COAGENT FOR FREE RADICAL CURING FLUOROELASTOMERS

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20130158154
  • Publication Number
    20130158154
  • Date Filed
    December 15, 2011
    13 years ago
  • Date Published
    June 20, 2013
    11 years ago
Abstract
Disclosed herein are curable compositions comprising a free radical curable fluoroelastomer, a free radical generating compound and an unsaturated metal compound coagent. Such compositions cure well, exhibit good (i.e. low) compression set resistance and process well (i.e. have reduced polymer viscosity compared to similar compositions not containing the unsaturated metal compound coagent).
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to curable fluoroelastomer compositions comprising i) a fluoroelastomer having chloro-, bromo, or iodo cure sites, ii) a free radical generating compound and iii) an unsaturated metal compound coagent.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fluoroelastomers having excellent heat resistance, oil resistance, and chemical resistance have been used widely for sealing materials, containers and hoses. Examples of fluoroelastomers include copolymers comprising units of vinylidene fluoride (VF2) and units of at least one other copolymerizable fluorine-containing monomer such as hexafluoropropylene (HFP), tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), vinyl fluoride (VF), and a fluorovinyl ether such as a perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) (PAVE). Specific examples of PAVE include perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether), perfluoro(ethyl vinyl ether) and perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether). Other fluoroelastomers include copolymers comprising tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether).


In order to fully develop physical properties such as tensile strength, elongation, and compression set, elastomers must be cured, i.e. vulcanized or crosslinked. In the case of fluoroelastomers, this is generally accomplished by mixing uncured polymer (i.e. fluoroelastomer gum) with a polyfunctional curing agent and heating the resultant mixture, thereby promoting chemical reaction of the curing agent with active sites along the polymer backbone or side chains. Interchain linkages produced as a result of these chemical reactions cause formation of a crosslinked polymer composition having a three-dimensional network structure.


Commonly employed curing agents for fluoroelastomers include the combination of a free radical generator, e.g. an organic peroxide, with a multifunctional coagent. A metal oxide is typically added to the composition in order to improve retention of elastomer physical properties (e.g. elongation and tensile strength) at high temperature (>200° C.).


Fluoroelastomers having nitrile cure sites have been cured with organotin compounds containing at least one allyl-, propargyl-, or allenyltin curative in U.S. Pat. No. 4,394,489. No free radical generating compound was present in the curing system.


U.S. Pat. No. 5,447,993 describes the dual cure of nitrile-containing fluoroelastomers with peroxide, a coagent, and a catalyst that causes crosslinks to form using the nitrile groups. The catalyst is typically an organotin compound.


U.S. Pat. No. 5,656,697 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,857 describe a peroxide-curable fluoroelastomer comprising metal hydride, peroxide, and multifunctional coagent.


U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,884,860 and 6,916,871 describe curable fluoropolymer compositions comprising metal hydrides.


WO 2004/106397 describes a natural rubber latex grafted with a tin-containing monomer.


Poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene) plastic has been functionalized with allyltributyltin and AlBN in refluxing benzene to replace chlorine atoms with allyl groups (R. T. Taylor et. al., Heteroatom Chemistry 1995, 6, 585-587).


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention is a curable fluoroelastomer composition comprising:


A) a fluoroelastomer having chloro, bromo or iodo cure sites;


B) a free radical generating compound; and


C) an unsaturated metal compound coagent having the formula

    • Y(4-n)MXn wherein Y is selected from alkyl, aryl, carboxylic acid, or alkyl ester groups; M is selected from Si, Ge, Sn, or Pb; X is an allyl group CR1R2CR3═CR4R5, vinyl group CR1═CR2R3, allenyl group CR1═C═CR2R3, alkynyl group C≡CR1, or propargyl group CR1R2C≡CR3; R1—R5 are selected independently from the group consisting of H, F, alkyl, aryl, heterocycle, or perfluoroalkyl groups; and n is 1, 2, or 3.







DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The curable compositions of this invention comprise a free radical curable fluoroelastomer, a free radical generating compound and an unsaturated metal compound coagent. Such compositions cure well, exhibit good (i.e. low) compression set resistance and process well (i.e. have reduced polymer viscosity compared to similar compositions not containing the unsaturated metal compound coagent).


By “free radical curable” is meant fluoroelastomers that contain Cl, Br or I cure sites along the polymer chain, at chain ends or in both locations.


Cure sites along the fluoroelastomer chain are typically due to copolymerized cure site monomers that contain chlorine, bromine or iodine atoms. Examples of suitable cure site monomers include, but are not limited to: i) bromine -containing olefins; ii) iodine-containing olefins; iii) bromine-containing vinyl ethers; iv) iodine-containing vinyl ethers; v) chloro-containing olefins; and vi) chlorine-containing vinyl ethers.


Brominated cure site monomers may contain other halogens, preferably fluorine. Examples of brominated olefin cure site monomers are CF2═CFOCF2CF2CF2OCF2CF2Br; bromotrifluoroethylene; 4-bromo-3,3,4,4-tetrafluorobutene-1 (BTFB); and others such as vinyl bromide; 1-bromo-2,2-difluoroethylene; perfluoroallyl bromide; 4-bromo-1,1,2-trifluorobutene-1; 4-bromo-1,1,3,3,4,4,-hexafluorobutene; 4-bromo-3-chloro-1,1,3,4,4-pentafluorobutene; 6-bromo-5,5,6,6-tetrafluorohexene; 4-bromoperfluorobutene-1 and 3,3-difluoroallyl bromide. Brominated vinyl ether cure site monomers useful in the invention include 2-bromo-perfluoroethyl perfluorovinyl ether and fluorinated compounds of the class CF2Br—Rf—O—CF═CF2(Rf is a perfluoroalkylene group), such as CF2BrCF2O—CF═CF2, and fluorovinyl ethers of the class ROCF═CFBr or ROCBr═CF2 (where R is a lower alkyl group or fluoroalkyl group) such as CH3OCF═CFBr or CF3CH2OCF═CFBr.


Suitable iodinated cure site monomers include iodinated olefins of the formula: CHR═CH—Z—CH2CHR—I, wherein R is —H or —CH3; Z is a C1-C18 (per)fluoroalkylene radical, linear or branched, optionally containing one or more ether oxygen atoms, or a (per)fluoropolyoxyalkylene radical as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,959. Other examples of useful iodinated cure site monomers are unsaturated ethers of the formula: I(CH2CF2CF2)nOCF═CF2 and ICH2CF2O[CF(CF3)CF2O]nCF═CF2, and the like, wherein n=1-3, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,717,036. In addition, suitable iodinated cure site monomers including iodoethylene; 4-iodo-3,3,4,4-tetrafluorobutene-1 (ITFB); 3-chloro-4-iodo-3,4,4-trifluorobutene; 2-iodo -1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(vinyloxy)ethane; 2-iodo-1-(perfluorovinyloxy)-1,1,-2,2-tetrafluoroethylene; 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-iodo-1-(perfluorovinyloxy)propane; 2-iodoethyl vinyl ether; 3,3,4,5,5,5-hexafluoro-4-iodopentene; and iodotrifluoroethylene are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,694,045. Allyl iodide and 2-iodo-perfluoroethyl perfluorovinyl ether are also useful cure site monomers.


