Model compound vulcanization and IGC as prediction tools in carbon black effect on vulcanization

The influence of carbon black (CB) in a rubber formulation can be observed during the vulcanization process. However, looking through literature there seems to be a lack of information related to the role of CBs in vulcanization reaction. The present work is focused on the application of Model Compound Vulcanization (MCV) approach and Inverse Gas Chromatography (IGC) to predict the role of carbon black on vulcanization. Squalene was chosen as the model molecule of natural rubber to undergo the vulcanization in the presence of carbon black. This methodology gives rise to several advantages. On one hand, the model allows following the accelerator, vulcanization intermediate compounds, and even the crosslinked model molecule. Moreover, the similarity between the model and the polymer chain allows further extrapolation to discover the real sample's performance. In order to complete the information required IGC analysis was used. IGC has been performed using both dispersive and specific probes to elucidate a wide range of CB surface active sites. The application of this prediction tool to special grades revealed different effects that have been verified with real formulations in both cases.