A comparison of the tetramethylthiuram disulphide accelerated sulfur vulcanization of polybutadiene and polyisoprene

A detailed study of the vulcanization of polybutadiene with various combinations of sulphur, tetramethylthiuram disuphide, ZnO, stearic acid, and zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate is reported. Vulcanization was conducted by heating samples at 2.5°C/min in a differential scanning calorimeter. The reaction was stopped at various points along the vulcanization exotherm, the soluble reaction products and residual curatives were extracted and analyzed, and the crosslink density and percentage polysulphidic crosslinks were determined. The overall reaction mechanism was found to be similar to that for polyisoprene, but the reaction, once initiated, was faster than in polyisoprene, the crosslink density was higher, and the percentage polysulphidic crosslinks was lower. These differences are discussed. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Sulfur vulcanization of natural rubber accelerated with 2-mercaptobenzothiazole plus tetramethylthiuram disulfide

The sulfur vulcanization of NR by a MBT-TMTD mixed accelerator system both in the presence and absence of ZnO and stearic acid with or without DCP has been studied. The rate of decomposition of DCP in the presence of both MBT and TMTD is quite similar to that in the MBT system alone. The reduction in crosslinking due to DCP is dependent mainly on MBT. The decomposition product of TMTD may contribute to it only at the later stage of vulcanization. Though TMTD has no influence on the decomposition rate, it reacts with MBT at least in the initial stage of vulcanization and suppresses the retardation caused by MBT on DCP vulcanization in accordance with the free sulfur decrease, the nature of crosslinking formation both in the presence and absence of DCP, and the methyl iodide treatment of the vulcanizates. The vulcanization process of the MBT-TMTD-S-NR system has been interpreted in terms of both free radical and polar mechanisms. The domination of either of these depends on the dominant amount of either MBT or TMTD in the acclerator ratio. According to the initial high rate of crosslink formation, free sulfur decrease and also the initial additiveness of crosslinking in stocks containing DCP, the vulcanization process of MBT-TMTD-ZnO-St. acid-S-NR system has been explained in terms of an ionic mechanism. The pronounced synergistic nature of such systems has been interpreted by the enhanced activation of MBT-S-ZnO-St. acid complex due to the dithiodicarbamate ion formed in the initial stages of vulcanization, and also by the activation of TMTD accelerated vulcanization due to the mercaptobenzothiazylion.     

The chemistry of sulfur curing. Part II. Kinetics of vulcanization of an EPDM elastomer accelerated by tetramethylthiuram monosulfide and disulfide

The induction periods and maximum cure rates of an EPDM gum rubber were determined by using the Monsanto oscillating disk rheometer and correlated against the initial concentrations of curing ingredients. Sulfur curing systems accelerated by TMTM and TMTD were used. The maximum cure rates of the TMTM-accelerated and the TMTD-accelerated EPDM terpolymer compounds differed significantly only at low sulfur concentrations where the TMTM-accelerated compounds had slower maximum cure rates. Above approximately the 1% concentration level, TMTM and TMTD were found increasingly to retard the maximum cure rates of the EPDM terpolymer compounds as the initial concentrations of the thiuram accelerators were increased. The maximum cure rates of the TMTM-and TMTD-accelerated terpolymer compounds were found to be variable order in initial accelerator concentration, second-order in initial cure site concentration, approximately half-order in initial sulfur concentration above 0.3% sulfur, and of a positive variable order in initial zinc oxide concentration.     

Effect of high-abrasion furnace carbon black on the course of thiuram-accelerated sulfur vulcanization

The effect of high-abrasion furnace (HAF) carbon black on the course of the tetra-methylthiuram disulfide-accelerated sulfur vulcanization of natural rubber has been investigated at temperatures from 100°C to 140°C. Continuous measurements in a Vuremo curemeter were used to estimate the extent of crosslinking, which was plotted against cure time. Results now available show (1) HAF carbon black does not alter the mechanism of the thiuram-accelerated sulfur cure; it also has no qualitative effect on the kinetics of the vulcanization reactions involved. (2) Quantitatively speaking, essential differences take place. The rate constants of vulcanization rise considerably when HAF carbon black is used; there is a dependence on the HAF carbon black content of the rubber compound. Yet the activation energies of vulcanizations are practically the same as in carbon black-free mixture, amounting to about 31 kcal/mole. (3) Measurements of the course of vulcanizations prove the reinforcing effect of HAF carbon black.     

