Mastication of Rubber. IV. Polymerization of Vinyl Monomers by the Cold Mastication of Rubber

Abstract

The rupture of natural and synthetic rubber molecules into free radicals by the shear imposed during cold mastication under nitrogen initiates the polymerization of monomers incorporated in the rubber. Experimental results on the polymerization of a range of monomers is reported. The polymer formed is mainly attached to the rubber, forming with it either a soluble interpolymer or a two-component gel depending on the monomer used. Results on the co-polymerization of two monomers are also presented and interpreted.