A Temperature-Recording Micropress for Studying the Course of Vulcanization
Abstract A microscopic study of the course of vulcanization offers many possibilities, especially since, by its aid, the progressive changes which take place during vulcanization can be followed. Using the micropress described above, it is possible to observe these changes and to record the temperature at which they take place. A rubber-sulfur-litharge mixture after cure exhibits no recrystallization of sulfur even when cured for a very short time. A further microscopical study of the vulcanization of this type of rubber mixture may yield an explanation of the bloom-preventing properties of litharge. m-Dinitrobenzene and benzoyl peroxide both vulcanize rubber in the absence of sulfur. The former requires an activator such as litharge and does not recrystallize from the mixture when a cure is effected, whereas the latter does not require an activator and recrystallizes after cure in a manner very similar to sulfur.