Vulcanization is a process of improving physical characteristics of natural or
synthetic caoutchouc. The use of activator accelerates the process and lowers its
temperature. Most common activators are metal oxide and fatty acid. As zinc compounds
can be hazardous for the environment, the search for green alternative replacements has
begun. One of them is an activator from sugar cane. The degree paper discusses
characteristics of elastomers’ products cross-linked with the use of zinc oxide and stearic
acid and compares them to products cross-linked with the use of green activator made
from sugar cane. Effects of the use of sugar cane on vulcanization and on product’s
characteristics are presented through the following topics: analysis of chemical bonds,
cross-linking density, mechanical characteristics, thermal stability and morphology
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