An Effective DOTG Replacement Accelerator for Both High Performance and General Elastomers

R.T. Vanderbilt has developed a new accelerator for the replacement of guanidines, targeting its use in high performance acrylic based elastomers as well as general polymers.  Vamac^® ethylene acrylic elastomers (AEM) and HyTemp^® polyacrylate (ACM) elastomers are both utilized in automotive applications for their fluid and high and low temperature resistance.  DOTG (N,N’-di-o-tolylguanidine) is used in almost all cure systems for AEM and is commonly used in ACM.  The replacement of DOTG has already begun due to regulatory concerns, since it has been classified as a toxic solid and a potential carcinogenic decomposition byproduct could be released during the molding process.  Replacement guanidine-free cure systems that maintain high performance are highly desirable as alternatives to DOTG.  This new accelerator also replaces the use of DOTG in other cure systems and polymers, such as zinc oxide-cured Neoprene and sulfur-cured Natural Rubber.  The new R.T. Vanderbilt accelerator targets the use in acrylic elastomers and will be shown to be a viable option for general DOTG replacement.