The curing characteristics and tear properties of phenolic resin on chloroprene rubber vulcanizate

Chloroprene rubber (CR) is synthetic rubber widely used for seal, joint, and also adhesive. For making rubber product, additives are needed and it can influence the properties of vulcanizates. This study aims to determine the curing characteristics and mechanical properties of chloroprene vulcanizate. The chloroprene vulcanizates were prepared by compounding with the two-roll mill and vulcanizing with the hydraulic press. Phenolic resin used as additives were varies i.e: 0, 10, 20, and 30 phr. The curing characteristics of the CR vulcanizates were studied by rheometer at 140 °C, 150 °C, and 160 °C. The tear properties of the CR vulcanizates were studied by tensile strength tester. The phenolic resin improves the mooney viscosity, scorch time and optimum curing time. The compound without phenolic resin gives the highest mooney viscosity and optimum curing time. The 10 phr phenolic resin give the best mooney viscosity, optimum curing time, constant rate, activation energy and also tear strength. The suitable curing temperature for CR compound is at 150 °C and the proper additive for CR vulcanizate is 10 phr phenolic resin.