An example of a rubber accelerator is Zinc Diethyl Dithiocarbamate (ZDEC or ZDC). This accelerator belongs to the dithiocarbamate class and is commonly used in the rubber industry for the vulcanization of various types of rubber, including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and latex.
ZDEC functions as a secondary accelerator in combination with primary accelerators like thiazoles or sulfenamides. It provides good aging properties and resistance to reversion (a process where vulcanized rubber loses its physical properties over time when exposed to heat). ZDEC is also known for its low toxicity compared to some other accelerators and its ability to improve the dispersion of fillers like carbon black and silica in the rubber compound.
Another example is 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), which is a classic accelerator from the thiazole group. MBT is one of the most widely used accelerators due to its effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and versatility across different rubber compounds. It is suitable for natural rubber as well as synthetic rubbers like SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber) and BR (Butadiene Rubber), enhancing their tensile strength and modulus. MBT is often used in applications where good aging properties and moderate curing rates are required, such as in tire manufacturing, hoses, belts, and general rubber goods.
