Sulphur and peroxide vulcanisation of rubber compounds – overview

Abstract Vulcanisation is a process of transforming a plastic rubber compound into a highly elastic product by forming a three-dimensional cross-linked network structure in the rubber matrix. Many systems have been developed to vulcanise rubber compounds, among which sulphur and peroxide curing systems remain the most desirable. The application of sulphur systems leads to the forming of sulphidic cross-links between elastomer chains, while carbon–carbon bonds are formed in peroxide-curing. Both vulcanisation systems provide certain benefits to the cross-linked rubber articles, but also some disadvantages. The present work seeks to provide an overview on both vulcanisation systems; their composition, possibilities of their application, reaction mechanisms, structure of the cross-links formed and the main feature of the final cross-linked materials – vulcanisates.