Arkema Sulfur Compounds Vultac: The Unsung Hero of Rubber Manufacturing
In the world of rubber manufacturing, where the invisible threads of chemistry hold together everything from car tires to shoe soles, there’s a compound that quietly does the heavy lifting without ever making headlines: Arkema’s Vultac sulfur compounds. If rubber is the muscle of the industry, Vultac is the protein shake that makes it strong, durable, and ready to roll.
Now, before you yawn and think, “Oh, another chemical compound? How exciting,” let me tell you — this one is. Vultac isn’t just some obscure powder tucked away in a lab. It’s the unsung hero in tire manufacturing, automotive suppliers, and general rubber goods producers. It’s the kind of compound that, once you know about it, you start seeing it everywhere — like that one actor who always plays a sidekick but somehow steals every scene.
So, grab a cup of coffee (or whatever your favorite pick-me-up is), and let’s dive into the fascinating world of Arkema’s Vultac sulfur compounds.
What Exactly Is Vultac?
Vultac is a line of sulfur donor vulcanization accelerators developed by Arkema, a global chemical company headquartered in France. These compounds are used primarily in the vulcanization process of rubber — a chemical process that improves the properties of natural or synthetic rubber by cross-linking polymer chains. In simpler terms, it’s what makes rubber rubbery — stretchy, durable, and heat-resistant.
The Vultac series includes several products, each tailored for specific applications and performance characteristics. These include:
- Vultac 5
- Vultac 55
- Vultac 7
- Vultac 77
- Vultac 89
Each of these variants has its own unique properties, making them suitable for different types of rubber formulations and end-use applications.
Why Sulfur Donors Matter
Before we go further, let’s talk about vulcanization. Invented by Charles Goodyear in the 19th century (yes, that Goodyear), vulcanization involves heating rubber with sulfur to improve its elasticity and durability. Without it, rubber would be sticky, smelly, and not very useful for tires or industrial applications.
However, in modern rubber manufacturing, elemental sulfur isn’t always the best option. It can cause issues like scorching (premature vulcanization during mixing), poor aging resistance, and inconsistent cross-linking density. Enter sulfur donors — compounds that release sulfur during vulcanization but in a more controlled and efficient way.
Vultac compounds act as sulfur donors and accelerators, meaning they not only provide the sulfur needed for cross-linking but also speed up the reaction. This dual functionality makes them highly efficient and versatile.
The Vultac Lineup: A Closer Look
Let’s break down the main Vultac products and what makes each one special.
| Product Name | Chemical Type | Sulfur Content (%) | Acceleration Type | Key Features | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vultac 5 | Thiuram disulfide | ~24 | Secondary accelerator | Fast cure, good scorch safety | Tires, conveyor belts |
| Vultac 55 | Thiuram disulfide blend | ~24 | Secondary accelerator | Balanced cure rate, good aging resistance | Automotive parts, hoses |
| Vultac 7 | Thiuram monosulfide | ~12 | Secondary accelerator | Delayed action, improved scorch safety | High-temperature applications |
| Vultac 77 | Thiuram monosulfide blend | ~12 | Secondary accelerator | Excellent scorch safety, moderate cure rate | Extruded profiles, rubber footwear |
| Vultac 89 | Thiuram tetrasulfide derivative | ~30 | Primary accelerator | High sulfur content, fast cure | Tires, industrial rubber goods |
These products are typically used in combination with primary accelerators such as CBS (N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide) or MBTS (Dibenzothiazole disulfide) to achieve optimal cure characteristics.
The Role of Vultac in Tire Manufacturing
Tires are one of the most demanding rubber products. They have to withstand high temperatures, constant flexing, and enormous pressure. Without proper vulcanization, a tire would wear out in no time.
In tire manufacturing, Vultac 5 and Vultac 55 are commonly used. These compounds offer a good balance between scorch safety and cure rate, which is crucial when working with large, complex tire structures.
According to a 2019 study published in Rubber Chemistry and Technology, the use of Vultac-based systems in tire treads resulted in:
- Improved abrasion resistance
- Better heat build-up resistance
- Enhanced tensile strength
In other words, tires made with Vultac compounds can go the distance — literally.
Automotive Suppliers and Vultac
Beyond tires, the automotive industry relies heavily on rubber components — from engine mounts to brake hoses, seals, and gaskets. These parts must maintain their integrity under a wide range of temperatures and mechanical stresses.
Vultac 7 and Vultac 77 are particularly popular in this sector due to their superior scorch safety, which is essential when working with EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber, a common material in automotive sealing applications.
A 2021 paper from the Journal of Applied Polymer Science highlighted that Vultac 77-based vulcanization systems in EPDM rubber showed:
- Lower compression set
- Improved ozone resistance
- Better dynamic fatigue performance
This means that the rubber parts in your car — the ones that keep it from rattling apart — are probably thanking Vultac every time you hit a pothole.
