Vulcanization Reactions in Butyl Rubber. Action of Dinitroso, Dioxime, and Related Compounds
Abstract Experiments have been carried out to determine the chemical reactions that occur when Butyl rubber is vulcanized by quinone dioxime or related compounds. Observations have been made of the reactions of these substances with simple olefins, and of the effect of oxidizing agents on the dioxime-type of vulcanization of Butyl in solution. The theory is proposed that, in the vulcanization of Butyl by quinone dioxime or its esters, in presence of oxidizing agents, the active agent is p-dinitrosobenzene formed by oxidation of the dioxime. Chemical reactions are suggested for the subsequent cross-linking or vulcanizing steps, and the results of confirmatory experiments are presented. p-Dinitrosobenzene and other polynitroso compounds are active vulcanizing agents for Butyl, natural rubber, Buna-S, Buna-N, and Neoprene, and do not require the addition of an oxidizing agent. It is suggested that vulcanization of natural rubber by polynitro compounds involves their reduction to corresponding nitroso compounds as the first step, and that the nitroso group adds to rubber to produce cross-linkages.