Elucidation of the role of ZnO in sulfur cure in novel EPDM-CTS blends

• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2022.107843
• Publication Date: 2022-10-23T13:30:57Z
• Authors: Steluta Gina Butuc; Kees van Leerdam; Brenda Rossenaar; Jose Swart; Frank Geurts; Bianca Bossinga-G...; Paul Verwer; Auke Talma; Anke Blume
• Keywords: Ethylene propylene rubber; EPDM rubber; Crystal (programming language)

A new concept is introduced in this study, suggesting the role played by ZnO crystal sulfur crosslinking polymers, particularly, rubber blends of EPDM-CTS. The study conducted a polymer blend ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) and cyclic tetrasulfide (CTS). CTS reactive low molecular weight polymer, which can act as donor. It proposed that occurs at surface crystals. reaction site created on with stearic acid, creates "template" or active catalytic for to take place. Various experiments are performed substantiate newly crystalline structure plays influencing initiation crosslinking. investigation compounds absence fillers other additives additionally chemical model studies. analyses fully partially cured evolution process involved curing blends. Step-cured compound allows transformation size during process, ability gauge step undergoing process. Additional studies used influence crosslinking, confirm path by-products reaction. Lastly, quantum mechanical (QM) mechanics (MM) calculations applied support suggested mechanism