Abstract
Because of environmental concerns, the zinc content in rubber compounds has come under scrutiny. The research described in this article encompasses zinc-oxide, various zinc-complexes and alternative metal oxides as activators for sulphur vulcanisation. Regarding zinc complexes, it can be concluded that zinc- m-glycerolate is a good substitute for ZnO as activator for sulphur vulcanisation in s-SBR rubber, without detrimental effects on the cure characteristics. Of particular interest is also the positive effect of CaO and MgO in s-SBR, while BaO, Cu(II)O and BeO hardly show any activation. The present article also reports on the application of a novel activator for sulphur vulcanisation: ZnClay. Results with s-SBR rubber demonstrate, that this ZnClay can substitute conventional ZnO, retaining the curing and physical properties of the rubber products, while significantly reducing the environmental impact. A reduction of the zinc concentration with a factor 10 to 20 can be realised. Model Compound Vulcanisation studies are used to gain insight into the mechanism of this activator.
Original language | Undefined |
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Pages (from-to) | 657-667 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Macromolecular symposia |
Volume | 245-246 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2007 |
Keywords
- metal-oxides
- zinc oxide
- zinc-complexes
- METIS-246535
- Activation
- Zn-clay
- sulphur-vulcanisation
- IR-72060