Kinetics of Peroxide Vulcanization of Natural Rubber

Abstract

This study was undertaken to optimize the vulcanization conditions and explore the effect of residual peroxide in the peroxide vulcanization of natural rubber. The study was followed through the kinetics of the vulcanization reaction at various temperatures viz. 150,155,160 and 165°C. Dicumyl peroxide (DCP) was used as the crosslinking agent. The Monsanto Rheometer was used to investigate the different crosslinking stages and vulcanization kinetics. The thermal decomposition of peroxide followed a first order free radical decomposition reaction. Half-lives at various temperatures were determined. The percentage of residual peroxide was calculated from the cure kinetic data. The effect of residual peroxide on mechanical properties was studied at various peroxide levels and also by extending the cure time (from t₉₀ to t₉₅ and then to t₁₀₀). Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation at break, modulus and compression set (70 and 100°C) were measured. Excess peroxide was found to cause a high compression set at elevated temperature and the cure time was selected to achieve minimum residual peroxide in the product. Results indicate that peroxide concentration is the dominant factor controlling the crosslink density and hence the properties of the vulcanizates.