Suitable chlorinated cure site monomers include any of the above cure site monomers wherein bromine or iodine atoms are replaced by chlorine atoms. Chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), vinyl chloride and vinylidene chloride are further examples.


Additionally, chlorine-containing endgroups, iodine-containing endgroups, bromine-containing endgroups or mixtures thereof may optionally be present at one or both of the fluoroelastomer polymer chain ends as a result of the use of chain transfer or molecular weight regulating agents during preparation of the fluoroelastomers. The amount of chain transfer agent, when employed, is calculated to result in an iodine, bromine or chlorine level in the fluoroelastomer in the range of 0.005-5 wt. %, preferably 0.05-3 wt. %.


Examples of chain transfer agents include iodine-containing compounds that result in incorporation of a bound iodine atom at one or both ends of the polymer molecules. Methylene iodide; 1,4-diiodoperfluoro-n-butane; and 1,6-diiodo-3,3,4,4,tetrafluorohexane are representative of such agents. Other iodinated chain transfer agents include 1,3-diiodoperfluoropropane; 1,6-diiodoperfluorohexane; 1,3-diiodo-2-chloroperfluoropropane; 1,2-di(iododifluoromethyl)-perfluorocyclobutane; monoiodoperfluoroethane; monoiodoperfluorobutane; 2-iodo-1-hydroperfluoroethane, etc. Also included are the cyano-iodine chain transfer agents disclosed in European Patent 0868447A1. Particularly preferred are diiodinated chain transfer agents.


Examples of brominated chain transfer agents include 1-bromo-2-iodoperfluoroethane; 1-bromo-3-iodoperfluoropropane; 1-iodo-2-bromo-1,1-difluoroethane and others such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,492.


Examples of chlorinated chain transfer agents include carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride and chloroform.


Specific examples of fluoroelastomers that may be employed in the invention include, but are not limited to copolymers comprising i) vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropylene and optionally tetrafluoroethylene, ii) vinylidene fluoride, perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether) and optionally tetrafluoroethylene, iii) tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether), and iv) tetrafluoroethylene and propylene. All of the latter polymers having chlorine, iodine or bromine atoms along the polymer chain, at the ends or both.


Compositions of the invention also contain at least one free radical generating compound. By “free radical generating compound” is meant a compound that upon exposure to heat or actinic radiation decomposes, forming radicals. This includes organic peroxides and photoinitiators.


Organic peroxides suitable for use in the compositions of the invention include, but are not limited to 1,1-bis(t-butylperoxy)-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexane; 1,1-bis(t-butylperoxy)cyclohexane; 2,2-bis(t-butylperoxy)octane; n-butyl-4,4-bis(t-butylperoxy)valerate; 2,2-bis(t-butylperoxy)butane; 2,5-dimethylhexane-2,5-dihydroxyperoxide; di-t-butyl peroxide; t-butylcumyl peroxide; dicumyl peroxide; alpha, alpha′-bis(t-butylperoxy-m-isopropyl)benzene; 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexane; 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexene-3; benzoyl peroxide, t-butylperoxybenzene; 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(benzoylperoxy)-hexane; t-butylperoxymaleic acid; and t-butylperoxyisopropylcarbonate. Preferred examples of organic peroxides include 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexane, dicumyl peroxide, and alpha, alpha′-bis(t-butylperoxy-m-isopropyl)benzene. The amount compounded is generally in the range of 0.05-5 parts by weight, preferably in the range of 0.1-3 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the fluoroelastomer. This particular range is selected because if the peroxide is present in an amount of less than 0.05 parts by weight, the vulcanization rate is insufficient and causes poor mold release. On the other hand, if the peroxide is present in amounts of greater than 5 parts by weight, the compression set of the cured polymer becomes unacceptably high. In addition, the organic peroxides may be used singly or in combinations of two or more types. In instances where a slow rate of cure is acceptable, the peroxide may be omitted or used at very low level such as 0.02-0.05 phr.


Photoinitiators that may be employed in the compositions of the invention include, but are not limited to benzophenone; acetophenone; benzil; benzaldehyde; o-chlorobenzaldehyde; xanthone; thioxanthone; 9,10-anthraquinone; 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone; 2,2-diethoxyacetophenone; dimethoxyphenylacetophenone; methyl diethanolamine; dimethylaminobenzoate; 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenylpropane-1-one; 2,2-di-sec-butoxyacetophenone; 2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-diphenylethan-1-one; benzil dimethoxyketal; benzoin methyl ether; and phenyl glyoxal. The amount compounded is generally in the range of 0.05-5 parts by weight, preferably in the range of 0.1-3 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the fluoroelastomer.


The unsaturated metal compound coagent employed in the compositions of the invention is a derivative of silicon, germanium, tin, or lead that has at least one vinyl, allyl, allenyl, alkynyl, or propargyl group attached to the metal. The general formula is Y(4-n)MXn wherein Y is selected from alkyl, aryl, carboxylic acid, or alkyl ester groups. The Y groups on one molecule of this coagent may be selected from more than one group. M is selected from Si, Ge, Sn, or Pb; X is an allyl group CR1R2CR3═CR4R5, vinyl group CR1═CR2R3, allenyl group CR1═C═CR2R3, alkynyl group C≡CR1, or propargyl group CR1R2C≡CR3; R1—R5 are selected independently from the group consisting of H, F, alkyl, aryl, heterocycle, or perfluoroalkyl groups; and n is 1, 2, or 3. The R1—R5 group may be a mixed alkyl and perfluoroalkyl group such as CF3(CF2)5CH2CH2—. Preferred for Y groups are phenyl groups or alkyl groups. Most preferred Y groups are alkyl groups, particularly where each alkyl group has 4, 6 or 8 carbon atoms. Carboxylic acid Y groups can be for example octanoic or stearic acid or a diacid such as maleic acid. Allyl and vinyl groups are preferred for X and allyl is most preferred. It is preferred that n is 1 or 2 and most preferred that n is 1. It is preferred that the R1-5 groups be H or F and most preferably H. Introduction of an excess of non-hydrogen R groups on the unsaturated X group can be detrimental to performance due to steric hindrance. However introduction of 1, 2 or 3 non-hydrogen groups can in some instances improve performance. The syntheses of unsaturated tin compounds is described for example in Organotin Chemistry, 2nd Ed. (Wiley-VCH, 2004, Weinheim, Germany, Alwyn G. Davies author).


