RUBBER VULCANIZATION/CROSSLINKING REACTION

Vulcanization/crosslinking is a chemical process that converts linear rubber molecules into a three-dimensional network.

This structural change substantially alters mechanical properties and chemical stability, enabling a wide range of rubber applications.

There are three approaches to vulcanization/crosslinking:

1. Reactions involving curing or crosslinking agents

Sulfur, related substances, or organic crosslinkers such as resins and amine compounds

2. Reactions initiated by free-radical initiators

Peroxide crosslinking and radiation crosslinking

3. Reactions between reactive functional groups

Crosslinking with metal oxides

Catalysts or coagents may also be used to improve crosslinking efficiency or adjust the reaction rate.

Rubber crosslinking involves highly complex chemical reactions.