Regulating\nVulcanization Kinetics with Deep Eutectic\nSolvents for Developing Greener Processing Technology of Thermoplastic\nVulcanizates

Developing eco-friendly technologies for producing recyclable,\nhigh-performance thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) is of critical\nurgency. Herein, four deep eutectic solvents (DESs) synthesized based\non accelerator CZ (<i>N</i>-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazolesulfenamide)\nwere used to replace CZ to promote the vulcanization of natural rubber\n(NR). The synthesized DESs could reduce vulcanization temperature\nand improve vulcanization efficiency, and the DES-aided low-temperature\nvulcanization of NR gums is favorable for preparing high-strength\nand low-dissipation vulcanizates. Introducing DESs in dynamic vulcanization\ncan shorten processing time by 71% and reduce mechanical energy input\nby 37% without interfering with the mechanical properties of TPVs\nformed by cross-linked NR particles dispersed in an ethylene-vinyl\nacetate copolymer matrix. Moreover, TPVs exhibit excellent resilience\nat room temperature. This study provides a sustainable approach for\nTPV processing with enhanced performance and environmental compatibility.