Influence of Mixed Sulfur and Peroxide Curing Systems on Cross‐Linking and Properties of Rubber Compounds Based on EPDM

Abstract

AbstractIn this work, sulfur vulcanization system, peroxide vulcanization system, and combined sulfur and peroxide curing systems are applied for cross‐linking of rubber compounds based on ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber. The goal is to investigate the influence of curing system composition on cross‐linking and properties of rubber formulations. The combination of both vulcanization systems in cross‐linking of rubbers combines the pattern of carbon–carbon linkages and sulfidic bridges, which gives the real presumption to modify physical–mechanical properties of final vulcanizates. The results reveal that the combination of vulcanization systems affects the curing characteristics, cross‐link density as well as physical–mechanical properties of tested materials. In comparison with vulcanizates cured only with sulfur or peroxide system, rubber compounds cross‐linked with mixed sulfur and peroxide curing systems exhibite higher tensile strength and elongation at break.