2-Methyl-5-Vinylpyridine Elastomers in Oil-Resistant Service

Abstract

Butadiene-MVP copolymers and butadiene-acrylonitrile-MVP terpolymers are a new class of rubbers which can be rendered oil-resistant by reaction with organic halogen compounds during vulcanization. The rubbers respond normally to reinforcement by carbon black and are highly reinforced by mineral fillers such as clay. Oil resistance depends on MVP content of copolymers and MVP and acrylonitrile content of terpolymers. The type and quantity of quaternizing agent also regulate the properties and oil resistance of the vulcanizates. Excellent performance of the experimental rubbers was demonstrated after immersion in ketones, amyl alcohol, ethyleneglycol, acid, caustic soda, a 70/30 2,2,4-trimethylpentane-toluene mixture, and ester solvents. The terpolymers offer better resistance to aromatic hydrocarbons. The experimental rubbers are also superior to the butadiene-acrylonitrile control compounds in contact with hot diester lubricants, giving much higher tensile strength after exposure for 72 hours at 300° F or 48 hours at 158° F. The MVP-containing rubbers possess excellent resistance to flex crack growth. They are also considerably better than the controls in resistance to blowout under severe conditions of rapid cyclic deformation under heavy load at elevated temperatures.