Specific examples of unsaturated metal compound coagents suitable for use in this invention include, but are not limited to allyltributyltin, methallyltri-n-butyltin, diallyldibutyltin, allyltriphenyltin, tributyl(vinyl)tin, diallyldioctyltin, allyltriphenylstannane, allyltriphenylgermane, allyltriphenylplumbane, vinyltriphenyltin, allyltriphenylsilane, allyltrioctylstannane, allyltrioctylgermane, vinyltrioctylstannane, and divinyldioctylstannane.


The amount of unsaturated metal compound can be about 0.1 to 8 parts by weight, preferably 0.2 to 4 parts by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 3 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight fluoroelastomer. The amount of unsaturated metal compound can in some instances be approximated by calculating the ratio of total moles of chlorine, bromine, and iodine to the moles of silicon, germanium, tin, and lead. Good balance of properties is likely to be attained at ratios of 0.5-3:1 or 1-2:1. Many experiments in this invention were fixed at the ratio of 1.5:1. However this ratio guideline is not followed for polymers that have large number of free-radical curable halogens, such as CTFE polymers with greater than about 5 wt % CTFE monomer.


Compositions of the invention have a lower viscosity than do similar compositions that lack the unsaturated metal compound coagent. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the unsaturated metal compounds of this invention reduce viscosity of rubber compounds by interacting with the acid or salt endgroups of the fluoroelastomer.


Optionally, the compositions of the invention may further comprise a conventional multifunctional coagent of the type typically employed in the free radical curing of fluoroelastomers. Such multifunctional coagents include, but are not limited to unsaturated compounds such as triallyl cyanurate, trimethacryl isocyanurate, triallyl isocyanurate, trimethallyl isocyanurate, triacryl formal, triallyl trimellitate, N,N′-m-phenylene bismaleimide, diallyl phthalate, tetraallylterephthalamide, tri(diallylamine)-s-triazine, triallyl phosphite, bis-olefins and N,N-diallylacrylamide. When present, the amount compounded is generally in the range of 0.1-10 (preferably 0.2-6) parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the fluoroelastomer. The optional unsaturated compounds may be used singly or as a combination of two or more types.


The curable compositions of the invention may also optionally contain 1 to 20 parts by weight (preferably 2 to 6 parts) of at least one acid acceptor (e.g. zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium hydroxide, hydrotalcite).


Other ingredients (e.g. fillers, colorants, process aids, etc.) commonly employed in elastomer compositions may also be included in the curable compositions of the invention.


The fluoroelastomer, free radical generating compound, unsaturated metal compound coagent and any other ingredients are generally incorporated into a curable composition by means of an internal mixer or rubber mill. The resulting composition may then be shaped (e.g. molded or extruded) and cured to form a fluororubber article. Curing typically takes place at about 150°-200° C. for 1 to 60 minutes. Conventional rubber curing presses, molds, extruders, and the like provided with suitable heating and curing means can be used. Also, for optimum physical properties and dimensional stability, it is preferred to carry out a post curing operation wherein the molded or extruded fluororubber article is heated in an oven or the like for an additional period of about 1-48 hours, typically from about 180°-275° C.


EXAMPLES
Test Methods

Cure characteristics were measured using a Monsanto Moving Die Rheometer (MDR 2000) instrument under the following conditions:


Moving die frequency: 1.66 Hz


Oscillation amplitude: 0.5


Temperature: 177° C. unless otherwise indicated


Duration of test: 24 minutes

    • The following cure parameters were recorded:


MH: maximum torque level, in units of dN·m


ML: minimum torque level, in units of dN·m


ts2: minutes to 2 units rise above ML


tc90: minutes to 90% of maximum torque


Tensile properties were determined by ASTM D412.


Compression set resistance was measured according to ASTM D395.



1H and 13C NMR spectra were measured on Bruker 400 or 500 MHz spectrometers using accepted acquisition and data processing protocols. 119Sn NMR spectra were run on the neat sample with a DMSO-d6 capillary for lock in a 10 mm BB probe on a Varian 400 MHz Direct Drive NMR at 25° C. using a spectra width of 156250, nonspinning, an acquisition time of 1.2 sec, and a recycle delay of 60 sec. Samples were externally referenced to neat Bu4Sn unlocked at −12 ppm.


The invention is further illustrated by, but is not limited to, the following examples.


Example 1 and Comparative Example A

Curable compositions for Example 1 and Comparative Example A were made by compounding the ingredients on a two-roll mill. Formulations are shown in Table I. Fluoroelastomer 1 was Viton® GF-600S, a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropylene and tetrafluoroethylene containing iodine cure sites, available from DuPont.


Cure characteristics are also shown in Table I. Surprisingly, the allylating agent allyltributyltin (Example 1) caused the fluoroelastomer containing iodine groups to cure, but the allylating agent diallyl oxalate (Comp. Ex. A) did not cure the elastomer as evidenced by the low MH value and the fact that the MDR disc material still flowed well after being heated to 177° C. for 24 minutes.













TABLE I









Comp.




Example
Example




1
A




















Ingredient, phr1





Fluoroelastomer 1
100
100



Allyltributylstannane
0.5
0



Diallyl Oxalate
0
0.5



VAROX DBPH-502
0.5
0.5



ELASTOMAG 1703
3
3







Curing





characteristics





ML, dNm
0.91
0.81



MH, dNm
6.89
1.33



ts2, minutes
1.06




t50, minutes
1.27
3.09



t90, minutes
2.92
9.55








1parts by weight per hundred parts rubber (i.e.fluoroelastomer)





2organic peroxide available from R.T. Vanderbilt Co., Inc.





3magnesium oxide available from Akrochem Corp., Akron, OH







Examples 2-4 and Comparative Examples B-C

Curable compositions for Examples 2-4 of the invention and Comparative Examples B-C were made by compounding the ingredients on a two roll mill. Formulations are shown in Table II. Fluoroelastomer 2 was Viton® GBL900, a vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropylene, tetrafluoroethylene copolymer having bromine cure sites, available from DuPont.


The compositions were molded into slabs and o-rings by press curing at 177° C. for 10 minutes. Cured parts were then post-cured for 16 hours at 232° C. in air.


The cure data shows crosslinking of a bromine-containing elastomer when allyltributylstannane was used as the sole curative. A higher state of cure was observed when allyltributylstannane was used in combination with triallyl isocyanurate (TAlC).














TABLE II






Comp.
Comp.






