Zinc salts of ethyl, isopropyl, and butyl xanthates are prepared
in the laboratory, and the effect of these xanthates with zinc diethyl
dithiocarbamate (ZDC) on the vulcanization of HAF-filled nitrile butadiene
rubber (NBR) compounds has been studied at different temperatures. The cure
times of these compounds have been compared with that of NBR compounds
containing TMTD/MBTS. The rubber compounds with the three xanthate
accelerators and ZDC are cured at various temperatures from 60 to 150°C.
The sheets are molded and properties such as tensile strength, tear strength,
cross-link density, elongation at break, compression set, abrasion resistance,
flex resistance, etc. have been evaluated. The properties show that zinc salt
of the xanthate/ZDC accelerator system has a positive synergistic effect on the
cure rate and mechanical properties of NBR compounds.