Cure mechanism and morphology of polymer blends

This research is proposing a novel approach to decrease EPDM and EPM absorption of hydrocarbon solvents and oils by creating polymer blends with a low molecular weight polymeric material – a cyclic oligosulfide containing at least one tetrasulfide group in the molecule. The focus of this paper is on a proposed mechanism of crosslinking facilitated by both organic peroxide and sulfur; sulfur is generated in-situ by the cyclic tetrasulfide. An important role is played by ZnO in elucidating the mechanism of crosslinking. ZnO surface chemistry influence on sulfur crosslink process is studied by various microscopy techniques coupled with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy.