In this book, two new methods are described and supported by extensive experimental results that measure the amounts of a sulfur-donor thiuram accelerator and a sulfenamide thiazole accelerator needed to provide monomolecular coverage of zinc oxide. These methods use zinc oxide with only one accelerator and no stearic acid to produce two single additives, that can efficiently cure rubber, despite using fewer chemicals. This is a departure from the past when efficiency in sulfur vulcanization was achieved by using a high volume of these chemicals. A few sulfur-donor accelerators that exist produce highly toxic nitrosamines during high-temperature mixing and curing. When safer accelerators are on hand to treat the zinc oxide, a suitable single additive will be available to replace the current sulfur cure systems in industrial rubber formulations. This will bring huge benefits to the manufacturers and users of these chemicals. It is preferable to use zinc oxide to determine the precise amount of the accelerator required for a satisfactory cure rather than relying on outdated methods that need to be modified. A software is also developed to help with the selection and management of zinc oxide and the accelerators for the sulfur vulcanization. Green rubber products are within reach.

Chemistry, Manufacture and Applications of Natural Rubber, Second Edition presents the latest advances in the processing, properties and advanced applications of natural rubber (NR), drawing on state-of-the-art research in the field. Chapters cover manufacturing, processing and properties of natural rubber, describing biosynthesis, vulcanization for improved performance, strain-induced crystallization, self-reinforcement, rheology and mechanochemistry for processing, computer simulation of properties, scattering techniques and stabilizing agents. Applications covered include natural rubber, carbon allotropes, eco-friendly soft bio-composites using NR matrices and marine products, the use of NR for high functionality such as shape memory, NR for the tire industry, and natural rubber latex with advanced applications. This is an essential resource for academic researchers, scientists and (post)graduate students in rubber science, polymer science, materials science and engineering, and chemistry. In industry, this book enables professionals, R&D, and producers across the natural rubber, tire, rubber and elastomer industries, as well as across industries looking to use natural rubber products, to understand and utilize natural rubber for cutting-edge applications. Explains the latest manufacture and processing techniques for natural rubber (NR) with enhanced properties Explores novel applications of natural rubber across a range of industries, including current and potential uses Discusses resources and utilization, and considers sustainable future development of natural rubber