Rubber accelerators play a crucial role in the rubber vulcanization process, improving the rate of cross-linking between sulfur and polymer chains. This chemical transformation enhances the elasticity, durability, and heat resistance of rubber products. From automobile tyres to conveyor belts and industrial seals, the performance and longevity of rubber products depend greatly on the correct choice and proportion of accelerators.
In the modern rubber industry, accelerators are categorized based on their chemical structure and speed of vulcanization — such as thiazoles, sulfenamides, thiurams, dithiocarbamates, guanidines, aldehyde-amines, and xanthates. Each type has a unique set of advantages, applications, and compatibility with other additives like antioxidants and fillers.
Below is a comprehensive list of rubber accelerators, along with their chemical names, types, uses, and benefits.
Table: Complete List of Rubber Accelerators and Their Uses
| Accelerator Name | Full / Chemical Name | Type / Category | Key Uses & Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBT | Mercaptobenzothiazole | Thiazole | Commonly used in natural and synthetic rubber; provides medium curing speed; excellent aging properties. |
| MBTS | Dibenzothiazyl Disulfide | Thiazole | Safe processing accelerator; ideal for molded goods and mechanical rubber products. |
| CBS | N-Cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazolesulfenamide | Sulfenamide | Delayed action accelerator; widely used in tyres and industrial rubber goods. |
| TBBS | N-tert-butyl-2-benzothiazolesulfenamide | Sulfenamide | Provides better scorch safety; suitable for radial tyres and conveyor belts. |
| DCBS | N,N-Dicyclohexyl-2-benzothiazolesulfenamide | Sulfenamide | Slow curing accelerator; offers high modulus and heat resistance. |
| TMTD | Tetramethylthiuram Disulfide | Thiuram | Acts as ultra-accelerator and secondary vulcanizing agent; used in latex products. |
| TMTM | Tetramethylthiuram Monosulfide | Thiuram | Fast-curing accelerator; suitable for soft rubber compounds. |
| ZDEC | Zinc Diethyl Dithiocarbamate | Dithiocarbamate | Excellent for latex vulcanization; fast curing and low-temperature activation. |
| ZDBC | Zinc Dibutyl Dithiocarbamate | Dithiocarbamate | Offers faster curing and low-temperature flexibility; used in gloves and rubber threads. |
| ZDMC | Zinc Dimethyl Dithiocarbamate | Dithiocarbamate | Preferred for medical latex and transparent rubber articles. |
| DPG | Diphenyl Guanidine | Guanidine | Secondary accelerator; enhances curing efficiency in combination with MBT or MBTS. |
| DOTG | Diorthotolyl Guanidine | Guanidine | High activation accelerator for heat-resistant rubber; used in cable sheathing. |
| M | 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole | Thiazole | Basic accelerator; used in tyres, belts, and hoses. |
| MOR | Morpholine Disulfide | Thiazole | Offers improved heat resistance and aging; ideal for industrial rubber. |
| ZMBT | Zinc 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole | Thiazole | Delivers faster cure than MBT; excellent for latex and transparent compounds. |
| ETU | Ethylene Thiourea | Thiourea | Used for polychloroprene rubber (CR); provides high heat and chemical resistance. |
| DETU | Diethyl Thiourea | Thiourea | Fast curing for chloroprene rubber and resistant to reversion. |
| DPTU | Diphenyl Thiourea | Thiourea | High-performance accelerator for neoprene; used in adhesives and cables. |
| CBS-80 | Cyclohexyl Benzothiazole Sulfenamide (pre-dispersed) | Sulfenamide | Pre-dispersed form ensures consistent mixing and processing safety. |
| TBzTD | Tetrabenzylthiuram Disulfide | Thiuram (Safe Type) | Non-nitrosamine accelerator, environmentally safer; used in baby products. |
| TETD | Tetraethylthiuram Disulfide | Thiuram | Very fast vulcanization; enhances elasticity in synthetic rubbers. |
