On solving the problem of kinetics of vulcanization with the use of numerical methods

Abstract

A new approach of describing kinetics of curing was proposed. This allowed for formal adjustment of the previously proposed scheme of vulcanization, application of a mathematical model to kinetic curves of any shape and analytical evaluation of isothermal cure kinetics on the basis of economical laboratory experiments. The method of studying kinetics of vulcanization is based on the assumption that individual stages of the vulcanization process significantly differ in speed. To determine rate constants for individual stages the rheometric curve was divided into some areas. It allowed to use only a specific set of ordinary coupled reactions of the first and second order for describing vulcanization of rubbers under analysis. Software for solving direct and inverse problems of the kinetics of isothermal cure was developed.