Sulfur vulcanization of rubber compounds – Overview

Abstract

Vulcanization is a process of transforming a thermoplastic rubber compound into a highly elastic product by forming a three-dimensional cross-linked network structure by chemical reaction in the rubber matrix. Many systems have been developed to vulcanize rubber compounds, among which sulfur and peroxide curing systems remain the most desirable. The application of sulfur system leads to the forming of sulfidic cross-links between elastomer chains.The present work aims to provide an overview on sulfur vulcanization system; its composition, possibilities of its applications, reaction mechanisms, structure of the crosslinks formed and the main feature of the final crosslinked vulcanizates.