Example
Example
Example
Example
Example



B
C
2
3
4







Ingredient, phr







Fluoroelastomer 2
100
100
100
100
100


TAIC4
3
4

1.5
3


Allyltributylstannane


3.0
0.90
1.8


MT Black
30
30
30
30
30


VAROX DBPH-50
2
2
2
2
2


ELASTOMAG 170
3
3
3
3
3


Micro-cel E5
1
1
1
1
1


Curing Characteristics







ML, dNm
2.77
2.6
2.41
2.44
2.17


MH, dNm
18.37
20.15
18.67
19.5
26.16


ts2, minutes
0.8
0.81
0.6
0.65
0.63


t50, minutes
1.31
1.36
1.11
1.11
1.16


t90, minutes
4.03
4
3.24
3.2
2.97


25% Deflection







Compression Set







Compression Set 200° C.
47
46
29
35
23


70 h, %







Compression Set 225° C.
67
59
43
59
39


70 h, %







Compression Set 250° C.
83
78
76
84
67


70 h, %







Compression Set 250° C.
101
101
96
98
81


168 h, %







Physical Properties







Hardness, Shore A
73
74
72
73
77


M50, MPa
2.44
3.03
2.41
2.64
3.86


M100, MPa
7.61
9.23
6.01
7.62
13.41


Tb, MPa
14.02
12.57
17.2
18.49
17.27


Eb (%)
138
124
208
174
115


Retention of Physical







Properties After Age







275° C./air/70 h







Hardness, % retention
96
97
117
95
97


M50, % retention
68
65
235
82
102


M100, % retention
39
44
0
57
0


Tb, % retention
55
70
54
43
56


Eb, % retention
173
180
38
89
82






4Diak 7 available from DuPont




5Calcium metasilicate available from Celite Corporation







Examples 5-10 and Comparative Examples D-F

Curable compositions for Examples 5-10 and Comparative Examples D-F were made by compounding the ingredients on a two roll mill. Formulations are shown in Table III. Fluoroelastomer 2 was Viton® GBL900, a vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropylene, tetrafluoroethylene copolymer having bromine cure sites, available from DuPont.


The compositions were molded into slabs and o-rings by press curing at 177° C. for 15 and 10 minutes, respectively. The cured parts were then post-cured for 16 hours at 232° C. in air. Cure characteristics and physical properties are shown in Table III.


This data shows crosslinking of a bromine-containing elastomer when methallyltri-n-butyltin, diallyldibutyltin, or allyltriphenyltin was used as the sole curative. The cure state increased when these curatives were used in combination with TALC. Tetraallyltin gave a poor cure response when used as the sole curative.



















TABLE III







Comp.




Comp.
Comp.





Ex. D
Ex. 5
Ex. 6
Ex. 7
Ex. 8
Ex. E
Ex. F
Ex. 9
Ex. 10

























Ingredient, phr











Fluoroelastomer 2
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100


TAIC
3
3

3

3

3


Methallyltri-n-butyltin

1.9
1.9


Diallyldibutyltin



0.86
0.86


Tetraallyltin





0.4
0.4


Allyltriphenyltin







2.1
2.1


MT Black
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30


VAROX DBPH-50
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2


ELASTOMAG 170
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3


Micro-cel E
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1


Curing


characteristics


ML, dNm
2.66
1.88
2.54
2.32
2.77
2.91
3.48
2.28
2.66


MH, dNm
18.61
21.2
13.93
23.64
14.85
18.83
8.63
26.67
17.85


ts2, minutes
0.77
0.67
0.89
0.65
0.69
0.73
1.57
0.66
0.64


t50, minutes
1.27
1.34
1.67
1.28
1.26
1.38
2.03
1.2
1.27


t90, minutes
3.7
3.62
4.69
3.71
3.82
3.92
6.65
3.78
5.12


25% Deflection


Compression Set


Compression Set
50
31
51
29
41
39
77
29
39


200° C. 70 h, %


Compression Set
63
46
73
46
59
60
97
50
59


225° C. 70 h, %


Compression Set
79
64
92
59
85
77
98
60
81


250° C. 70 h, %


Physical Properties,


Hardness, Shore A
74
77
69
75
69
73
67
78
72


M50, MPa
2.38
3.14
1.78
3.49
1.77
2.7
1.48
4.15
1.98


M100, MPa
7.18
9.18
4.01
12.04
4.17
8.67
2.52
14.52
4.63


Tb, MPa
19.06
17.81
18.26
19.68
18.74
16.7
16.7
15.39
17.95


Eb (%)
183
159
265
136
232
154
327
103
216









Examples 11-12 and Comparative Example G

Curable compositions for Examples 11-12 and Comparative Example G were made by compounding the ingredients on a two roll mill. Formulations are shown in Table IV. Fluoroelastomer 2 was Viton® GBL900, a vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropylene, tetrafluoroethylene copolymer having bromine cure sites, available from DuPont.


The compositions were molded into slabs and o-rings by press curing at 177° C. for 15 and 10 minutes, respectively. The cured parts were then post-cured for 16 hours at 232° C. in air. Cure characteristics and physical properties are shown in Table IV.


This data shows crosslinking of a bromine-containing fluoroelastomer when tributyl(vinyl)tin was used as the sole curative. The cure state increased when this curative was used in combination with TALC. Tri-n-butyltin hydride, gave a poor cure response when used as the sole curative.












TABLE IV






Comp.





Example
Example
Example



G
11
12


















Ingredient, phr





Fluoroelastomer 2
100
100
100


TAIC

3



Tri-n-butyltin Hydride
1.6




Tributyl(vinyl)tin

1.7
1.7


MT Black
30
30
30


VAROX DBPH-50
2
2
2


ELASTOMAG 170
3
3
3


Micro-cel E
1
1
1


Curing characteristics





ML, dNm
2.63
2.28
2.76


MH, dNm
4.9
25.2
12.4


ts2, minutes
5.63
0.69
0.75


t50, minutes
1.83
1.1
1.09


t90, minutes
6.51
2.39
2.61


Compression Set, 25%





Deflection





Compression Set 200° C. 70 h

26
54


Compression Set 225° C. 70 h

43
75


Compression Set 250° C. 70 h

59
94


Physical Properties





Hardness, Shore A

77
76


M50, MPa

3.51
1.74


M100, MPa

13.07
3.63


Tb, MPa

21.91
17.8


Eb (%)

138
264


Retention of Physical Properties





After Age 275° C./air/70 h





Hardness, % retention

107
96


M50, % retention

165
140


M100, % retention

0
131


Tb, % retention

56
36


Eb, % retention

63
51









Example 13 and Comparative Example H

Curable compositions for Example 13 and Comparative Example H were made by compounding the ingredients on a two-roll mill. Formulations are shown in Table V. Fluoroelastomer 3 was a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and propylene having Br cure sites.