| ZIX | Zinc Iso-propyl Xanthate | Xanthate | Accelerator for latex foam and carpet backing compounds. |
| ZOBT | Zinc O-Benzothiazole-2-thiolate | Thiazole Derivative | Used for latex vulcanization; improves aging resistance. |
| PVI | N-Cyclohexylthiophthalimide | Pre-Vulcanization Inhibitor | Improves scorch safety and processing; enhances final product quality. |
| HMT | Hexamethylenetetramine | Aldehyde-Amine | Used for resorcinol-formaldehyde latex systems; improves bonding in tyres. |
| DPTT | Dipentamethylene Thiuram Tetrasulfide | Thiuram | High-performance accelerator; reduces blooming. |
| SDT | Sodium Dimethyl Dithiocarbamate | Dithiocarbamate | Soluble accelerator for latex compounds. |
| ZDT | Zinc Diethyldithiocarbamate | Dithiocarbamate | Fast curing, used for thin-walled latex products. |
| MBZ | Mercaptobenzothiazole Zinc Salt | Thiazole | Dual function as accelerator and antioxidant. |
Accelerator Type and Typical Rubber Product Applications
| Accelerator Type | Key Characteristics | Primary Rubber Applications | Example Compounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thiazoles | Medium speed, excellent aging | Tyres, tubes, belts, footwear | MBT, MBTS, ZMBT |
| Sulfenamides | Delayed action, high safety | Tyres, hoses, molded goods | CBS, TBBS, DCBS |
| Thiurams | Ultra-fast cure, used as secondary | Latex, sponge rubber | TMTD, TMTM, DPTT |
| Dithiocarbamates | Fastest vulcanization | Latex gloves, balloons | ZDEC, ZDBC, ZDMC |
| Guanidines | Activators for thiazoles | Truck tyres, conveyor belts | DPG, DOTG |
| Thioureas | For chloroprene rubber | Adhesives, cables | ETU, DETU |
| Aldehyde-Amines | Bonding agent in composites | Tyre cord adhesion | HMT |
| Xanthates | Special purpose accelerator | Latex foams, sponges | ZIX |
Importance of Using the Right Rubber Accelerator
Choosing the right rubber accelerator is vital for optimizing:
- Curing time and temperature
- Tensile strength and elasticity
- Heat and aging resistance
- Cost-efficiency in production
- Compatibility with other ingredients such as zinc oxide, stearic acid, and antioxidants
Each rubber compound formulation requires a unique combination of primary and secondary accelerators to achieve the desired balance of speed, flexibility, and durability.
Application Areas for Rubber Accelerators
Rubber accelerators are widely used in the production of:
- Automobile tyres and tubes
- Industrial hoses and belts
- Footwear soles and heels
- Wire and cable insulation
- Latex gloves, balloons, and adhesives
- Rubber gaskets and seals
- Medical and household rubber goods
Each of these applications demands a different curing profile, which can be fine-tuned using specific accelerator combinations.
Detailed Applications by Industry
| Industry | Common Accelerators Used | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Manufacturing | CBS, TBBS, DPG | Delayed curing, high tensile strength, improved reversion resistance. |
| Footwear Industry | MBTS, ZDEC, ZDBC | Fast curing, smooth finish, flexibility, and anti-aging. |
| Rubber Hoses and Belts | MBT, CBS, DOTG | Excellent bonding, strength, and weather resistance. |
| Latex Products (Gloves, Balloons) | ZDEC, ZDMC, TMTD | Non-blooming, fast curing, superior elasticity. |
| Industrial Moulded Goods | MBTS, TBBS, MBS | Long scorch time, high durability, better compression set. |
| Automotive Parts | CBS, TBBS, DCBS | Heat resistance, improved resilience, and performance under stress. |
Choosing the Right Accelerator
Selecting the right rubber accelerator depends on multiple parameters:
- Rubber type (natural or synthetic)
- Processing temperature
- Desired cure rate
- Color stability and blooming
- Aging and heat resistance
For example:
- ZDEC and ZDMC are preferred for latex and light-colored rubber.
- CBS and TBBS offer delayed action, suitable for thick rubber and tire compounds.
