Investigations of the Reversion of Vulcanized Rubber under Heat

Abstract

Abstract (1) During reversion of a vulcanizate, the breakdown of cross-linkages, including those of polysulfides, predominates over any simultaneous reformation of cross-linkages. (2) The reverting modulus falls exponentially with time. (3) The calculated molar free energy of activation is 33.3 ± 1.7 kcal., irrespective of the temperature or the atmosphere of cure or the composition of the mix, and is sufficient to rupture an —S—S— bond. (4) The degree of cross-linking, estimated from the equilibrium swelling measurements in benzene, falls during reversion. (5) The exclusion of oxygen during curing does not prevent reversion if the temperature is high enough to supply the energy needed to break up the cross-linkages. (6) During reversion in nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide is freely evolved, and the C/H ratio rises above the value for C5H8. (7) Evidence for the formation and breakdown of polysulfides during reversion is provided by an increase in free sulfur and a decrease in combined sulfur during a given cure, and the methyl iodide reaction of the reverted vulcanizates.