ROLE OF COAGENTS IN PEROXIDE VULCANIZATION OF NATURAL RUBBER

Abstract

ABSTRACT The drawbacks of peroxide vulcanization can largely be overcome by introducing suitable co-curing agents (coagents) in the formulation. The role of various coagents, such as zinc diacrylate (ZDA), trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA), and triallyl cyanurate (TAC) in the peroxide vulcanization of natural rubber (NR) was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Cross-link density was measured by the equilibrium–swelling technique. Cross-linking mechanism of peroxide in NR was interpreted by comparing the spectra of cured and uncured vulcanizates. The predominance of hydrogen abstraction over the radical addition was established (at 160 °C). Coagent ZDA produces ionic as well as covalent cross-links in the vulcanizate. Ionic cross-links have the ability to slip along the hydrocarbon chains and thus resemble polysulfidic cross-links. Hence, ZDA can be chosen for applications where good mechanical properties are required. Coagent TMPTMA produces covalent cross-links between polymer chains and is suitable for high-modulus applications. TAC, although it bridges through covalent cross-links, is not a suitable coagent for highly unsaturated rubbers like NR.