Zinc salts of ethyl, isopropyl, and butyl xanthates
were prepared in the laboratory. The effect of these
xanthates in combination with zinc diethyldithiocarbamate
(ZDC) on the vulcanization of silica-filled NBR compounds
has been studied at different temperatures. The cure times
of these compounds were compared with that of NBR compounds
containing tetramethylthiuram disulphide/dibenzthiazyl
disulphide. The rubber compounds with the xanthates
and ZDC were cured at various temperatures from
60 to 150°C. The sheets were molded and properties such as tensile strength, tear strength, crosslink density, elongation
at break, compression set, abrasion resistance, flex resistance,
heat buildup, etc. were evaluated. The properties
showed that zinc salt of xanthate/ZDC combination has a
positive synergistic effect on the cure rate and mechanical
properties of NBR compounds.