Vulcanization of Rubber Compounds With Peroxide Curing Systems

Vulcanization or curing is one of the most important processes in rubber technologies. During this process, plastic rubber compounds by parallel and subsequent physical and mainly chemical reactions change into highly elastic products—vulcanizates. The fundamental goal of curing is forming chemical cross-links between rubber macromolecules, which leads to the formation of a three-dimensional network or rubber matrix. A number of curing systems have been introduced in cross-linking of elastomers; each system has its own characteristics and composition; therefore, vulcanizates with different properties also can be prepared. We characterize organic peroxides as curing agents and their decomposition mechanisms and characteristics and bring a detailed view to understanding mechanisms between peroxides and different types of rubber matrices. Then, we focus on the classification and characterization of co-agents used in peroxide cross-linking and explain the mutual interactions and reaction mechanisms between peroxide, co-agents, and rubber matrices in relation to the properties of prepared materials. Finally, the drawbacks and the main features of final cross-linked materials are outlined.