Chemical probes

Abstract

Elucidation of crosslink structure in vulcanizates is an essential step to improving or modifying properties of cured rubber materials. This paper discusses some of the materials and methods used in the study of crosslinks by chemical probes. Theory of elasticity and model compound considerations are followed by description of several chemical probes which have been developed to determine how the various types of crosslink were distributed throughout the vulcanizate and how the distribution depends on the cure system used. Types of chemical probes employed are described. Forecast for the future.