Influence of dicumyl peroxide and Type I and II co-agents on cross-linking and physical–mechanical properties of rubber compounds based on NBR

Abstract

The aim of the work was the investigation of the effect of dicumyl peroxide and different types of co-agents on cross-linking and physical–mechanical properties of vulcanisates based on acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber. First, dicumyl peroxide was applied for cross-linking at different curing temperatures. Based on the achieved results, the optimum temperature and peroxide concentration was chosen for the next experiments, in which organic peroxide was combined with various Type I and Type II co-agents. The results revealed that Type I co-agents take active part in vulcanisation process as they contribute to the increase in cross-link density of vulcanisates. This was reflected in the increase in modulus and hardness and the decrease in elongation at break of vulcanisates. The tensile strength was also improved by the application of Type I co-agents. On the other hand, the decrease in cross-link density and deterioration of physical–mechanical properties was recorded by application of Type II co-agents.