Sumitomo Rubber claims vulcanisation chemistry advance

Kobe, Japan – Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd (SRI) claims to have gained an advanced understanding of the chemical reactions within the natural rubber vulcanisation process.

This follows research into the chemical bonds that form between natural rubber and sulphur under intense heat and pressure during vulcanisation, said SRI in a statement 26 Oct.

The work was jointly led by prof Yoshitaka Ishii of Tokyo Institute of Technology and visiting researcher Muneki Ouchi of Riken Research Institute.

The researchers, said SRI, detected, for the first time, the presence of ring structures, which potentially have an impact on the performance of tires.

According to SRI, during the vulcanisation process, sulphur-bridge structures are formed that determine rubber elasticity and property retention.

The new discovery, will enable SRI to develop new ways to “adeptly control” the bridge and ring structures that fill in and connect the gaps between natural rubber molecules.

As a result, SRI expects to improve the overall performance of its tires and develop 'property-sustaining technology' for future smart tires.

The results of the SRI research were published in the 25 Oct, 2022 issue of “Biomacromolecules,” an academic journal published by the American Chemical Society.