VULCANIZATION OF STYRENE–BUTADIENE RUBBER WITH THE USE OF POLYSULFIDE SULFUR DONORS OF CONTROLLED STRUCTURE

ABSTRACT The sulfide polymers of variable and controlled sulfur content, obtained by anionic copolymerization of elemental sulfur and thiiranes (styrene sulfide and cyclohexene sulfide), were applied as curatives (sulfur donors) in the vulcanization process of styrene–butadiene rubber. The activity of polysulfides as curatives was investigated based on rheometric measurements of the vulcanization process and calculations of curing parameters using kinetic data. The crosslink density and structure related to the mechanical properties of the vulcanizates under static and dynamic conditions were studied. The overall suitability of polysulfides as crosslinking agents for diene rubbers was investigated.