Influence of Modified Epoxy Resins on Peroxide Curing, Mechanical Properties and Adhesion of SBR, NBR and XNBR to Silver Wires. Part I: Application of Monoperoxy Derivative of Epoxy Resin (PO)

The research was aimed at checking the effect of monoperoxy derivative of epoxy resin (PO) on the possibility of rubber crosslinking and a subsequent adhesion of the modified rubber to silver wires. Three of the commonly industrially used rubbers were selected for the study: styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) and carboxylated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (XNBR), together with the popular, commercially available Epidian 6 epoxy resin, subjected to the functionalization. An improvement in the adhesion of rubbers to silver wires was observed when using the modified resin. In some cases, an improvement in the mechanical properties of the rubber was observed, especially when the resin was used for crosslinking together with dicumyl peroxide (DCP). Crosslinking synergy between dicumyl peroxide and the modified resin could be observed especially in the case of PO applied for peroxide curing of SBR and NBR.

Influence of Modified Epoxy Resins on Peroxide Curing, Mechanical Properties and Adhesion of SBR, NBR and XNBR to Silver Wires—Part II: Application of Carboxy-Containing Peroxy Oligomer (CPO)

This research was aimed at verifying the effect of carboxy-containing peroxy oligomer (CPO) addition on the possibility of rubber crosslinking and a subsequent adhesion of the modified rubber to silver wires. Three commonly industrially used rubbers were selected for the study: styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (NBR) and carboxylated acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (XNBR), together with carboxy-containing peroxy oligomer (CPO). An improvement in the adhesion of rubbers to silver wires was observed when applying the oligomeric peroxide with functional groups, with no deterioration of mechanical properties of the vulcanizates. Crosslinking synergy between dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and the modifier could hardly be observed. Nevertheless, the studies demonstrated, that to a small extent, even the CPO itself can crosslink NBR and especially XNBR, resulting in a material of notable elasticity and adhesion to silver wires.

Combined sulfur and peroxide curing systems applied in cross-linking of rubber magnets

In the present work, barium ferrite in constant loading was dosed to the rubber matrices based on NR, SBR and NBR. Sulfur, peroxide and mixed sulfur and peroxide curing systems were applied for cross-linking of rubber magnetic composites. The application of sulfur or peroxide curing system leads to the formation of different types of linkages between rubber chain segments. As the structure of the formed cross-links plays a significant role in determining the final properties of rubber articles, the main aim of the work was to use the combination of curing systems in order to suppress the disadvantages of both systems and possibly to highlight their benefits. The results showed that composition of curing system has considerable influence on cross-link density of composites, which was subsequently reflected in typical change of physical-mechanical properties and glass transition temperature. The tensile strength was improved with increasing amount of peroxide curing system. The reason can be attributed to the presence of co-agent zinc methacrylate, which exhibits strong adhesion to magnetic filler and thus it contributes to the improvement of compatibility and homogeneity on the interphase filler–rubber. On the hand, there was observed no influence of curing system composition or type of rubber matrix on magnetic characteristics of composites.

Sulfur and peroxide curing of rubber magnetic composites with the application of zinc methacrylate

Rubber magnetic composites based on acrylonitrile butadiene rubber and strontium ferrite were cured with standard sulfur-based vulcanization systems as well as an organic peroxide. Zinc methacrylate (ZDMA) as a coagent was applied in both sulfur and peroxide vulcanization of rubber magnets. The aim was to evaluate the influence of ZDMA on curing characteristics and cross-link density of the prepared materials. Subsequently, physical-mechanical and magnetic properties were investigated. The results showed that ZDMA takes an active part in the cross-linking process of composites cured with an organic peroxide. Due to the presence of free radicals formed from peroxide decomposition, molecules of ZDMA polymerize into the nanostructures which can be physically adsorbed or chemically grafted onto rubber chains. Moreover, owing to zinc ions, ZDMA exhibits strong adhesion to ferrite filler and thus it contributes to the improvement of adhesion between the rubber and the filler on the interphase. The overall reinforcement of rubber magnetic composites was subsequently achieved. In the case of rubber magnets cured with the sulfur-based system, ZDMA acts as a conventional filler with a slight reinforcing effect due to the lack of free radicals required for its polymerization.

Rubber magnets cured with peroxide and coagents

Barium ferrite in constant amount (50 phr) was incorporated into styrene-butadiene rubber to prepare rubber magnetic composites. Dicumyl peroxide was used as a curing agent for cross-linking of the prepared composites. Four different types of low-molecular-weight organic compounds were applied as coagents to enhance the efficiency of cross-linking process and to improve the compatibility between the rubber and the filler on the interphase. The main goal of this work was to investigate the influence of the composition of peroxide curing system on cross-link density, physical–mechanical and magnetic properties of the composites. The results revealed that the type and amount of coagents have no influence on magnetic properties of the rubber magnets. On the other hand, cross-link density and physical–mechanical properties were significantly dependent on the composition of curing system. The increase of tensile strength can be attributed to the improvement of adhesion on the interphase filler–rubber due to the presence of coagents.

Application of Peroxide Curing Systems in Cross-Linking of Rubber Magnets Based on NBR and Barium Ferrite

Rubber magnetic composites were prepared by incorporation of barium ferrite in constant amount—50 phr into acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber. Dicumyl peroxide as the curing agent was used for cross-linking of rubber magnets alone, or in combination with four different types of co-agents. The main aim was to examine the influence of curing system composition on magnetic and physical-mechanical properties of composites. The cross-link density and the structure of the formed cross-links were investigated too. The results demonstrated that the type and amount of the co-agent had significant influence on cross-link density, which was reflected in typical change of physical-mechanical properties. The tensile strength increased with increasing amount of co-agents, which can be attributed to the improvement of adhesion and compatibility on the interphase filler-rubber due to the presence of co-agents. Magnetic characteristics were found not to be influenced by the curing system composition. The application of peroxide curing systems consisting of organic peroxide and co-agents leads to the preparation of rubber magnets with not only good magnetic properties but also with improved physical-mechanical properties, which could broaden the sphere of their application uses.