The compositions were molded into slabs and o-rings by press curing at 177° C. for 10 minutes. The cured parts were then post-cured for 16 hours at 232° C. in air. Cure characteristics and physical properties are shown in Table V.













TABLE V








Comp.
Example




Ex. H
13




















Ingredient, phr





Fluoroelastomer 3
100
100



Zinc Oxide
3
3



N990
30
30



TAIC
2.5
2.5



Allyltributylstannane

1.3



Micro-cel E
1
1



Varox DBPH-50
2.5
2.5



Cure Characteristics





ML, dNm
2.26
1.74



MH, dNm
6.39
11.8



ts2, minutes
0.93
0.7



t50, minutes
0.95
1.17



t90, minutes
2.85
3.94



Compression Set, 25% Deflection





Compression Set 150° C./168 h
62
38



Compression Set 200° C. 22 h
54
33



Compression Set 200° C. 70 h
69
46



Compression Set 225° C. 70 h
74
53



Physical Properties





Hardness, Shore A
74
71



M50, MPa
2.38
3.21



M100, MPa
5.33
9.11



M200, MPa
11.53
0



Tb, MPa
12.34
19.01



Eb (%)
246
185



Retention of Physical Properties





After Age 250° C./air/70 h





Hardness, % retention
101
110



M50, % retention
112
110



M100, % retention
129
105



Tb, % retention
131
98



Eb, % retention
94
99










Examples 14-15 and Comparative Example I

Curable compositions for Examples 14-15 and Comparative Example I were made by compounding the ingredients on a two-roll mill. Formulations are shown in Table VI. Fluoroelastomer 4 was a copolymer of 38 wt % vinylidene fluoride, 50 wt % perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether) and 12 wt % chlorotrifluoroethylene.


The compositions were molded into slabs and o-rings by press curing at 177° C. for 10 minutes. The cured parts were then post-cured for 16 hours at 232° C. in air. Cure characteristics and physical properties are shown in Table VI.












TABLE VI






Comp.
Example
Example



Ex. I
14
15


















Ingredient, phr





Fluoroelastomer 4
100
100
100


Zinc Oxide
3
3
3


N990
30
30
30


TAIC
3
3
3


Allyltributylstannane

1
2


Micro-cel E
1
1
1


Varox DBPH-50
3
3
3


Curing characteristics





ML, dNm
1.65
1.18
1.02


MH, dNm
4.36
6.02
10.78


ts2, minutes
1.48
0.71
0.59


t50, minutes
1.11
0.78
0.84


t90, minutes
2.02
1.53
1.92


Compression Set, 25% Deflection





Compression Set 150° C. 168 h
85
60
30


Compression Set 200° C. 22 h
84
56
31


Compression Set 200° C. 70 h
94
73
49


Compression Set 225° C. 70 h
106
94
75


Physical Properties





Hardness, Shore A
65
69
72


M50, MPa
1.46
1.62
1.94


M100, MPa
1.71
2.09
3.84


M200, MPa
2.42
3.85
0


M300, MPa
3.28
5.55
0


Tb, MPa
3.59
5.66
11.0


Eb (%)
341
308
189


Retention of Physical Properties After





Age 275° C./air/70 h





Hardness, % retention
94
100
108


M50, % retention
83
99
155


M100, % retention
78
102
162


M200, % retention
71
86



M300, % retention
18
0



Tb, % retention
51
61
67


Eb, % retention
68
66
65









Examples 16-17 and Comparative Example J

Curable compositions for Examples 16-17 and Comparative Example J were made by compounding the ingredients on a two-roll mill. Formulations are shown in Table VII. Fluoroelastomer 5 was Viton® GF, a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropylene and tetrafluoroethylene containing bromine cure sites, available from DuPont.


The compositions were molded into slabs and o-rings by press curing at 177° C. for 15 and 10 minutes, respectively. The cured parts were then post-cured for 16 hours at 232° C. in air. Mooney viscosity, cure characteristics and physical properties are shown in Table VII.


This data shows that addition of allyltributylstannane to a bromine-containing fluoroelastomer comprising TFE, VF2, and HFP provides reduced Mooney viscosity and reduced compression set values.












TABLE VII






Comp.





Example
Example
Example



J
16
17


















Ingredient, phr





Fluoroelastomer 5
100
100
100


TAIC
3
3
3


Allyltributylstannane

1
1.9


MT Black
30
30
30


VAROX DBPH-50
3
3
3


Zinc Oxide
3
3
3


Micro-cel E
1
1
1


Curing Characteristics





ML, dNm
2.27
1.84
1.59


MH, dNm
15.05
15.32
20.41


ts2, minutes
0.6
0.55
0.49


t50, minutes
0.94
0.86
0.83


t90, minutes
3.6
2.97
2.08


Mooney Viscosity 121° C.





ML(1 + 10)
89.3
56.8
49.4


Compression set, 25% Deflection





200° C. 70 h
49
45
36


225° C. 70 h
62
62
47


250° C. 70 h
89
88
73


250° C. 168 h
106
107
102


Physical Properties





Hardness, Shore A
75
77
79


M50, MPa
3.08
3.48
4.15


M100, MPa
8.76
9.82
12.58


Tb, MPa
22.57
20.63
20.61


Eb (%)
198
172
144


Retention of Physical Properties





After Age 275° C./air/70 h





Hardness, % retention
99
99
99


M50, % retention
83
87
85


M100, % retention
64
73
68


Tb, % retention
68
73
77


Eb, % retention
136
138
139









Examples 18-22 and Comparative Example K
Preparation of Allyltriphenylgermane

A 4-neck 500 mL flask equipped with a dropping funnel, septa, thermowell adaptor, stir bar, and condenser further attached to a N2 tee was charged with triphenylchlorogermane (Gelest, 10.2 g, 29.5 mmol) and 100 mL dry (activated 4 Å molecular sieves) heptane. The mixture was heated to 75-90° C. Not all of the triphenylchlorogermane was dissolved at this time. The dropping funnel was charged with allylmagnesium bromide (Aldrich, 1.0M in diethyl ether, 38 mL, 38 mmol) which was then added dropwise to the warm slurry over a 1 hr period. The mixture was refluxed at 66° C. for 4 hours, then cooled and allowed to stir overnight. The reaction mixture was cooled in an ice water bath, then 30 mL of saturated aq. ammonium chloride solution was slowly added. The reaction mixture was filtered through a plug of glass wool. The aqueous layer was separated and washed with ether (1×150 mL). The organic layers were combined, dried over CaCl2, filtered, concentrated on a rotary evaporator to ca. 200 mL of liquid. This liquid was washed with 25% aq. potassium fluoride (1×100 mL), then water (1×100 mL), dried over MgSO4, filtered, concentrated on a rotary evaporator, then further dried at 50° C./0.2 mmHg/2 hours to afford 9.5 g of white solid. Recrystallization from hexane gave 5.7 g (16.5 mmol, 56% yield) of white crystals, mp 87-88° C. (lit. mp 90-91° C., F. Carre et. al. Journal of Organometallic Chemistry 1970, 22, 589). 1H NMR CDCl3 7.52 (m, 6H), 7.40 (m, 9H), 5.96 (m, 1H), 5.00 (d, 16 Hz, 1H), 4.95 (dm, 10 Hz, 1H), 2.53 (dm, 8 Hz, 2H); 13C NMR CDCl3 136.6, 135.0, 134.5, 129.0, 128.2, 114.5, 21.3.


