Compared to ordinary balloons, the production process of matte balloons has some unique process characteristics, mainly focusing on raw material formula adjustment and surface treatment process.
The following is a common production process of matte balloons:
1. Raw material selection and formula adjustment
Latex raw materials: Matte balloons usually use natural latex as the main raw material, but specific additives are added to the formula to reduce the surface gloss.
o Matting agent: Add matte powder or specially formulated silicone additives to reduce the surface reflection after latex curing.
o Stabilizer and antioxidant: Ensure the durability and color durability of balloons.
o Plasticizer: Adjust the flexibility and elasticity of balloons, and affect the surface effect.
Pigment: Matte balloons are generally softer in color, and the choice of pigments will also avoid highly reflective ingredients, such as pearlescent agents.
2. Mold dipping
Mold treatment: After the mold is cleaned, a matte coating (such as silicone coating) may be applied to form the basis of the matte effect.
Dipping process: Dip the mold into the adjusted latex solution to ensure uniform surface coating.
o The temperature and time during dipping will affect the final effect and need to be strictly controlled.
3. Drying and secondary treatment
Drying: The mold after dipping is placed in a drying oven and dried under appropriate temperature and humidity conditions to form a preliminary balloon shape.
Matt effect enhancement: After drying, some manufacturers will use special surface treatment processes (such as frosting or spraying matte agents) to further reduce the surface gloss.
4. Vulcanization and shaping
Vulcanization: Put the balloon into a vulcanization oven and vulcanize it at high temperature to make the balloon material more stable and durable.
o During the vulcanization process, the control of temperature, time and pressure has an important influence on the matte effect.
Shaping: The balloon is shaped after vulcanization, and the surface may be secondary treated with a release agent to enhance the matte feeling.
5. Coloring and surface coating
If the matte effect is not enough, a special matte coating can be sprayed on the balloon surface to further optimize the appearance.
Some matte balloons are sprayed by hand or machine to achieve a more uniform matte texture.
6. Quality inspection
Surface gloss inspection: The gloss meter is used to inspect the surface gloss of the balloon to ensure that the matte effect meets the standard.
Strength and elasticity test: Matte balloons may affect elasticity due to additives, so tensile strength and crack resistance tests are required.
7. Packaging and storage
Matte balloons should be kept away from high temperatures and direct sunlight, otherwise it will affect their matte effect and latex quality.
Moisture-proof desiccant is added to the packaging to extend the storage time.
Production difficulties
Formula adjustment: The addition of matte agent can easily lead to a decrease in balloon strength, so it is necessary to balance the matte effect with material properties.
Process control: Process parameters such as temperature and humidity have a greater impact on the matte effect and consistency of the balloon.
For matte balloons, the latex debugging process of matte balloons is a key step in the production of matte balloons, which affects the color effect, surface gloss, elasticity and strength of the final product. The following is the detailed process and key points of matte balloon latex formula debugging:
1. Selection of latex base liquid
Natural latex: Select high-quality natural latex (such as high-concentration latex liquid, 60% or more solid content) to provide elasticity and strength to the latex solution.
Latex emulsifier: In order to ensure the uniform dispersion of latex, emulsifiers may be added to ensure the uniform distribution of matte agents, pigments and other additives
2. Adding matte agents
Types of matte additives:
o Micronized silica: Effectively reduces the glossiness of the latex surface.
o Fluoride or silicon: Used to enhance the matte effect and maintain the performance of latex.
o Polymer matte agent: Improve the durability and flexibility of balloons.
Addition ratio: Usually between 0.5%-3%, adjusted according to specific needs to ensure that the matte effect does not affect the stability and strength of the latex.
3. Adjust the color effect
Pigment selection: Use pigments with matte effects, avoid pigments with metallic luster or high brightness, and it is recommended to choose inorganic pigments.
Color paste preparation:
o First mix the pigment with water or dispersant to make a uniform color paste, and then slowly add it to the latex.
o The color paste ratio is generally 2%-5% of the latex, which can be adjusted appropriately according to the design requirements of the matte balloon.
Color stability test: Ensure that the color is evenly distributed in the latex and does not precipitate through stirring and static tests.
