Various ways to reduce zinc oxide levels in S-SBR rubber compounds

G. Heideman, Jacobus W.M. Noordermeer, Rabin Datta, Ben van Baarle

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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 languageUndefined
Pages (from-to)657-667
Number of pages11
JournalMacromolecular symposia
Volume245-246
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007

Keywords

  • metal-oxides
  • zinc oxide
  • zinc-complexes
  • METIS-246535
  • Activation
  • Zn-clay
  • sulphur-vulcanisation
  • IR-72060

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