RESEARCH ON THE PHOTODEGRADATION-INHIBITORS FOR VULCANIZED RUBBER

PART I. INTRODUCTION: POSITION OF RUBBER, RELATION BETWEEN LIFE AND LIGHT-STABILITY OF VULCANIZED RUBBER

Abstract

The premier position of rubber conditioned by its excellent elasticity is being threatened by the apparition of various high resistant synthetic elastiomeric materials e.g. polyurethane.
Comparison of test results of spandex Lycra, a sort of commercialized products of polyurethane with those of rubber thread shows the distinguished superiority of the former to the latter in regard to tensile strength and resistance to many deteriorating agents. Of course, spandex has some defects e.g. at wet heat resistance and resistance to chlorine etc. but unless vulcanized rubber has its strength much increased and its life several times extended, rubber will turn out to be unable to oppose new enemies.
We, engaging in research of latex rubber many years, succeeded in increasing the strength of latex rubber one and a half times greater by improving the structure of latex coagulum at the same composition and extending the life of vulcanized rubber several times by improving its light-stability i.e. by compounding photodegradation-inhibitors which have not hitherto been on market but have been newly invented by us.
By these two processes, rubber will be able to hold its ever existing throne against new coming foes.