Comparison of Sulfur Curing Systems (Insoluble-Rhombic) on Physical and Thermal Properties of the Matrix Polymeric of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber and Natural Rubber

Resumo

Vulcanization, by creating a three-dimensional cross-linked network, improves the physicalmechanical and thermal properties of elastomers. Sulfur is one of the most common vulcanization agents used in the rubber industry. Curing agents used in this research are polymeric sulfur (insoluble sulfur, IS) and rhombic sulfur (RS). These two allotropes of sulfur are compared with regard to their ability to vulcanize styrene- butadiene rubber (SBR) and natural rubber (NR). According to the results obtained on that about curing characterization, was seen, the optimal time for the cure of both intended rubbers gotten with RS, and about the compression set test, obtained similarly result. This while that is about tensile strength, Mooney viscometer and aging tests seen for both rubbers, insoluble sulfur was the best option for curing and about hardness and tear tests were observed, results for SBR were similar and for NR were founded, insoluble sulfur was the best option. About ozone chamber test, all results of the samples were similar. With all these interpretations due to lack of blooming in sulfur polymer, this option is preferred for industrial rubber.