Cross-Linking in Natural-Rubber Vulcanizates

Abstract

Abstract Recently, a method for measuring the average number of cross-links per chain of vulcanized polymer has been developed. It is possible to calculate the degree of cross-linking of the vulcanizate from its amount of swelling in a solvent such as benzene. This method was used by Flory to study the effect of primary molecular weight on the cross-linking of Butyl vulcanizates. An evaluation of the general validity of the method was ascertained by using quantitative cross-linking agents (diazodicarboxylates) to prepare vulcanizates of natural rubber and GR-S. Bardwell and Winkler have also used this technique to study the relationship between the degree of cross-linking and the force of retraction at 300 per cent elongation of GR-S latex vulcanized with potassium persulfate. The formation of cross-linking during the vulcanization by sulfur of several polymers has also been investigated. Gee has compared the formation of cross-linking in natural rubber vulcanizates with the amount of combined sulfur. Carbon-to-carbon cross-links were believed to be formed in a nonsulfur tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD) cure. A similar study of Butyl rubber vulcanizates, cured with sulfur-TMTD, indicates that disulfide cross-links are formed. Scott and Magat have estimated that eight sulfur atoms are associated with each cross-link in Russian SK (sodium polybutadiene). This investigation was undertaken to extend Gee's study on the correlation of the cross-linking of natural-rubber vulcanizates with the amount of combined sulfur.