The Role of Free Radicals in Low Temperature Vulcanization of Butadiene Rubber

Abstract

1. Elementary sulfur, liberated in the nascent state at room temperature in the reactions of MBTS with H2S, of benzoyl peroxide with H2S and SO2 with H2S, does not bring about vulcanization of butadiene rubber. In the case of the system MBTS/H2S we observe combination of sulfur in amounts 1.2 to 1.6% to a small portion of the rubber, which does not lead to structurization. The main part of the rubber (about 90% by weight) does not, according to spectroscopic analysis, alter. The combination of sulfur with rubber observed in this case takes place, apparently, according to an ionic mechanism. 2. Low-temperature vulcanization (structurization) of rubber by the system MBTS/H2S becomes apparent with prior irradiation of solutions of rubber containing disulfide with diffuse or ultraviolet light. The rate of structurization depends upon the duration of irradiation and is governed by the interaction with the H2S of the polymeric rubber radicals which are formed as a result of the dehydrogenation of the rubber by the benzothiazolyl radicals which are formed in the photodissociation of the disulfide. 3. Structurization of rubber by the system benzoyl peroxide/hydrogen sulfide is observed in the presence of an amine, in particular PBNA, necessary for the formation of free benzoate radicals as a result of the reaction of the peroxide with the amine. The peroxide in the present case acts similarly to the benzothiazolyl radicals in the case of the system MBTS/H2S. 4. Peachey type low-temperature vulcanization (SO2/H2S) proceeds in the presence of the peroxides of the rubber itself. Prior heating of the solutions of rubber upsets structurization. 5. In the vulcanization of rubber by the systems MBTS/H2S and benzoyl peroxide/hydrogen sulfide we observe combination of sulfur with the rubber in amounts of 0.6 to 0.7% and a considerable loss of double bonds, reaching 60% for 1:4 type bonds and 75% for 1:2 type bonds. 6. Radical chain interaction schemes are put forward for the processes of low-temperature structurization (vulcanization) of rubber under the action of the systems MBTS/H2S, benzoyl peroxide/hydrogen sulfide and SO2/H2S. 7. The reaction of benzoyl peroxide with PBNA is studied. A new compound, O-benzoyl-N-phenyl-N-2-naphthylhydroxylamine, is obtained, which is a powerful inhibitor of rubber oxidation.