Studies on the effect of thiuram disulfide on NR vulcanization accelerated by thiazole-based accelerator systems

Thiuram disulfides form synergistic combinations with thiazole and thiazole-based accelerators, namely, N-cyclohexy-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (CBS), 2-mercaptobenzothiazole(MBT), and 2-mercaptobenzothiazyl disulfide (MBTS). Unfortunately, widely used thiuram disulfides (TD) generate carcinogenic N-nitrosoamine. It is reported that the nitrosamines from N-methylpiperazine and dibenzylamine are free from this menace. So, some investigations were carried out with the binary combinations of each of bis(N-methylpiperazino)thiuram disulfide (MPTD), tetrabenzylthiuram disulnde (TBzTD), and tetramethyl-thiuram disulfide (TMTD) separately with CBS, MBT, and MBTS. It was observed that all the TD are activated by the CBS, MBT, or MBTS in the combinations studied. The intensity of activation is manifested in the enhancement of torque, modulus, tensile strength, cure rate, hardness, and decrease of elongation at break values and is very much dependent upon the ratio of the accelerators used. Considering the torque, modulus, tensile strength, and the elongation at break values, it apears that MPTD and TBzTD are capable of competing with the hitherto unbeaten TMTD as suitable accelerators for the vulcanization of rubber. Some investigations in respect to heat- and age-resistance behavior have also been carried out and the observed differences in the activities of various binary combinations have been explained through a mechanism. The results obtained with filled vulcanizates indicate that the binary systems comprising TD and MBTS provide fruitful results of which the TBzTD–MBTS combination seems to give the best cure and physical data for practical vulcanizates. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

A comparison of tetraethylthiuram and tetramethylthiuram disulfide vulcanization. II. Reactions in rubber

The reactions of tetraethylthiuram disulfide (TETD) with polyisoprene were investigated under vulcanization conditions. Samples of polyisoprene compounded with various combinations of TETD, sulfur, and ZnO were heated in a differential scanning calorimeter to various degrees of vulcanization. The crosslink density of the compounds was determined by swelling, and the extractable residual curatives and reaction products were analyzed with high‐performance liquid chromatography. TETD caused crosslinking to occur in the absence of added sulfur, as did tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD), both sulfur donors. In the presence of sulfur, the formation of TETD polysulfides occurred immediately before the crosslinking reaction started. The TETD polysulfides were the initial crosslinking agents. The ready reaction between TETD and zinc oxide to form zinc diethyldithiocarbamic acid resulted in considerably higher crosslink densities. This greater reactivity between TETD and zinc oxide, compared with that between TMTD and zinc oxide, did not lead to any noticeable differences in the vulcanizate. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 1119–1127, 2002     

Studies on novel binary accelerator system in sulfur vulcanization of natural rubber

The synergistic activity of binary accelerator systems in rubber vulcanization is well known. Thiourea and its derivatives are important secondary accelerators in this context. It is suggested that thiourea containing binary systems of rubber vulcanization proceed by a nucleophilic reaction mechanism. Amidinothioureas (ATUs), which are derivatives of thiourea, have been investigated extensively as secondary accelerators. One of the aims of this study was to get further proof with regard to the theory of the nucleophilic reaction mechanism in such binary systems. In the present study phenyl substituted ATU was used as a secondary accelerator along with mercaptobenzothizyl disulfide, tetramethyl thiuram disulfide, or cyclohexyl benzthiazyl sulfenamide in the sulfur vulcanization of natural rubber. The results showed an appreciable reduction in the cure time for the mixes containing the ATU compared to the reference mixes. These results are indicative of a nucleophilic reaction mechanism in the vulcanization reaction under review. These vulcanizates also showed comparatively better tensile properties and good retention of these properties after aging. The optimum dosages of the secondary accelerator required for these vulcanization reactions were also derived. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 79: 1–8, 2001     