- TMTD and TMTM serve as ultra-fast accelerators or secondary agents for curing efficiency.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Modern manufacturing increasingly focuses on eco-friendly accelerators that minimize nitrosamine formation and meet global REACH and RoHS compliance standards. Sulfenamide and thiazole accelerators such as CBS and MBTS are widely used due to their lower toxicity and safer handling compared to thiurams and dithiocarbamates.
Accelerator Speed and Compatibility
| Accelerator | Cure Speed | Main Rubber Types | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBT | Medium | NR, SBR, BR | General-purpose accelerator |
| MBTS | Medium-slow | NR, SBR, NBR | Safer alternative to MBT |
| CBS | Delayed-fast | NR, SBR, NBR | Excellent scorch safety |
| TBBS | Delayed-fast | NR, SBR, BR | High reversion resistance |
| TMTD | Ultra-fast | NR, CR, EPDM | Acts as sulfur donor |
| ZDEC | Ultra-fast | NR, Latex | Used in medical gloves |
| ZDBC | Ultra-fast | NR, CR | Light color, non-staining |
| ZMBT | Slow | NR, Latex | Excellent aging resistance |
| DPG | Medium | NR, SBR | Secondary accelerator |
| DOTG | Medium | NBR, EPDM | Improves hardness |
Global Market and Supply Chain Insights
The global rubber accelerator market is witnessing steady growth due to rising demand from the automotive, medical, and industrial sectors. India is emerging as one of the leading producers and exporters of rubber chemicals, supported by companies like Arihant Reclamation Pvt. Ltd., known for their high-quality MBT, CBS, MBTS, and Zinc Oxide products.
The company ensures bulk supply capabilities, customized formulations, and pan-India delivery, supporting manufacturers across Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
Advantages of Partnering with ARPL
- ISO-certified quality management
- Technical expertise in compounding and formulation
- Sustainable and REACH-compliant products
- Prompt delivery and competitive pricing
- Custom packaging and logistics solutions
| Accelerator Group | Representative Chemical | Speed Category | Distinct Property |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thiazoles | MBT, MBTS, ZMBT | Medium | Balanced curing, anti-aging |
| Sulfenamides | CBS, TBBS, DCBS | Delayed | Scorch safety, heat resistance |
| Thiurams | TMTD, TMTM, DPTT | Ultra-fast | Acts as sulfur donor |
| Dithiocarbamates | ZDEC, ZDBC, ZDMC | Ultra-fast | Non-blooming, latex compatibility |
| Guanidines | DPG, DOTG | Medium | Secondary activators |
| Xanthates | ZAX | Fast | Used in latex foams |
The global rubber industry thrives on the precise use of accelerators, activators, and curing agents. Arihant Reclamation Pvt. Ltd. stands as a trusted name in the manufacturing and export of rubber accelerators, antioxidants, and zinc oxide, catering to automotive, industrial, and latex rubber manufacturers across India and overseas.
📞 Get in touch today to discuss bulk requirements and discover why global buyers trust us for reliable rubber chemical solutions.
| Product | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|
| Accelerator MBT | General rubber goods, footwear soles, hoses |
| Accelerator MBTS | Tires, conveyor belts, thick molded products |
| Accelerator CBS | Fast curing for automotive rubber, mechanical goods |
| Accelerator TMTD | As ultra accelerator or sulfur donor in rubber blends |
| Accelerator ZDEC | Ultra-fast latex applications like gloves & balloons |
| Antioxidant IPPD | Protects rubber from oxygen & flex cracking |
| Antioxidant 6PPD | Outstanding ozone & weather resistance for outdoor rubber |
Why ARPL is the Right Choice
- 🏆 Recognized Exporter & Supplier
- 🧪 ISO-certified production with strict quality control
- 🚚 Fast logistics network to all major cities
- 📈 Flexible MOQ & bulk order fulfillment
- 🤝 Long-term supplier to companies in SEZs and industrial parks across India
✅ Connect With Us Today!
📞 Phone: +91-8860732624
📧 Email: arihantreclamation@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.arihantreclamationpvtltd.com