Thiuram- and Dithiocarbamate-Accelerated Sulfur Vulcanization from the Chemist's Perspective; Methods, Materials and Mechanisms Reviewed

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes research methodologies for the investigation of the mechanism of vulcanization and discusses the reactivity of thiuram and dithiocarbamate chemicals. The combined knowledge is subsequently applied to thoroughly review the mechanism and chemistry of both thiuram- and dithiocarbamate-accelerated sulfur vulcanization. Integration of the original mechanistic ideas from the 1960s and the results obtained in the past three decades now have led to a more balanced appraisal of events during vulcanization. Questions have been answered, solutions for old problems are proposed, and remaining fields of endeavor are identified.