| Vulcanization is the most important step in determining whether a rubber can be used as a material. Sulfur vulcanization system, the use of zinc oxide can not only improve the rubber vulcanization performance, and can greatly improve the physical and mechanical properties of rubber products. However, since the zinc ions easily migrate to the environment, would be harmful to aquatic organisms, so the European Union and the California have enacted legislation restricting the use of zinc oxide. In addition, zinc mineral resources are increasingly depleted. Therefore, the reduction of zinc in rubber formulations of the application is to protect the environment and to ensure that rubber vulcanization reaction to the normal hot research topics. This review introduces the current progress in reducing the amount of zinc oxide as a vulcanizing activator, including nano-zinc oxide, zinc complexes, inorganic filler loading zinc, other metal oxide and rare-earth-based multi-functional rubber vulcanizing agent, etc. In addition to prospects for future development. |
