Vulcanization with TMTD

Abstract

Abstract The mechanism reviewed in some detail here appears adequate to explain substantially all that is now known about vulcanization with TMTD. It has predicted accurately the stoichiometric relationships between the reagents entering into the vulcanization reaction and the known products formed. It presumes that vulcanization is a primary consequence of the interaction of rubber, TMTD, and zinc oxide and not an incidental result. It is not, however, fully established by the evidence now available. In particular the studies by Scheele and coworkers (as exemplified by Reference 33). on the reaction of zinc oxide with thiuram disulfides suggest the interesting possibility that primary attack during vulcanization is on the oxide rather than the hydrocarbon, as assumed in this discussion. There is at present no experimental basis on which to eliminate either of these two alternatives. The success of the mechanism reviewed here in delimiting stoichiometry of the reaction makes it a convenient framework from which to develop a complete understanding of the reaction.