Effect of iron oxide on the vulcanization and electrical properties of conductive butyl rubber composites

Rubber ceramic composite, negative temperature coefficient of conductivity (NTCC) thermistors, are widely used in industry because of the high depende nce of their electrical conductivity on temperature. The effect of iron oxi de (Fe3O4) on the vulcanization process, DC conductivity, thermoelectric po wer, dielectric constant and I-V characteristics have been measured. Also t he conduction mechanism is discussed. A hot-pressing technique has been use d to enhance the microstructure core of rubber composites. It has been foun d that Fe3O4 acts as a catalyst during vulcanization process and the charac teristic time constant during vulcanization decreases as: the content of Fe 3O4 increases. (C) 2000 Society of Chemical Industry.