4. Adjust flexibility and strength
Plasticizer: To improve the elasticity of the latex, an appropriate amount of plasticizer (such as phthalate plasticizer) can be added.
o The addition amount is generally 1%-2% of the total amount of latex to ensure that the matte effect is not affected.
Vulcanizer: Add sulfur or other vulcanization accelerators to ensure that the balloon has good durability and elasticity after molding.
o It is recommended to use ZDBC (zinc dibutyl dithiocarbamate) or ZMBT (zinc-2-mercaptobenzothiazole) vulcanization accelerators.
5. Adding stabilizers
Antioxidants: Prevent latex from aging (such as BHT or phenolic antioxidants), the addition amount is generally 0.1%-0.5%.
Antifreeze: Add a small amount of glycerol or ethylene glycol under low temperature storage conditions to prevent latex from freezing.
6. Mixing and stirring of latex solution
Use a low-speed mixer (to avoid bubbles) to ensure that all ingredients are fully mixed.
The stirring temperature is recommended to be controlled at 20°C-30°C to maintain the fluidity and dispersibility of the latex.
7. Filtration and standing
Filtration: Filter the latex solution through an 80-120 mesh filter to remove impurities and undissolved particles.
Standing: Let the latex solution stay in a static state for 12-24 hours to ensure that bubbles are discharged and stabilize the viscosity and dispersibility of the latex.
8. Latex performance testing
Viscosity test: Ensure that the latex viscosity is moderate (usually between 500-2000cP, depending on product requirements).
Gloss test: Use a gloss meter to detect the surface reflectivity. The surface reflectivity of matte latex is usually less than 30GU (gloss unit).
Elasticity test: Detect the elongation and burst strength to ensure the balance between strength and flexibility of matte balloons.
9. Batch adjustment and standardization
After the small test is successful, according to the formula scale-up ratio, pilot and mass production adjustments are carried out to ensure consistency.
Regularly record production parameters (such as temperature, time, addition order) to provide reference for future production.
Process difficulties and solutions
1. Matting agent is easy to precipitate: Select matting additives with good dispersibility, and use stirring and dispersing agents at the same time.
2. Uneven color: Extend the stirring time and appropriately increase the amount of dispersant.
3. Decreased elasticity: Add plasticizer or adjust the proportion of vulcanizer to avoid latex being too hard.
By scientifically adjusting the latex formula and production process, it can ensure that matte balloons achieve the best balance between visual effects, quality and performance.
Shelf life of matte balloons
The shelf life of matte balloons mainly depends on the following factors:
Latex quality: high-quality natural latex balloons can usually be stored for 1-2 years, and the shelf life of matte balloons is slightly shorter, about 6 months to 1 year.
Matt treatment: The addition of matte agent may reduce the elasticity and stability of latex, thereby slightly shortening the shelf life.
Storage environment: Storage conditions have a significant impact on the life of balloons, and proper storage methods can extend their shelf life.
The correct way to store matte balloons
Avoid direct sunlight
1. Reason: Ultraviolet rays will accelerate the aging and decomposition of latex, making balloons brittle and losing elasticity.
2. Measures: Store in a cool and dry environment, avoid direct sunlight.
Control temperature and humidity
1. Temperature: The ideal storage temperature is 10°C-25°C, avoid high temperature (over 30°C) and low temperature (below 0°C).
2. Humidity: The relative humidity is maintained at 50%-60%. Excessive humidity will cause latex to absorb moisture and deteriorate.
Avoid too much contact with air
1. Reason: Latex exposed to air will react with oxygen and moisture, leading to oxidation and aging.
2. Measures: Store balloons in sealed bags or sealed containers to prevent air and moisture from invading.
Prevent contact with oily substances
1. Reason: Latex is sensitive to oil and fat, and it is easy to soften or even dissolve after contact.
2. Measures: Keep away from oily substances such as lubricants, cosmetics, and detergents when storing.
Use desiccant
1. Function: Add silica gel desiccant or activated carbon bag to the storage container to absorb moisture and extend the life of the balloon.
