Vulcanisation is a process of transforming a plastic rubber compound into a highly elastic product by forming a three-dimensional cross-linked network structure in the rubber matrix. Many systems have been developed to vulcanise rubber compounds, among which sulphur and peroxide curing systems remain the most desirable. The application of sulphur systems leads to the forming of sulphidic cross-links between elastomer chains, while carbon–carbon bonds are formed in peroxide-curing. Both vulcanisation systems provide certain benefits to the cross-linked rubber articles, but also some disadvantages. The present work seeks to provide an overview on both vulcanisation systems; their composition, possibilities of their application, reaction mechanisms, structure of the cross-links formed and the main feature of the final cross-linked materials – vulcanisates.
Vulcanization or curing is one of the most important processes in rubber technologies. During this process, plastic rubber compounds by parallel and subsequent physical and mainly chemical reactions change into highly elastic products—vulcanizates. The fundamental goal of curing is forming chemical cross-links between rubber macromolecules, which leads to the formation of a three-dimensional network or rubber matrix. A number of curing systems have been introduced in cross-linking of elastomers; each system has its own characteristics and composition; therefore, vulcanizates with different properties also can be prepared. We characterize organic peroxides as curing agents and their decomposition mechanisms and characteristics and bring a detailed view to understanding mechanisms between peroxides and different types of rubber matrices. Then, we focus on the classification and characterization of co-agents used in peroxide cross-linking and explain the mutual interactions and reaction mechanisms between peroxide, co-agents, and rubber matrices in relation to the properties of prepared materials. Finally, the drawbacks and the main features of final cross-linked materials are outlined.
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AbstractFour different peroxides as curing agents were used to prepare vulcanizates based on natural rubber (NR). The effects of temperature and peroxide concentration on the vulcanization characteristics of rubber compounds, cross-link density (ν) and physical-mechanical properties of equivalent vulcanizates were investigated. The results revealed that the vulcanization temperature and also the relative amount of peroxide decomposition products are of significant importance in the properties of vulcanizates. Lower vulcanization temperature and lower concentration of peroxides were found to be better factors, showing a proper balance between the degree of cross-linking of the rubber and degradation of the macromolecular chains by side reactions in relation to the crystallization of NR, which imparts vulcanizates based on NR outstanding properties.
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