Preparation of Allyltriphenylplumbane

Allyltriphenylplumbane was prepared according to the procedure of P. R. Austin Journal of the American Chemical Society 1931, 52, p 3514.


Curable compositions for Examples 18-22 and Comparative Example K were made by compounding the ingredients on a two-roll mill. Formulations are shown in Table VIII. Fluoroelastomer 2 was Viton® GBL900, a vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropylene, tetrafluoroethylene copolymer having bromine cure sites, available from DuPont.


The compositions were molded into slabs and o-rings by press curing at 177° C. for 10 minutes. The samples were then post-cured at 232° C. for 16 hours in air. Curing and physical property data are shown in Table VIII.


This data shows that a copolymer of VF2, TFE, and HFP with Br-cure sites can be crosslinked with allyltriphenylgermane, or allyltriphenylplumbane, and that these compounds in combination with TALC provided better compression set than curing with TAlC alone. Allyltriphenylsilane as the sole curative had low cure state, but in combination with TAlC provided improved aged tensile properties.
















TABLE VIII







Comp.








Example K
Example 18
Example 19
Example 20
Example 21
Example 22






















Ingredient, phr








Fluoroelastomer 2
100
100
100
100
100
100


TAIC
3
3

3

3


Allyltriphenylsilane

1.65
1.65


Allyltriphenylgermane



1.89
1.89


Allyltriphenylplumbane





2.62


MT Black
30
30
30
30
30
30


VAROX DBPH-50
2
2
2
2
2
2


Zinc Oxide
3
3
3
3
3
3


Micro-cel E


Cure characteristics


ML, dNm
2.46
2.28
2.53
2.15
2.36
2.53


MH, dNm
16.62
17.21
5.06
21.15
10.9
22.05


ts2, minute
0.76
0.82
3.93
0.63
0.89
0.69


t50, minutes
1.29
1.52
2.33
1.09
1.42
1.74


t90, minutes
4.35
3.97
5.05
2.94
3.8
6.26


Compression set, 25%


Deflection


Compression Set 200° C. 70 h, %
37
39

30
59
30


Compression Set 225° C. 70 h, %
53
56

45
80
45


Compression Set 250° C. 70 h, %
88
82

67
104
68


Physical Properties


Hardness, Shore A
71
72

74
67
74


M50, MPa
1.97
2.23

2.74
1.57
2.7


M100, MPa
5.44
6.32

9.14
2.64
7.88


M200, MPa
19.5
0

0
8.9
0


M300, MPa
0
0

0
16.2
0


Tb, MPa
19.6
18.9

17.3
17.1
15.5


Eb (%)
201
180

136
328
145


Retention of Physical


Properties After Age


275° C./air/70 h


Hardness, % retention
101
103

107
108
101


M50, % retention
113
109

156
140
100


M100, %retention
92
90

136
174
88


Tb, % retention
74
88

99
70
110


Eb, % retention
99
124

94
58
131









Examples 23-25 and Comparative Example L
Preparation of Diallyldioctylstannane

A 4-neck 500 mL flask equipped with a dropping funnel, septa, thermowell adaptor, stir bar, and condenser further attached to a N2 tee was charged with allylmagnesium bromide (Aldrich, 1.0M in diethyl ether, 200 mL, 200 mmol). The dropping funnel was charged with dioctyldichlorotin (Alfa Aesar, 21 g, 50.5 mmol) dissolved in 50 mL of diethyl ether. The reaction flask was set to stir and cooled with an ice water bath, then the dioctyldichlorotin solution was added over a 45 minute period. The reaction mixture temperature increased to 20° C. The mixture was refluxed (ca. 60-65° C. reaction mixture temperature) for 3 h, then cooled and allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was cooled in an ice water bath, then 35 mL of saturated aq. ammonium chloride solution was slowly added. The reaction mixture was filtered through a plug of glass wool into a beaker with 100 g of ice. The solids in the flask were triturated with hexane (3×100 mL), then the hexane extracts were filtered and added to the ice/ether reaction mixture. This mixture was stirred several minutes to let any gases evolve, then transferred to a separatory funnel. The aqueous layer was separated and washed with 100 mL of hexane. The organic layers were then combined and washed with 200 mL of saturated ammonium chloride solution and 200 mL of brine, dried over MgSO4, filtered, concentrated on a rotary evaporator, then further dried at 50° C./0.2 mmHg to afford 20 g (46.8 mmol, 93% yield) of light yellow oil. 1H NMR CDCl3 5.95 (m, 2H), 4.83 (m, 2H), 4.70 (m, 2H), 1.84 (m, 4H), 1.56 (m, 4H), 1.25-1.37 (m, 20H), 0.9-1.4 (m, 10H); 13C NMR CDCl3 137.5 (2JSn—C 44 Hz), 109.8 (3JSn—C 46 Hz), 34.3 (3JSn—C 51 Hz), 32.0, 29.3, 29.2, 26.7 (2JSn—C 22,33 Hz), 22.7, 16.3 (1JSn—C 241, 252 Hz), 14.1, 9.8 (1JSn—C 308, 322 Hz); 119Sn NMR neat, −26.4 ppm vs. ext. neat Bu4N (−12 ppm).


Curable compositions for Examples 23-25 and Comparative Example L were made by compounding the ingredients on a two-roll mill. Formulations are shown in Table IX. Fluoroelastomer 2 was Viton® GBL900, a vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropylene, tetrafluoroethylene copolymer having bromine cure sites, available from DuPont.


The compositions were molded into slabs and o-rings by press curing at 177° C. for 12 minutes. The samples were then post-cured at 232° C. for 16 hours in air. Curing and physical property data are shown in Table IX.


This data shows addition of diallyldioctylstannane to a bromine-containing elastomer comprising TFE, VF2, and HFP provides cured articles with excellent properties.













TABLE IX






Comp.






