S-N Compounds as Delayed Action Chemicals in Vulcanization

Abstract

Abstract Since the discovery by Goodyear in 1839 that the physical properties of rubber may be improved with sulfur, it has been the most commonly used crosslinking agent. The rubber industry is concerned with the production of homogeneous products with appropriate physical properties, by compounding rubber with ingredients, including crosslinking agents, followed by processing, molding, and introduction of chemical bonds. Economically, it is advantageous to apply high temperature which reduces processing and curing time. However, application of high temperatures frequently causes premature cure. Compounding adjustments are often required in the plants to prevent scorch, especially by the use of compounds with S—N bonds as accelerators, vulcanizing agents, and also as prevulcanization inhibitors or retarders which delay the crosslinking reaction of sulfur and rubber. There are several reviews relating to accelerators, retarders, and vulcanization, which discuss S—N compounds as delayed action curing agents. This review covers the development of S—N compounds as delayed action chemicals for vulcanizing rubber, the various structural types, properties, applications, and the mechanism of their function during vulcanization.