Mass Spectrometric Identification of 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole Sulfenamide Accelerators in Rubber Vulcanizates
Abstract The identification of accelerators in rubber vulcanizates has traditionally been a difficult and tedious task. The mass spectrometric method described in this paper offers a simple and expedient approach to the identification of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole sulfenamides. Neither complicated sample preparation nor solvent extraction of the vulcanizates is required as in the more common methods employed. Only about one-half gram of vulcanizate is needed for the analysis. The sample tube is attached to the mass spectrometer, heated for 15–20 min at 150–200° C and then the mass spectrum of the volatiles is recorded. The characteristic amine fragment ions are utilized for identification of the amine portion while the presence of benzothiazole is indicated by a peak at m/e=135. Spectra obtained from analysis of seven vulcanizates containing different accelerators are presented and the results discussed. The identification of the accelerator in a competitor's tread is also discussed.