Studies on novel binary accelerator system in sulfur vulcanization of natural rubber

The synergistic activity of binary accelerator systems in rubber vulcanization is well known. Binary accelerator systems are being widely used in industry and are becoming increasingly popular because of the fact that such mixed systems can effectively prevent prevulcanization, permit the vulcanization to be carried out at a lower temperature in a shorter time, and produce a vulcanizate with superior mechanical properties compared to those of a stock cured with a single accelerator. Thiourea and its derivatives are important secondary accelerators in this context. It is suggested that thiourea containing binary accelerator systems cause rubber vulcanization to proceed by a nucleophilic reaction mechanism. In the present study 1‐phenyl‐5‐ortho, ‐meta, and ‐para‐tolyl derivatives of 2,4‐dithiobiurets, which are more nucleophilic than thiourea and vary in their nucleophilic reactivity, are used as secondary accelerators along with 2‐morpholinothiobenzothiazole in the vulcanization of natural rubber. The results show an appreciable reduction in the cure time for the mixes containing the dithiobiurets compared to the reference mix. These results are indicative of a nucleophilic reaction mechanism in the vulcanization reaction under consideration. These vulcanizates also demonstrate comparatively better tensile properties and good retention of these properties after aging. An attempt is also made to correlate the variation in physical properties to chemical crosslink formation in the various vulcanizates. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 3173–3182, 2003     

Tetramethylthiuram disulfide and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole as binary accelerators in sulfur vulcanization. III. Vulcanization of polyisoprene in the absence of ZnO

Polyisoprene was vulcanized with the binary accelerator system tetramethylthiuram disulfide–2-mercaptobenzothiazole (TMTD–MBT) in the absence of ZnO. Samples were heated in a DSC at a programmed rate, the reaction was stopped at points along the thermal curve, and the system was analyzed. Extractable curatives and reaction intermediates were analyzed by HPLC and the crosslink density of samples measured by swelling. Two cross-linking reaction sequences were identified, the first being initiated by polysulfides of the mixed accelerator N,N-dimethyldithiocarbamylbenzothiazole disulfide, and the second by MBT. All the TMTD is consumed in the first reaction sequence. Synergism of the reaction is discussed in terms of recent work detailing a reaction mechanism for TMTD-accelerated vulcanization. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Tetramethylthiuram disulfide and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole as binary accelerators in sulfur vulcanization. IV. Vulcanization of polyisoprene in the presence of ZnO

Polyisoprene was vulcanized with binary accelerator systems comprising mixtures of the zinc salts of tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD) and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT). Samples were heated in a DSC at a programmed rate, the reaction was stopped at points along the thermal curve, and the system was analyzed. Extractable curatives and reaction intermediates were analyzed by HPLC and the crosslink density of samples measured by swelling. DSC curves for the different systems displayed similar characteristics and their similarity to the curve obtained with the zinc salt of TMTD rather than to the curve obtained with the zinc salt of MBT suggested that the reaction was dominated by the former accelerator. This conclusion was supported by HPLC analyses of extractable curatives. A reaction mechanism for the binary system is discussed. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

A new secondary accelerator for the sulfur vulcanization of natural rubber latex and its effect on the rheological properties

