A DSC study of curative interactions. I. The interaction of ZnO, sulfur, and stearic acid

Abstract The interaction between combinations of sulfur, stearic acid, and ZnO were studied by differential scanning calorimetry in the absence of rubber. The only reaction observed was between ZnO and stearic acid. A small amount of zinc stearate formed as soon as the stearic acid melted, but the solid product blocked further reaction, which was only completed at 154°C. Water played a major role in the reaction, and in the presence of water, the reaction went to completion at lower temperatures. Sulfur, too, affected the temperature of the ZnO/stearic acid reaction. The preparation of zinc stearate by a number of routes was investigated.