Abstract

This paper discusses the process of designing SRM102, a new safe and effective accelerator for polychloroprene rubber (CR). To assist in the design of SRM102, the mechanism by which ethylene thiourea (ETU) cross-links polychloroprene alone and in combination with zinc oxide (ZnO) was preliminarily undertaken. Using both spectroscopic and physical characterisation techniques, the cross-linking mechanisms of CR using model compounds which contained functional groups similar to those on the ETU scaffold, along with other standard rubber accelerators was also investigated. These investigations led to the proposal of a new potential mechanism by which ETU and ZnO can cross-link polychloroprene. This new mechanism has enabled the new safe multi-functional accelerator SRM102 to be designed and synthesised. Physical characterisation tests carried out on vulcanisates cured using SRM102 and compared to an ETU-containing CR formulation show that SRM102 is an effective new accelerator for CR.

Keith Berry, Robinson Brothers Ltd, UK
Khirud Chakraborty, Robinson Brothers Ltd, UK
Max Liu, Robinson Brothers Ltd, UK
Paul D. Topham, Aston University, UK