The vulcanization of natural rubber (NR) latex can be effectively carried out at low temperatures by using binary accelerator systems containing thiourea (TU) as a secondary accelerator. It was reported that sulfur‐containing nucleophiles such as thiourea enable the primary accelerator to become effective even at low temperatures, indicating a nucleophilic reaction mechanism in such vulcanization reactions. In the present study, a derivative of thiourea [viz. aminoiminomethyl thiourea (AMT)], which is more nucleophilic than thiourea, is used as a secondary accelerator in the sulfur vulcanization of NR latex. One of the aims of this study was to give conclusive evidence for a nucleophilic reaction mechanism. The synergistic effect of the above thiourea derivative with primary accelerators such as tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD), zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDC), and cyclohexylbenzthiazyl sulfenamide (CBS) was studied at two different temperatures (viz. 100 and 120°C). These binary systems were found to be very effective in reducing the optimum cure time of the different mixes compared to control formulations containing TU. The optimum amount of the secondary accelerator required was also determined. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength and tear strength of the vulcanizates were also evaluated. Chemical characterization of the vulcanizates was carried out by determining the total crosslink density. Values of the cure characteristics evaluated support a nucleophilic reaction mechanism in these vulcanization reactions under review. The effect of this secondary accelerator on the rheological behavior of compounded latex is also studied and was found not to affect adversely. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 2781–2789, 2004     

Sulfur vulcanization of polyisoprene accelerated by benzothiazole derivatives. IV. The reaction of polyisoprene with N-cyclohexylbenzothiazole sulfenamide,sulfur, and zinc oxide

Polyisoprene was vulcanized with N-cyclohexylbenzothiazole sulfenamide (CBS), sulfur, and zinc oxide by heating in a Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) at a programmed rate to given temperatures. The reaction was quenched and the product analyzed. Soluble curatives and reaction intermediates were analyzed by high-performance liquid chomatography (HPLC) and the crosslink density of the network determined by swelling. The delayed action of the CBS accelerator is explained in terms of an exchange reaction between benzothiazole terminated polysulfidic pendent groups on the polymer chain and CBS to yield unreactive amine terminated pendent groups and 2-bisbenzothiazole-2,2′-disulfide (MBTS). MBTS reacts with sulfur to form 2-bisbenzothiazole-2,2′-polysulfides (MBTPs), which also form pendent groups. Crosslinking does not commence until all of the CBS has been consumed and pendent groups are no longer deactivated. 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) is released only on crosslinking. When MBT is present in the formulation at the outset of the reaction it traps cyclohexylamine released when CBS adds to the chain as a pendent group. The MBT-amine salt participates in a reaction that regenerates MBTS, which is, thus, not consumed in the vulcanization process. ZnO does not react with CBS, and its role in increasing the crosslink density is attributed to its promoting crosslinking reactions between pendent groups and neighboring chains rather than intramolecular reactions, which lead to cyclization. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

A new binary accelerator system for the sulfur vulcanization of natural rubber latex

Vulcanization of latex products are usually carried out at lower temperatures compared to dry rubber products. It has been suggested that, in latex vulcanization systems where thiourea is used as a secondary accelerator, it acts as a nucleophilic reagent facilitating the cleavage of the sulfur bonds in the primary accelerator like TMTD or CBS at lower temperature. But no conclusive proof is given to such a postulate. In the present study 1-phenyl-2,4-thiobiuret (DTB II) and 1,5-diphenyl-2,4-dithiobiuret (DTB III), which are more nucleophilic than thiourea and which vary in their nucleophilic reactivity, were studied as secondary accelerators along with tetramethyl thiuram disulphide (TMTD) and N-cyclohexylbenzothiazyl sulphenamide (CBS) in the vulcanization of natural rubber latex. These binary systems were found to be very effective in reducing the optimum vulcanization time. Also it was noted that 1-phenyl-2,4-dithiobiuret, which is more nucleophilic, is more reactive (as observed from the reduction in optimum cure time) as a secondary accelerator, indicating a nucleophilic reaction mechanism in the vulcanization reactions under review. The optimum dosages of the secondary accelerators required were derived. Physical properties like tensile strength, 300% modulus, and elongation at break of the latex vulcanizates were also studied. There is a definite advantage with respect to many of these properties for dithiobiuret systems compared to the systems containing TMTD alone or TMTD/thiourea. DTB III gives higher values in many of these physical properties than DTB II. Chemical characterization of the vulcanizates was also carried out to correlate the physical properties with the type of chemical crosslinks formed. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Comparison of tetraethyl‐ and tetramethylthiuram disulfide vulcanization. I. Reactions in the absence of rubber

