Rubber Activator

Boosts crosslink density and strength

As an active agent for natural and synthetic rubber, ZnO-80 increases the crosslinking density of the vulcanizate, which raises overall strength.

Activates a wide range of accelerators

ZnO-80 activates thiazole, thiuram, quinone, and sulfenamide accelerator classes, making it a near-universal activator across common accelerator systems.

Supports neoprene vulcanization

When used as a vulcanizing agent for neoprene, ZnO-80 is paired with magnesium oxide to improve scorch resistance during processing.

Adds heat resistance and no discoloration

Also functions as a reinforcing, heat-conducting, and coloring agent — suited to tires, tapes, hoses, and shoes where high temperature resistance, aging resistance, and clean color are all required.

1. Why does an accelerator system need an activator like ZnO-80 at all?

Accelerators alone don't reach their full curing potential. Zinc oxide reacts with the accelerator to form a more soluble, more reactive complex, which speeds up the cure and drives more complete crosslinking than the accelerator could achieve on its own.

2. Why is ZnO-80 combined with magnesium oxide for neoprene?

Neoprene (chloroprene rubber) cures differently from general-purpose diene rubbers, and zinc oxide alone can be prone to scorch in this system. Adding magnesium oxide alongside ZnO-80 improves scorch resistance during processing.

3. Does using a pre-dispersed masterbatch change the amount of zinc oxide I need to add?

Yes — since ZnO-80 is 80% active zinc oxide by weight, you'll need to dose slightly more by weight than you would with pure ZnO powder to deliver the same active content. The 3.0–5.0 phr recommended range already accounts for typical formulations at this active content.

4. Which accelerator types work with ZnO-80?

ZnO-80 activates thiazole, thiuram, quinone, and sulfenamide accelerators, covering most of the accelerator chemistry used in general rubber compounding.