The Influence of Carbon Black on the Reversion Process in Sulfur-Accelerated Vulcanization of Natural Rubber

Abstract

Abstract The effect of carbon black upon the reversion process in the sulfur-accelerated vulcanization of natural rubber has been studied. It is found that black-filled cure systems have a faster rate of vulcanization and better reversion resistance. The net decrease of trans-methine content, which is equivalent to the improvement of reversion resistance, is found to be at most 15%, with the initial 10 pphr loading yielding the greatest effect. However, those decreases of trans-methine content are small when compared with the substantial effects of these fillers on the physical-mechanical properties of the vulcanizate, which is a linear function of black loading. In general, the smaller the black particle size, the greater the improvement of the reversion resistance, but particle size alone is not the only factor affecting reversion. A universal curve is obtained for correlating the amount of reversion and trans-methine content, which is independent of any natural rubber-based curing system, operating conditions and type of fillers.