Abstract
1. The vulcanization of rubber in the presence of N,N-diethyl-2-benzothiazolylsulfenamide is characterized by an S-shaped curve for the addition of sulfur with an initial induction period in the reaction. The modulus and number of crosslinks are changed in an analogous manner to the structure of the vulcanizate. 2. The energy of activation of the addition of sulfur in the initial period is equal to 30 kcal per mole as against 14 kcal per mole in the main period. 3. The induction period is increased if the sodium-butadiene rubber is purified from alkali. 4. Molecular oxygen present in the compound being vulcanized decreases the induction period and increases the rate of the addition of the sulfur in the main period. An induction period is not observed when vulcanization is carried out in an atmosphere of pure oxygen. 5. The interaction of N,N-diethyl-2-benzothiazolylsulfenamide with rubber (in the absence of sulfur) at vulcanization temperatures is accompanied by the formation of MBT, diethylamine, and the addition of the elements of the accelerator to the rubber. The kinetics of this process were studied. 6. The interaction of N,N-diethyl-2-benzothiazolyl sulfenamide with rubber leads to the formation of chemical crosslinks between the molecules of rubber (the effect of vulcanization). 7. The change of N,N-diethyl-2-benzothiazolyl sulfenamide under the conditions of normal sulfur vulcanization has the same character as in the interaction of it with rubber. The kinetics of the formation of MBT have a maximum which coincides with the maximum rate of the addition of sulfur to the rubber. 8. A mechanism is presented for the vulcanization and acceleration actions of N,N-diethyl-2-benzothiazolyl sulfenamide which provides for the extraction of hydrogen by the accelerator radicals from the molecular chains of the rubber with the formation of MBT, diethylamine and polymer radicals which are able to interact with the sulfur.