Chlorinated rubber is typically prepared by treating a solution of masticated
natural rubber in chloroform or carbon tetrachloride with chlorine at
80-100°C until sampling indicates the product has a chlorine content of
about 65%. During this time, hydrogen chloride is evolved. After the passage
of chlorine has been stopped, the solution is refluxed until the evolution of hydrogen chloride ceases; this results in a product of good stability. The
chlorinated rubber is then isolated by precipitation with methanol.
Chlorinated rubber is used for rust and corrosion prevention of steel products. It is widely used in anti-corrosion coatings and various strong adhesives. It can also be used as an impact modifier, permanent plasticizer, cold-resistant additive for polyethylene plastics, flame retardant for polyolefins, and modifier for various rubber compounds.
An elastomer (natural
rubber or a polyolefin) to which 65% of chlorine
has been added to give a solid, film-forming resin.
White, amorphous powder available in viscosity
grades from 5 to 125 c P, the figures indicating vis-
cosity of a 20% solution in tol
The reaction of natural rubber and chlorine is complex and possibly
involves the following sequence￡o
Do not dry-mill chlorinated rubber with
zinc oxide; mixture reacts violently at 216C. Do
not use in baked enamels.