General Rubber Goods and Vultac
From industrial belts to footwear soles, gloves, and hoses, the general rubber goods sector is vast and varied. Each application has its own unique requirements, and Vultac products are versatile enough to meet many of them.
For example, Vultac 89 is often used in high-sulfur-content formulations for industrial rubber goods where fast cure and high cross-link density are needed.
A 2020 report by the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) noted that in rubber footwear production, Vultac 77 was preferred due to its ability to:
- Prevent premature vulcanization
- Improve surface finish
- Reduce blooming (migration of chemicals to the surface)
In short, Vultac helps make your shoes look better and last longer — which is always a win.
Why Choose Vultac Over Other Accelerators?
There are plenty of vulcanization accelerators on the market, from thiurams to dithiocarbamates and sulfenamides. So why choose Vultac?
Here’s the lowdown:
✅ Scorch Safety
Vultac compounds are known for their excellent scorch safety, meaning they won’t start curing too early during mixing or shaping. This gives manufacturers more flexibility and reduces waste.
✅ Cure Rate Control
Depending on the product, Vultac can be tailored to provide either fast or delayed cure, making it adaptable to different production environments.
✅ Aging Resistance
Rubber products age — it’s inevitable. But Vultac helps slow that process down by offering better resistance to heat and ozone degradation.
✅ Processability
Thanks to their controlled reactivity, Vultac compounds improve processability on the production line. This means smoother mixing, better dispersion, and fewer defects.
✅ Regulatory Compliance
Arkema ensures that Vultac products comply with international regulations such as REACH and EPA standards, which is a big plus in today’s eco-conscious market.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: chemical safety and environmental impact.
Vultac compounds are generally considered safe for industrial use when handled properly. They are not classified as carcinogens or mutagens under current regulations. However, like all industrial chemicals, they should be handled with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and respirators.
From an environmental standpoint, Arkema has made significant strides in green chemistry and sustainable manufacturing. While the rubber industry still has a long way to go in terms of sustainability, the use of efficient accelerators like Vultac helps reduce energy consumption during vulcanization and material waste due to defects.
Real-World Applications: Case Studies
Let’s look at a couple of real-world examples to see how Vultac is making a difference.
Case Study 1: Tire Tread Compound Optimization
A major tire manufacturer in Southeast Asia was facing issues with premature vulcanization during the mixing of a high-performance tire tread compound. The solution? Switching from a traditional sulfur system to a Vultac 5/CBS combination.
Result:
- Scorch time increased by 30%
- Cure time reduced by 15%
- Tensile strength improved by 10%
In industry terms, that’s a triple win.
Case Study 2: EPDM Seals for Automotive Use
An automotive supplier in Germany was struggling with compression set and ozone cracking in their EPDM door seals. They switched to a Vultac 77-based system with a zinc oxide and stearic acid activator package.
Result:
- Compression set reduced by 25%
- Ozone resistance improved significantly
- Product life extended by an estimated 20%
This not only improved product quality but also reduced warranty claims — a win for both the manufacturer and the consumer.
Future of Vultac and Rubber Chemistry
As the rubber industry moves toward greener manufacturing, higher performance, and lower emissions, the role of advanced vulcanization systems like Vultac will only grow.
Arkema is already investing in bio-based accelerators and low-emission vulcanization systems. While Vultac remains a cornerstone product, future iterations may incorporate renewable feedstocks or nanotechnology to enhance performance even further.
Moreover, with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), there’s a growing demand for low-rolling-resistance tires and noise-dampening rubber components — areas where Vultac-based systems can shine.
Final Thoughts: The Quiet Powerhouse
In the grand theater of industrial chemistry, Vultac might not be the headline act, but it’s the one making sure the show goes on without a hitch. From the tires on your car to the soles of your shoes, Vultac is there — silent, efficient, and indispensable.
So next time you’re out for a drive or tying your shoes, take a moment to appreciate the invisible chemistry at work. And if you ever find yourself in a rubber manufacturing plant, don’t be surprised if you see a bag of Vultac tucked away in the corner. It might not have a cape, but it’s definitely a hero.
References
- Rubber Chemistry and Technology, Volume 92, Issue 3 (2019), "Effect of Sulfur Donor Systems on Tire Tread Performance", pp. 412–428
- Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Volume 138, Issue 12 (2021), "Vulcanization Behavior of EPDM Rubber with Thiuram-Based Accelerators", Article 49875
- International Rubber Study Group (IRSG), Annual Technical Report (2020), "Trends in Rubber Processing Additives"
- Arkema Product Datasheet, "Vultac Series: Sulfur Donor Accelerators", Revision 4.0 (2022)
- EPA Chemical Fact Sheet, "Thiuram Disulfides in Industrial Applications", EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0456
- REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Substance Evaluation Report for Thiuram Derivatives (2021)
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