Dual Inhibition-Acceleration Role of Carbon Black in Rubber Oxidation

Carbon black can function as an inhibitor or as an accelerator of oxidation and cure of rubber and of other polymers. The inhibiting action of carbon black on the oxidation of unvulcanized cold rubber appears to be related to, if not the cause of, the increased reinforcement of the heat-treated stock. In general, the effect of carbon black on the oxidation of cold rubber and natural rubber is the same. With a more complete understanding of the role of carbon black in polymer oxidation and cure reactions, it should be possible to control the behavior of carbon black so that advantage can be taken of its inhibiting and accelerating properties in prolonging the life and increasing the usefulness of rubber goods.