Effect of the Electroplating Process Waste upon Vulcanization and Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber (NR) Compositions

Abstract

The potential of EWPS (electroplating waste of the polishing step) as activator for vulcanization process has been evaluated. EWPS was incorporated into natural rubber (NR) formulation in replacement partial or total to ZnO. The different mixtures were obtained in a laboratory-size two-roll mill and conventional vulcanization system (CV) was chosen for vulcanization. Rheometer parameters (t_s1, t₉₀, and M_h), mechanical properties (tensile and tear strength) and cure studies at 150, 160 and 170°C for a kinetic model were carried out. EWPS shows some catalytic effect upon NR vulcanization with reduction of scorch and optimum cure time. However, the compounds where EWPS is present in major quantity, in relation to ZnO, or alone as activator present a depleted performance with a continuous reduction of properties, such as, tensile strength.

Keywords:

• Electroplating waste
• Mechanical properties
• Rubber
• Vulcanization

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors thank CAPES, CNPq and FAPERJ for financial support, and IMA/UFRJ for processing and rheometer of NR mixtures.

Notes

^a N-t-butyl-2-benzothiazole sulfonamide.

^b Anti-oxidant: Low temperature reaction product of diphenylamine and acetone.