Example
Example
Example
Example



L
23
24
25



















Ingredient, phr






Fluoroelastomer 2
100
100
100
100


TAIC
3
3
3



Diallyldioctylstannane
0
2.34
2.34
1.17


MT Black
30
30
30
30


VAROX DBPH-50
2
2
2
2


Zinc Oxide
3
3
3
3


Micro-cel E
1
1
1
1


Curing characteristics






ML, dNm
2.37
1.95
2.2
2.04


MH, dNm
17.48
24.53
14.85
21.08


ts2, minutes
0.79
0.6
0.81
0.58


t50, minutes
1.4
1.3
1.67
1.18


t90, minutes
4.72
4.39
5.13
3.95


25% Deflection Compression set






Compression Set 200° C. 22 h, %
21
10
24
19


Compression Set 200° C. 70 h, %
37
26
40
31


Compression Set 225° C. 70 h, %
59
45
66
51


Compression Set 250° C. 70 h, %
91
79
97
85


Physical Properties






Hardness, Shore A
71
77
71
75


M50, MPa
2.1
3.56
1.97
3.1


M100, MPa
5.85
12.4
4.27
10.4


M200, MPa
0
0
14.3
0


Tb, MPa
15.7
17.5
16.6
17.2


Eb (%)
168
121
227
132


Retention of Physical Properties






After Age 275° C./air/70 h






Hardness, % retention
101
112
114
107


M50, % retention
101
231
229
173


M100, % retention
87
165
241
139


Tb, % retention
110
123
66
108


Eb, % retention
134
86
45
96









Examples 26-29 and Comparative Example M
Preparation of Allyltrioctylstannane

A 4-neck 500 mL flask equipped with a dropping funnel, septa, thermowell adaptor, stir bar, and condenser further attached to a N2 tee was charged with allylmagnesium bromide (Aldrich, 1.0M in diethyl ether, 76 mL, 76 mmol). The flask was cooled with an ice water bath, then tri-n-octyltin chloride (Chemtura, Bergkamen, Germany, 25 g, 51 mmol) was added via the dropping funnel dropwise over a 30 minute time period. The dropping funnel was rinsed with 10 mL dry ether, then the mixture was refluxed in a 48° C. oil bath for 4 hours. An additional 125 mL of dry ether was added after the first 30 minutes of heating to facilitate stirring of the high solids mixture. The mixture was allowed to stand overnight at room temperature, then the flask was cooled in an ice water bath, and 35 mL of saturated aq. ammonium chloride solution was slowly added. The reaction mixture was combined with 100 g of ice and 100 mL of hexane. The aqueous layer was separated and washed with hexane (3×100 mL). The organic layers were then stirred with 100 mL of saturated ammonium chloride solution for 5 minutes. The organic layer was separated then stirred with 100 mL of 10% potassium fluoride solution for 5 minutes. The organic layer was then washed with brine (1×100 mL), dried over MgSO4, filtered, concentrated on a rotary evaporator, then further dried at 50° C./0.2 mmHg for 3 hours to afford 23.5 g (47.1 mmol, 93% yield) of light yellow oil. 1H NMR CDCl3 5.95 (m, 1H), 4.80 (m, 1H), 4.66 (dd, 10.2, 2 Hz, 1H), 1.79 (d, 8.7 Hz, 2H), 1.43-1.62 (m, 6H), 1.21-1.40 (m, 30H), 0.8-1.01 (m, 15H); 13C NMR CDCl3 138.2 (2JSn—C 42 Hz), 109.1 (3JSn—C 44 Hz), 34.4 (3JSn—C 50 Hz), 32.0, 29.32, 29.25, 26.9 (2JSn—C 19 Hz), 22.7, 16.3 (1JSn—C 243, 234 Hz), 14.1, 9.5 (1JSn—C 317, 303 Hz); 119Sn NMR neat, −18.6 ppm vs. ext. neat Bu4N (−12 ppm).


Preparation of Vinyltrioctylstannane

A 4-neck 500 mL flask equipped with a dropping funnel, septa, thermowell adaptor, stir bar, and condenser further attached to a N2 tee was charged with vinylmagnesium bromide (Aldrich, 1.0M in THF, 65 mL, 65 mmol). The flask was cooled with an ice water bath, then tri-n-octyltin chloride (Chemtura, Bergkamen, Germany, 25 g, 51 mmol) was added via the dropping funnel dropwise over a 30 minute time period. The dropping funnel was rinsed with 5 mL dry THF then the mixture was refluxed in a 80° C. oil bath for 3 hours. The mixture was allowed to stand overnight at room temperature, then the flask was cooled in an ice water bath, and 30 mL of saturated aq. ammonium chloride solution was slowly added. The reaction mixture was filtered through Whatman #1 filter paper. The solids were washed with ether which was combined with the reaction mixture filtrate and washed with saturated ammonium chloride solution (1×100 mL), then with brine (1×100 mL), dried over MgSO4, filtered, concentrated on a rotary evaporator, then further dried at 50° C./0.2 mmHg for 3 hours to afford 22.8 g (47.0 mmol, 93% yield) of light yellow oil. 1H NMR CDCl3 6.48 (dd, 21, 14 Hz, 1H), 6.16 (dd, 14, 4 Hz, 1H), 5.67 (dd, 21, 4 Hz, 1H), 1.54 (m, 6H), 1.28 (m, 30H), 0.90 (m, 15H); 13C NMR CDCl3 139.3 (1JSn—C 375, 357 Hz), 133.6, 34.4 (3JSn—C 51 Hz), 32.0, 29.34, 29.25, 26.9 (2JSn—C 21 Hz), 22.7, 14.1, 9.7 (1JSn—C 342, 327 Hz); 119Sn NMR neat, −50.4 ppm vs. ext. neat Bu4N (−12 ppm).


Curable compositions for Examples 26-29 and Comparative Example M were made by compounding the ingredients on a two-roll mill. Formulations are shown in Table X. Fluoroelastomer 2 was Viton® GBL900, a vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropylene, tetrafluoroethylene copolymer having bromine cure sites, available from DuPont.


The compositions were molded into slabs and o-rings by press curing at 177° C. for 10 minutes. The samples were then post-cured at 232° C. for 16 hours in air. Curing characteristics and physical properties are shown in Table X.


This data shows that a copolymer of VF2, TFE, and HFP with Br-cure sites can be crosslinked with allyltrioctylstannane or vinyltrioctylstannane and that these compounds in combination with TAlC provide better compression set than TAlC alone.














TABLE X






Comp.







