A Comparative Study of The Effect of Vulcanization Accelerators on The Performance And Stability of The SBR

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of the type of vulcanization accelerator on the mechanical properties of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR 1502). Five rubber blends were prepared using the accelerators MBT (Mercaptobenzothiazole), DPG (Diphenyl Guanidin), and ZDEC (Zinc    Diethyl Dithiocarbamate), as well as two binary systems: MPT+DPG and MPT+ZDEC.

   Tensile tests were conducted according to ASTM D412, and Young's modulus, ultimate tensile strength, and recovered and unrecovered strain were calculated.

The results showed that the blends containing the ZDEC accelerator exhibited the highest tensile strength, while the MPT+ZDEC binary blend recorded the highest Young's modulus. Statistically significant differences were also observed between the blends at a p < 0.05, confirming the crucial influence of the accelerator type on the mechanical properties and stability of the rubber after aging. The results suggest that the performance of SBR rubber can be improved by selecting the appropriate accelerator.

Accelerator type or accelerator combinations are determined based on the required industrial application.

This study presents a quantitative comparison of added accelerators under standardized manufacturing conditions. It highlights the effect of different accelerators' chemical mechanisms on the polymer network structure and mechanical properties, providing a database applicable to industrial applications.

This study concluded that changing the accelerator type allows for modification and improvement of mechanical properties. The study also allowed for a comparison of the effect of accelerator type on the lifespan of the rubber compound.