Over multiple rounds of technological advancement, tire vulcanization machine insulation materials have evolved from traditional asbestos and silicate-based materials to high-performance composite structural materials. Early insulation materials were constrained by relatively high thermal conductivity (approximately 0.2–0.5 W/(m·K)), which led to significant thermal degradation under high-temperature operating conditions, resulting in mold temperature fluctuations exceeding ±5°C and compromising the uniformity of tire vulcanization. With advances in materials science, composite insulation panels centered on polyimide (PI) have emerged as the mainstream solution for the new generation.

　　Polyimide composite panels leverage the synergistic effect of nanoscale aerogels and high-temperature-resistant fibers to create a three-dimensional thermal resistance network, achieving a room-temperature thermal conductivity as low as below 0.025 W/(m·K)—an 80% reduction compared with conventional materials. Under continuous operating conditions at 200°C, this material can reduce the surface temperature of the heating plate by up to 30%. Combined with a honeycomb support structure, its compressive strength exceeds 50 MPa, while directional thermal reflection technology further minimizes radiative heat loss. Field test data from a tire manufacturer show that, after adopting polyimide composite insulation panels, a single production line achieves annual energy savings of more than 120,000 kWh, and the cycle for mold precision degradation is extended by a factor of 2 to 3.

　　Technological iteration is also evident in the optimization of material compatibility. A new type of composite panel, featuring a plasma-sprayed ceramic coating, can withstand instantaneous high-temperature shocks up to 600°C; its surface anti-adhesion treatment minimizes the adhesion of rubber residues; and its modular design reduces maintenance time by 50%. Moreover, its coefficient of thermal expansion matches that of the equipment’s primary structural materials within ±0.5×10⁻⁶/°C, thereby ensuring structural stability under complex operating conditions. As the demand for green manufacturing continues to rise, polyimide-based composite materials—combining high-efficiency thermal insulation with environmentally friendly properties—are driving the tire industry toward lower energy consumption and higher precision.