Unsaturated hydrocarbon elastomers peroxide vulcanization

Peroxide Vulcanization of Unsaturated Hydrocarbon Elastomers. The initiation step in peroxide-induced vulcanization is the decomposition of the peroxide to give free radicals. If the elastomer is derived from butadiene or isoprene, the next step is either the abstraction of a hydrogen atom from an allyUc position on the polymer molecule or the addition of the peroxide-derived radical to a double bond of the polymer molecule. In either case, polymeric free radicals are the result (Scheme 17). 

The properties of these elastomers are widely different. All require vulcanization. In general, sulfur is used only for unsaturated polymers, peroxides, quinones, metallic oxides, or cliisocyauates effect vulcanization with saturated types. Many are special-puipose rubbers, some can be used in tires when loaded with carbon black, others have high resistance to attack by heat and hydrocarbon oils and thus are superior to natural rubber for steam hose, gasoline and oil-loading hose. Most are available in latex form. See also Elastomers. 

---