Zinc butyl xanthate [Zn(bxt)2] was prepared
in the laboratory . The effect of this xanthate with zinc
diethyl dithiocarbamate (ZDC) on the vulcanization of natural
rubber ( NR), polybutadiene rubber (BR), and NR/BR
blend has been studied at different temperatures. The
amounts of Zn (bxt)2 and ZDC in the compounds were optimized
by varying the amount of ZDC from 0 . 75 to 1.5 phr
and Zn (bxt)2 from 0 . 75 to 1 .5 phr. The cure characteristics
were also studied . HAF filled NR, BR, and NR / BR blend
compounds were cured at different temperatures from 60 to
150 C. The sheets were molded and properties such as tensile strength, tear strength, crosslink density and elongation
at break, compression set, abrasion resistance, etc. were
evaluated. The results show that the mechanical properties
of 80NR/20BR blends are closer to that of NR vulcanizates,
properties of 60NR/40BR blends are closer to BR vulcanizates,
while the 70NR/30BR blends show an intermediate
property.