THE CURE CHEMISTRY OF POLYSULFIDES

Liquid polysulfide polymers can be cured by a wide variety of compound s and through a number of reaction paths. The most commonly used syste m is the oxidation of the thiol terminal groups in the presence of met al peroxides. Addition and substitution reactions are also possible wi th such diverse products as epoxy resins, isocyanates, acrylics and an hydrides. Although having a noteworthy commercial history little is kn own of the detailed cure mechanism and the article discusses some of t he current research being carried out. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.