Heat Resistance of Neoprene-GN Vulcanizates

Abstract Control of heat deterioration is a continuous problem for the chemist. In the case of rubber and synthetic elastomers, the rubber chemist has charted the changes in the physical properties of vulcanized elastomers during heat aging. He has developed many methods for retarding the deterioration of rubber compounds by heat; but with the newer synthetic elastomers the development of methods of retarding deterioration by heat is now an active subject of investigation. The degree of deterioration depends on the methods of compounding and curing the different elastomers, as well as on the conditions of aging. In general, continuous exposure to high temperatures softens natural rubber but hardens synthetic elastomers. Inherently Neoprene has greater heat resistance than natural rubber. Many investigators have described the heat resistance of rubber vulcanizates, but only a few have reported on the heat resistance of Neoprene vulcanizates, and these reports have been primarily comparisons of given Neoprene vulcanizates with one or more rubber stocks. The compounding of Neoprene (Type GN) for heat resistance was discussed by Catton, Fraser, and Forman. The oxygen bomb aging of Neoprene (Types E and GN) was compared with that of various rubber compositions by Neal, Bimmerman, and Vincent.