Example
Example
Example
Example
Example



M
26
27
28
29




















Ingredient, phr







Fluoroelastomer 2
100
100
100
100
100


TAIC
3
3

3



Allyltrioctylstannane

2.7
2.7




Vinyltrioctylstannane



2.7
2.7


MT Black
30
30
30
30
30


VAROX DBPH-50
2
2
2
2
2


Zinc Oxide
3
3
3
3
3


Micro-cel E
1
1
1
1
1


Curing characteristics







ML, dNm
2.32
1.77
2.03
1.99
2.28


MH, dNm
16.31
19.78
10.9
19.45
8.61


ts2, minutes
0.75
0.68
0.87
0.69
1.1


t50, minutes
1.35
1.32
1.4
1.24
1.49


t90, minutes
4.98
3.78
4.14
3.45
4.04


Mooney Viscosity 121° C. (large rotor)







Init
144.1
107.5
125.3
127.0
142.1


Final
86.2
59.5
64.1
74.6
84.6


ML
86.2
59.4
64.1
73.7
84.5


Compression Set, 25% Deflection







Compression Set 200° C. 70 h
34
29
49
35
69


Compression Set 250° C. 70 h
109
70
94
71
102


Compression Set 250° C. 168 h
109
110
117
111
117


Physical Properties







Hardness, Shore A
71
77
70
77
68


M50, MPa
2.24
3.11
1.87
3.3
1.68


M100, MPa
6.2
8.9
3.39
9.32
3.11


M200, MPa
0
0
10.18
0
8.79


M300, MPa
0
0
0
0
0


Tb, MPa
20.35
14.59
12.61
16.19
14.21


Eb (%)
196
136
229
141
275


Retention of Physical Properties







After Age 275° C./air/70 h







Hardness, % retention
104
107
113
107
118


M50, % retention
101
158
185
189
246


M100, % retention
83
136
230
154
302


Tb, % retention
78
114
120
96
103


Eb, % retention
129
98
75
77
54









Examples 30-31 and Comparative Example N

Curable compositions for Examples 30-31 and Comparative Example N were made by compounding the ingredients on a two-roll mill. Formulations are shown in Table XI. Fluoroelastomer 6 was a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether) having predominantly iodine endgroups.


The compositions were molded into slabs and o-rings by press curing at 155° C. for 15 minutes. The samples were then post-cured at 260° C. for 22 hours in nitrogen. Curing characteristics and physical properties are shown in Table XI.


The data shows that addition of allyltriphenyltin to an iodine-containing fluoroelastomer provides cured articles with excellent tensile properties.












TABLE XI






Comp.





Example
Example
Example



N
30
31


















Ingredient, phr





Fluoroelastomer 6
100
100
100


Allyltriphenyltin

0.58
0.58


TAIC DLC 72%6
4.2
4.2



MT Carbon Black
15
15
15


VAROX DBPH-50
2.04
2.04
2.04


Curing characteristics,





155° C., 24 minutes





ML, dNm
2.33
2.23
2.26


MH, dNm
37.79
38.3
15.27


ts2, minutes
0.71
0.73
0.9


t50, minutes
2.15
2.3
1.46


t90, minutes
6.25
6.04
9.46


Physical properties





Hardness, Shore A
83
83
73


M50, MPa
5.27
6.23
2.43


M100, MPa
13.1
14.5
6.29


M200, MPa
0
0
21.0


Tb, MPa
21.2
23.2
24.2


Eb, %
147
144
221


Retention of Physical





Properties After Age





275° C./air/70 h





Hardness, % Retention
96
96
103


M50, % Retention
69
61
107


M100, % Retention
52
48
87


M200, % Retention


65


Tb, % Retention
77
68
66


Eb, % Retention
191
197
125


Compression set, 25%





Deflection





Compression Set 200° C. 70 h
23
30
47


Compression Set 250° C. 70 h
81
82
82






6 70-74% triallyl isocyanurate, 26-30% silicon dioxide blend, available from Natrochem, Inc.






Claims
  • 1. A curable fluoroelastomer composition comprising: A) a fluoroelastomer having chloro, bromo or iodo cure sites;B) a free radical generating compound; andC) an unsaturated metal compound coagent having the formula Y(4-n)MXn wherein Y is selected from alkyl, aryl, carboxylic acid, or alkyl ester groups; M is selected from Si, Ge, Sn, or Pb; X is an allyl group CR1R2CR3═CR4R5, vinyl group CR1═CR2R3, allenyl group CR1═C═CR2R3, alkynyl group C≡CR1, or propargyl group CR1R2C≡CR3; R1—R5 are selected independently from the group consisting of H, F, alkyl, aryl, heterocycle, or perfluoroalkyl groups; and n is 1, 2, or 3.
  • 2. The curable composition of claim 1 wherein said unsaturated metal compound coagent is of the formula Y(4-n)MXn wherein M is Sn, X is allyl group CR1R2CR3═CR4R5, Y is alkyl or aryl, R1—R5 are H and n is 1 or 2.
  • 3. The curable composition of claim 2 wherein said unsaturated metal compound coagent is allyltrioctylstannane.
  • 4. The curable composition of claim 2 wherein said unsaturated metal compound coagent is allyltriphenylstannane.
  • 5. The curable composition of claim 2 wherein said unsaturated metal compound coagent is diallyldioctylstannane.
  • 6. The curable composition of claim 1 wherein said unsaturated metal compound coagent is of the formula Y(4-n)MXn wherein M is Sn, X is vinyl group CR1═CR2R3, Y is alkyl or aryl, R1—R3 are H and n is 1.
  • 7. The curable composition of claim 6 wherein said unsaturated metal compound coagent is vinyltrioctylstannane.
  • 8. The curable composition of claim 6 wherein said unsaturated metal compound coagent is vinyltriphenylstannane.
  • 9. The curable composition of claim 1 wherein said unsaturated metal compound coagent is of the formula Y(4-n)MXn wherein M is Ge, X is allyl group CR1R2CR3═CR4R5, Y is alkyl or aryl, R1—R5 are H and n is 1.
  • 10. The curable composition of claim 9 wherein said unsaturated metal compound coagent is allyltrioctylgermane.
  • 11. The curable composition of claim 9 wherein said unsaturated metal compound coagent is allyltriphenylgermane.
  • 12. The curable composition of one of claims 1-11 further comprising a multifunctional coagent.
  • 13. The curable composition of claim 12 wherein said multifunctional coagent is selected from the group consisting of triallyl cyanurate, trimethacryl isocyanurate, triallyl isocyanurate, trimethallyl isocyanurate, triacryl formal, triallyl trimellitate, N,N′-m-phenylene bismaleimide, diallyl phthalate, tetraallylterephthalamide, tri(diallylamine)-s-triazine, triallyl phosphite, bis-olefins and N,N-diallylacrylamide.
  • 14. The curable composition of claim 13 wherein said multifunctional coagent is triallyl isocyanurate.
  • 15. The curable composition of claim 1 wherein said free radical generating compound is an organic peroxide.
  • 16. The curable composition of claim 1 wherein said free radical generating compound is a photoinitiator.