Preliminary Studies on New Anti-Reversion Agents for the Sulfur Vulcanization of Diene Rubbers

Recently, new materials have been introduced that minimize the loss of crosslink density and properties caused by over-cure and/or high temperature applications. One of these new anti-reversion agents, 1,3-bis(citraconimidomethyl)benzene, compensates for the loss in crosslink density through the formation of new crosslinks. This paper evaluates various multifunctional acrylates to determine if they will function like 1,3-bis(citraconimidomethyl)benzene and reduce reversion through the formation of new crosslinks. The experimental data suggests that some of these acrylates form new crosslinks during overcure conditions and therefore are very effective at maintaining the modulus and tan delta values upon overcure.