Thiol Group Formation in the Vulcanisation of cis-1, 4-Polybutadiene

Department of Macromolecules,

Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Calcutta-32

Received 26 September 1972

Studies are reported on the formation of thiol groups and their disappearance with time during the vulcanisation of cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber with increasing concentrations of sulphur. The results, as in the case of natural rubber, can be explained on the assumption of three different stages depending on the sulphur concentration on the stock. The effect of different compounding ingredients on the thiol group formation has also been investigated.