Avoid contact with metal
1. Reason: Metal may accelerate the oxidation of latex, especially metals such as copper and iron.
2. Measures: Avoid direct contact between balloons and metal products during storage.
Store in batches
1. Reason: Balloons are usually produced in batches, and the storage status of each batch may be different.
2. Measures: Store in batches according to the production date, and give priority to balloons produced earlier.
Avoid excessive squeezing
1. Reason: Excessive squeezing will cause balloons to deform and stick together, affecting the use effect.
2. Measures: Keep proper space during storage to avoid stacking balloons too much.
Common Problems and Solutions for Preserving Matte Balloons
| Problems | Causes | Solutions |
| The balloon surface becomes sticky | The ambient humidity is too high, latex absorbs moisture | Use desiccant to reduce the humidity of the storage environment |
| The balloon surface fades | Light or high temperature causes pigment decomposition | Store in a dark, low-temperature environment |
| The balloon becomes brittle or loses elasticity | Aging or oxidation | Store in a sealed state and add antioxidants |
| The gloss of the balloon surface changes (matte effect weakens) | The latex surface reacts with air or environmental pollution | Ensure that the storage is sealed to avoid excessive contact with air |
The shelf life of matte balloons is generally 6-12 months. By controlling temperature and humidity, avoiding direct sunlight and air contact, and taking measures such as sealed storage, the service life of matte balloons can be extended to ensure that their color and matte texture remain in the best condition.
If a large number of matte balloons are wholesaled in bulk and cannot be sold out for a while, the correct storage method is crucial to effectively extend the shelf life of the balloons and maintain their quality. The following are specific storage methods:
1. Classification and storage
Classification by batch: Store separately according to production date or batch label, and give priority to selling balloons produced earlier (first in, first out principle).
Color and material classification: Avoid mixing balloons of different colors to prevent color transfer or dyeing problems.
2. Storage environment
Temperature
The ideal temperature is 10°C-25°C.
Avoid exposure to high temperature environments (such as summer warehouses or places near heat sources) or cold environments (below 0°C may cause latex to harden).
Humidity
Maintain relative humidity at 50%-60%.
Too high humidity can cause the latex surface to absorb moisture and become sticky, while too low humidity may make the latex brittle.
Store away from light
Store balloons away from light and avoid direct sunlight.
Use UV-proof light-shielding bags or opaque plastic boxes for storage.
3. Use sealed containers
Sealed storage: Store balloons in sealed bags, vacuum bags or sealed plastic barrels to reduce contact with air.
Vacuum storage (optional): If conditions permit, use a vacuum packaging machine to seal the balloons to reduce the impact of oxygen on latex.
4. Add moisture-proof desiccant
Place an appropriate amount of silica gel desiccant or activated carbon bag in the storage container to absorb moisture and prevent the balloon from becoming sticky.
Replace the desiccant regularly, especially in seasons with heavy humidity.
5. Avoid contact with harmful substances
Keep away from grease: Avoid contact with oily substances such as lubricants, cosmetics, perfumes, and detergents.
Avoid contact with metals: especially metals such as copper and iron, which may catalyze latex oxidation.
6. Stacking method
Avoid over-stacking: Over-stacking may cause the bottom balloons to deform or stick together.
Use shelves: Place balloons on shelves to avoid direct contact with the ground and keep appropriate spacing for ventilation.
7. Regular inspection
Check for deterioration: Regularly check whether the balloons are sticky, faded, cracked or brittle.
Turn the inventory: Regularly turn the inventory to ensure that the lower balloons are not squeezed for a long time.
8. Sales strategy
If the stored balloons are about to exceed the best shelf life, the following measures can be taken to speed up sales:
Discount promotion: Attract customers to quickly clear inventory.
Bundle sales: Sell with other popular products.
Bulk sales discount: Offer large wholesale discounts.
9. Warehouse management precautions
Maintain ventilation: Warehouses need to be ventilated regularly to avoid moisture.
Regular maintenance: Ensure that the storage space is free of rodents or insects to prevent balloons from being bitten or contaminated.
Summary
The key to properly storing matte balloons is to control temperature, humidity and light, store them in a sealed manner and check the inventory status regularly. If they cannot be sold out in a short period of time, flexible sales strategies can be used to clear out the inventory as quickly as possible to avoid losses due to balloons exceeding their shelf life.