Cross-link rearrangement

NR vulcanizates exhibit relatively low (favorable) values of compression set at ambient and somewhat higher temperatures. At lower temperatures, compression set is less favorable, possibly due to a tendency for the rubber to crystallize. At more elevated temperatures, poor heat resistance and cross-link rearrangement can have a detrimental effect on compression set. 

In addition to the restrictions on their mobiHty caused by steric and polar interactions between chemical groups, the protein molecules in wool fibers are covalentiy cross-linked by disulfide bonds. Permanent setting only occurs if these disulfide bonds are also rearranged to be in equiHbrium with the new shape of the fiber. Disulfide bond rearrangement occurs only at high temperature (>70° C) in wet wool and at even higher temperatures (above 100°C) in... 

As the temperature is decreased, free-volume is lost. If the molecular shape or cross-linking prevent crystallisation, then the liquid structure is retained, and free-volume is not all lost immediately (Fig. 22.8c). As with the melt, flow can still occur, though naturally it is more difficult, so the viscosity increases. As the polymer is cooled further, more free volume is lost. There comes a point at which the volume, though sufficient to contain the molecules, is too small to allow them to move and rearrange. All the free volume is gone, and the curve of specific volume flattens out (Fig. 22.8c). This is the glass transition temperature, T . Below this temperature the polymer is a glass. 

Such reactions allow chain extension and/or cross-linking to occur without the elimination of small molecules such as water, i.e. they react by a rearrangement polymerisation type of reaction. In consequence these materials exhibit a lower curing shrinkage than many other types of thermosetting plastics. 

Sulfur cross-links have limited stability at elevated temperatures and can rearrange to form new cross-links. These results in poor permanent set and creep for vulcanizates when exposed for long periods of time at high temperatures. Resin cure systems provide C-C cross-links and heat stability. Alkyl phenol-formaldehyde derivatives are usually employed for tire bladder application. Typical vulcanization system is shown in Table 14.24. The properties are summarized in Tables 14.25 and 14.26. 

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