ensure the cured rubber remains stable during storage and real-world use. These antioxidants delay oxidation, thermal degradation, and flex cracking—making them essential ingredients in tyres, industrial rubber goods, automotive bushings, oil seals, conveyor belts, rubber rollers, footwear components, and heavy-duty mechanical parts.
Chemical Overview of TMQ & TDQ
Below is a technical breakdown of both antioxidants:
| Antioxidant | Chemical Type | Appearance | Key Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| TMQ | Polymerized quinoline | Reddish-brown flakes/granules | Heat & oxygen aging resistance |
| TDQ | Dihydroquinoline polymer | Dark brown to black solid | Anti-flex cracking & thermal stability |
Key Properties of TMQ & TDQ
| Property | TMQ | TDQ |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Stability | Excellent | Very good |
| Oxygen Resistance | High | Moderate to high |
| Flex Crack Resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Non-staining | Yes (non-blooming) | Yes |
| Compatibility | High with NR, SBR, NBR, BR | High with NR, SBR, NBR |
| Shelf Life Stability | Strong | Strong |
Benefits of Using TMQ & TDQ in Rubber Compounding
1. Enhanced Heat Aging Resistance
TMQ provides outstanding protection against heat-induced degradation, making it ideal for tyres, hoses, belts and automotive rubber exposed to continuous friction and temperature.
2. Long-Term Oxygen Resistance
TMQ slows down oxidative cracking, preventing premature hardening or brittleness.
3. Flex-Fatigue Protection (TDQ Advantage)
TDQ significantly improves resistance to bending, flexing and mechanical stress, making it suitable for dynamic rubber components.
4. Excellent Synergy with Accelerators
Both antioxidants work smoothly with MBT, MBTS, CBS, TBBS, TMTD, ZDEC, ZDBC, PVI and Zinc Oxide, helping maintain the cured rubber structure.
5. Non-Blooming Nature
Both TMQ and TDQ do not bloom to the surface, ensuring clean appearance and strong bonding with other materials like textiles, steel cords or adhesives.
6. High Processing Safety
They do not interfere with the vulcanization process and remain stable even during mixing at high temperatures.
Applications of TMQ & TDQ in Rubber Industries
| Industry | TMQ Use | TDQ Use |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Manufacturing | Heat resistance, oxidation protection | Flex crack resistance for sidewalls |
| Conveyor Belts | High-temperature protection | Improved dynamic fatigue |
| Automotive Rubber Parts | Long-term stability | Flex fatigue resistance |
| Rubber Hoses | Heat aging stability | Mechanical strength retention |
| Shoe Soles | Non-blooming & non-staining | Durability |
| Industrial Rollers | Thermal protection | Anti-crack properties |
| Rubber Seals & Gaskets | Oxidation resistance | Flexibility retention |
Typical Dosage Levels in Rubber Compounding
| Antioxidant | Standard Dosage (phr) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TMQ | 0.5 – 3.0 phr | Higher usage in high-temperature applications |
| TDQ | 0.3 – 1.5 phr | Mainly for dynamic/flexing rubber |
Compatibility of TMQ & TDQ with Rubber Types
| Rubber Type | TMQ Compatibility | TDQ Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| NR | Excellent | Excellent |
| SBR | Excellent | Very good |
| NBR | Good | Good |
| EPDM | Limited | Limited |
| BR | Good | Excellent |
| IIR | Moderate | Not recommended |
Comparison: TMQ vs TDQ
| Parameter | TMQ | TDQ |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Aging | Superior | Good |
| Flex Fatigue | Good | Superior |
| Storage Stability | Strong | Strong |
| Best Use Case | Tyres, belts, hoses | Dynamic rubber goods |
Other Rubber Antioxidants Used in the Industry
| Antioxidant | Type | Function | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6PPD | Amine | Anti-ozone & anti-flex crack | Tyre treads & sidewalls |
| IPPD | Amine | Anti-ozone | Heavy-duty rubber goods |
| TMQ | Quinoline | Thermal & oxygen aging | Tyres, hoses, belts |
| TDQ | Dihydroquinoline | Flex-fatigue | Dynamic rubber |
| Phenolic Antioxidants | Non-staining | Heat stability | Light-colored rubber |
Why TMQ & TDQ Are Important for Modern Rubber Manufacturing
As global demand for high-performance tyres and industrial rubber goods increases, the need for antioxidants that offer better durability, oxidation resistance, stress protection, and long-term stability continues to rise. TMQ and TDQ remain the most widely used antioxidants due to their balance of cost, effectiveness, and processing safety across natural and synthetic rubber systems.
ARPL
Manufacturers across India rely on high-quality antioxidants and accelerators to maintain consistent curing and long-lasting rubber performance. Arihant Reclamation Pvt. Ltd. (ARPL) supplies premium-grade TMQ, TDQ, MBT, MBTS, CBS, TBBS, TMTD, ZDEC, ZDBC, ZMBT, PVI, DPG, and high-purity Zinc Oxide, tested for purity, stability, and performance.
With Pan India delivery, bulk supply capability, and strict quality standards, ARPL supports tyre manufacturers, automotive rubber units, industrial product manufacturers and exporters with reliable, long-term chemical solutions.
For enquiries and bulk orders:
📞 +91-8860732624
📧 arihantreclamation@gmail.com
🌐 https://arihantreclamationpvtltd.com/