Ionic Liquids as Vulcanization Accelerators

Abstract

The synthesis, physical properties, and antimicrobial activity of imidazolium, benzalkonium, and phosphonium ionic liquids with 2-mercaptobenzothiazolate has been studied. Synthesized ionic liquids were used as acceleration agents in the vulcanization of rubber. Use of synthesized salts allows to reduce amount of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, which is commonly used in vulcanization but is an allergenic agent. We obtain in our research shorter vulcanization time, no loss of mechanical properties of rubber, and reduction of the allergen from 56 to 87% in comparison with the vulcanization without ILs.