Metal Oxides Influence on the Morphology and Structure of the Polychloroprene Adhesive Composition

The aim of our study is to explore the effects of the vulcanizing agents ZnO and MgO, the interaction occurring between the rubber and other ingredients within the composition, on the properties of the obtained adhesives. Morphological study of the over molecular structure formation are carried out, and a comparison is made with physico-mechanical tests of seven adhesive compositions in order to explain the adhesive joint formation. By means of morphological investigation it was found that ZnO is dispersed in the rubber as separate aggregates, and it is referred to as a mechanical impurity which not affects the polymer properties, whereas MgO is involved in associates with rubber macromolecules. Thus, MgO equally participates with rubber in the deformation processes of the composition, thereby achieving desirable optimal properties. It was determined the resin in an optimal defined amount and optimal mixing regimes to obtain adhesives with the best mechanical properties.