Peroxide vulcanization of natural rubber. Part II: effect of peroxides and co-agents

Abstract

Abstract Four types of peroxides in combination with two types of co-agents were used as cross-linking agents for the preparation of rubber compounds based on natural rubber. The effects of Type I and Type II co-agents on cross-linking and physical-mechanical properties of vulcanizates were investigated. The correlation between mechanisms of the interaction of co-agents with the rubber matrix in relation to the characteristics of tested systems was discussed. The results showed that the Type I co-agent influenced the rate and the state of cure. Physical-mechanical properties were improved by addition of the Type I co-agent. By contrast, the Type II co-agent had no contribution to the rate and state of cure. Moreover, physical-mechanical properties of vulcanizates deteriorated in the presence of this type of co-agent.