The reactions of tetraethylthiuram di‐ and monosulfide (TETD and TETM, respectively) were investigated in the absence of rubber and compared with those reported previously for tetramethylthiuram compounds. The reactions of TETM, TETD, and zinc diethyldithiocarbamic acid with zinc oxide and sulfur were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, and the reaction products analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. TETM was shown to be more stable at vulcanization temperatures (±150°C), but also less reactive with sulfur than tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD). The reactions of TETD are very similar to those of TMTD, the TETD reacting slower than the TMTD to form analogous products. In the presence of zinc oxide, the formation of the zinc compound of TETD, zinc diethyldithiocarbamic acid, occurred readily. TMTD does not react readily with zinc oxide. The reaction of TETD with sulfur lead to the formation of polysulfidic accelerator species, although the concentrations formed in the absence of rubber were considerably less than that formed by the corresponding TMTD system. These differences in reactivity would affect the vulcanization reactions that take place in the rubber. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 2292–2299, 2001     

促进剂M-La的合成及对天然橡胶的硫化促进作用

采用沉淀法用对氨基苯甲酸、氢氧化钠和硝酸镧在乙醇环境下合成了促进剂对氨基苯甲酸镧(M-La),研究了其对天然橡胶硫化的促进作用。通过红外光谱分析、热分析和元素分析等确定所合成促进剂M-La的分子式为La(C_7 H_6 NO_2)_3·2 H_2O。硫化性能测试结果表明,随着促进剂M-La用量的增加,天然橡胶的硫化速率指数由139增加至227,焦烧时间逐渐延长而正硫化时间基本维持不变,硫化胶的加工安全性不断增强;硫化胶交联密度由最初的1.95×10~(-4) mol/g逐渐增大至2.41×10~(-4) mol/g。促进剂M-La对天然橡胶硫化的促进作用比较明显。     

一氧化碳耐硫变换催化剂提前升温硫化的应用

为节约一氧化碳耐硫变换催化剂硫化费用、缩短一氧化碳变换工段开车时间,贵州天福化工有限责任公司采用外购氢气和硫化剂——二硫化碳对一氧化碳耐硫变换催化剂进行硫化,达到了目的,节约了耐硫变换催化剂硫化费用,缩短了一氧化碳变换工段开车时间,为类似装置耐硫变换催化剂升温硫化提供借鉴和参考。     

Kinetics of sulfur vulcanization of 1,4‐cis‐polyisoprene by differential scanning calorimetry

The vulcanization of 1,4‐cis‐polyisoprene was studied by differential scanning calorimetry under isothermal and nonisothermal conditions. On the basis of thermal characteristics obtained, the kinetic parameters of crosslinking (the induction period, maximum rate, and effective energy of activation) were determined. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 754–757, 2007     

Sulfur vulcanization of polyisoprene accelerated by benzothiazole derivatives. III. The reaction of 2-bisbenzothiazole-2,2′-disulfide with sulfur and ZnO in polyisoprene

The sulfur vulcanization of polyisoprene accelerated by 2-bisbenzothiazole-2,2′-disulfide (MBTS) was investigated. Rubber compounds were heated in a DSC and removed at various temperatures along the DSC thermal curve. The rubber vulcanizate was analyzed for crosslink density and for residual reactants and extractable reaction products. MBTS reacts readily with sulfur, and the polysulfidic accelerator complexes react with the rubber chain to form pendent groups. Crosslinking results from hydrogen abstraction, by the benzothiazole pendent group, from a neighboring chain. 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole, a product of crosslinking, also acts as an accelerator in the later stages of the reaction. MBTS has been shown not to react with ZnO and the higher crosslink densities obtained when ZnO is present are attributed to ZnO aiding the abstraction of the benzothiazole pendent group to give zinc mercaptobenzothiazole. A mechanism for the MBTS acceleration of sulfur vulcanization is proposed. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.