Thermoanalytical studies of rubber oxidation catalyzed by metallic ions

The effects of several metallic ions on the oxidation of natural rubber were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The activation energy of oxidation was evaluated from DSC curves. Cobalt, manganese, iron and copper ions decreased the activation energy of oxidation. Nickel, zinc and tin ions did not affect the activation energy. The effective ions are those which are able to undergo one-electron transfer redox reaction with hydroperoxide. Based on the activation energy values, the catalytic activities of metallic ions are: Co > Mn > Cu ? Fe > Ni ? Zn ? Sn.