| Abstract: | 2-(4-Morpholinothio)benzothiazole (MOR) and 2-(4-morpholinodithio)-benzothiazole (MDB) were reacted, in combination with sulfur and ZnO, in the presence of polyisoprene (IR). Samples were heated in a DSC at 2.5°C/min and characterized by swelling experiments. The products formed at various temperatures were analyzed by HPLC. Crosslinking only occurred once all the benzothiazole sulfenamide had been consumed, the onset of vulcanization characterized by a considerable increase in 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) concentration. Crosslinking occurred earlier in all corresponding MDB formulations. Higher crosslink densities were recorded with addition of ZnO. The delayed action experienced in MOR systems was attributed to an exchange reaction between benzothiazole-terminated pendent groups and MOR and not due to the stability of the disulfide, MDB. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 66: 1093–1099, 1997 |
