Vulcanization of dip-molded rubber articles with reduced molten media bath times

Abstract

Pore-free rubber articles are prepared by dip-molding in a dipping medium that includes a vulcanizing agent, then partially-cured by immersing the dip former in a heated liquid bath that is chemically inert. A particularly effective liquid bath is a molten, nitrite free inorganic salt. The partially-cured rubber is then maintained at a desired curing temperature in a low/no oxygen heating oven to complete curing. Alternatively, upon removal from the molten salt bath, the latex film is quenched.

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         9 . A partially-cured dip-molded article of a rubber formed by a method comprising:
 dipping a forming member in a latex;   withdrawing the forming member from the latex in a manner to leave a film of the latex over an outer surface of the forming member;   immersing the forming member with the latex film thereon in a chemically inert liquid bath, for a duration of time, to partially-cure and heat the latex film to a predetermined temperature, wherein the duration of time is less than the time it would take to fully cure the latex film; and   withdrawing the forming member from the chemically inert liquid bath.   
     
     
         10 . The partially-cured dip-molded article of  claim 9 , wherein the chemically inert liquid bath is a nitrite free salt bath. 
     
     
         11 . The partially-cured dip-molded article of  claim 9 , wherein the latex comprises a rubber and an organic peroxide, wherein the organic peroxide is dicumyl peroxide or alpha-bis(t-butylperoxy)diisopropylbenzene. 
     
     
         12 . The partially-cured dip-molded of  claim 11 , wherein the duration of time is less than six half-lives of the organic peroxide. 
     
     
         13 . The partially-cured dip-molded article of  claim 12 , wherein the duration of time is less than or equal to four half-lives of the organic peroxide. 
     
     
         14 . The partially-cured dip-molded article of  claim 13 , wherein the duration of time is less than or equal to one half-life of the organic peroxide. 
     
     
         15 . The partially-cured dip-molded article of  claim 9 , wherein the partially-cured dip-molded article is a partially-cured surgical glove, examination glove, or condom. 
     
     
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