Vulcanization-activating composition, its method of manufacture and its use

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for producing a vulcanization-activating composition, comprising at least one step of mixing at least 5% by weight and at most 75% by weight of particles of an oxygen-containing zinc compound with at least 1% by weight and at most 75% by weight of at least one vegetable oil or at least one vegetable oil derivative, thereby forming composition (A), wherein the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative comprises at least 8% by weight of at least one fatty acid residue, relative to the total weight of the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative, and the fatty acid residue comprises at least two unsaturations.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of methods for preparing vulcanization-activated compositions based on vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative(s). [Background technology]

[0002] Vulcanization is a crosslinking reaction that occurs when vulcanizable polymers are exposed to a vulcanizing agent (usually sulfur) and thermal energy, which is required to establish chemical bonds between the vulcanizing agent and reactive sites on the polymer chains, thereby forming a three-dimensional network.

[0003] Once vulcanized, the polymers have specific mechanical and elastic properties that make them suitable for use in various applications such as tires.

[0004] To activate the vulcanization reaction between the polymer and the vulcanizing agent, it is known to use vulcanization activators such as divalent metal oxygen compounds, the most commonly used being zinc oxide, ZnO.

[0005] Vulcanization activator compositions are already known to those skilled in the art. Patent document 1 may be mentioned, which discloses a composition comprising 20 to 80% by weight of at least one vulcanization activator, 10 to 40% by weight of at least one wax selected from the group consisting of paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, polyolefin wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, oxidized Fischer-Tropsch wax, derivatives thereof and mixtures thereof, and 10 to 40% by weight of at least one inorganic filler or carbon black.

[0006] When these compositions are used in vulcanization processes, such as rubber vulcanization, the ZnO and other compounds in the activator composition are at least partially (or completely) contained within the vulcanized rubber. Unfortunately, ZnO is known to migrate from the rubber and pollute the environment. This is seen, for example, when vulcanized rubber is in prolonged contact with water. It has been observed that at least a portion of the ZnO can migrate from the rubber and pollute water that comes into direct contact with it. ZnO is known to be ecotoxic. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the amount of ZnO released into the environment from vulcanized rubber, or at least to develop vulcanization activator compositions that release only small amounts of ZnO.

[0007] Additionally, commonly used waxes, such as paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, polyolefin wax, and Fischer-Tropsch wax, are synthetic waxes. In general, the industry is seeking to reduce the ecological footprint of its manufacturing processes. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the use of synthetic materials in vulcanization-activated compositions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 3896129 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Surprisingly, the inventors have found that the composition according to the invention makes it possible to solve in particular the problems identified above.

[0010] The present invention provides a method for preparing a vulcanization-activated composition (hereinafter, composition (A)), comprising the steps of: at least 5% by weight and at most 95% by weight, preferably at least 5% by weight and at most 75% by weight, of particles of an oxygen-containing zinc compound (hereinafter, compound (OZ)); At least 1% by weight and at most 75% by weight of at least one vegetable oil or at least one vegetable oil derivative; to form composition (A), wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of composition (A), and wherein the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative comprises at least 8 weight percent of at least one fatty acid residue, based on the total weight of the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative, and the fatty acid residue comprises at least two unsaturations.

[0011] The present invention also relates to a vulcanization-activated composition obtainable by the above process.

[0012] The present invention also relates to the use of the vulcanization activating composition obtainable by the above process in a vulcanization process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] According to the present invention, the term "comprising" is inclusive and open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements, compositions or method steps.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, when an element or component is stated to be selected from a specified list of elements or components, it will be understood that the element or component may be any of the individual elements or components specified in said list, or may be selected from a group consisting of two or more of the elements or components explicitly enumerated.

[0015] Composition (A) As explained above, the present invention relates to an activating composition (composition (A)) used in the vulcanization process.

[0016] Vulcanization methods are known to those skilled in the art. Generally, the vulcanization reaction is a chemical crosslinking reaction that occurs when a vulcanizable polymer (such as natural rubber) is contacted with a vulcanizing agent (usually sulfur) and thermal energy.

[0017] Preferably, the composition (A) is suitable for use in a method for vulcanizing a vulcanizable composition (composition (C)) comprising polymer (V) when composition (C) contains less than 10 parts by weight, more preferably less than 8 parts by weight, and even more preferably less than 6 parts by weight of the composition (A) per 100 parts by weight of polymer (V).

[0018] Mixture of the above The method according to the present invention comprises, based on the total weight of the composition (A), at least 5% and up to 95% by weight, preferably at least 5% and up to 75% by weight, of particles of an oxygen-containing zinc compound (hereinafter compound (OZ)); At least 1% by weight and at most 75% by weight of at least one vegetable oil or at least one vegetable oil derivative; at least one mixing step of (a) to (c), thereby forming composition (A).

[0019] The mixing can be carried out by any means known to those skilled in the art for preparing vulcanization-activating compositions, in particular in a mixer, blender or any other machine for mixing the compound (OZ) with a vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative.

[0020] The mixing is preferably carried out at a temperature and for a time that makes it possible to obtain a homogeneous mixture of compound (OZ) and the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative, while preventing a substantial proportion of the compound (OZ) and the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative from reacting or decomposing, for example, such that a significant proportion of the unsaturation in the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative is prevented from reacting or decomposing.

[0021] Preferably, the mixing is carried out at a temperature of at most 100° C., more preferably at most 80° C., even more preferably at most 70° C., even more preferably at most 60° C., even more preferably at most 50° C., even more preferably at most 40° C. This has the effect of reducing or avoiding reactions between the natural oil and the compound (OZ), such as the formation of complexes between zinc and fatty acids, or avoiding decomposition reactions of the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative.

[0022] Mixing may be carried out at a temperature of preferably at least 10°C, more preferably at least 15°C, more preferably at least 17°C, more preferably at least 20°C.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the mixing is carried out at a temperature of at least 10°C and at most 40°C, more preferably at least 15°C and at most 40°C, more preferably at least 17°C and at most 40°C, more preferably at least 20°C and at most 40°C.

[0024] Preferably, the mixing is carried out for 30 minutes or less, or 20 minutes or less, or 10 minutes or less, or 5 minutes or less, or 1 minute or less, or 30 seconds or less.

[0025] During the mixing, the temperature is preferably controlled by at least one thermocouple.

[0026] Depending on the amount of compound (OZ) and vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative, compound (A) may be a powdery composition of particles of compound (OZ) at least partially coated with vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative, or composition (A) may be a pasty or liquid composition.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the composition (A) is a powder composition of at least partially coated OZ compound particles, and the method comprises, based on the total weight of the composition (A), At least 20% by weight and at most 60% by weight of particles of a compound (OZ); At least 1% by weight and at most 35% by weight of at least one vegetable oil or at least one vegetable oil derivative; at least one mixing step of (a) to (c), thereby forming composition (A).

[0028] In this embodiment, composition (A) has a D50 of at least 1 μm, preferably at least 2 μm, more preferably at least 3 μm. Preferably, composition (A) has a D50 of at most 20 μm, more preferably at most 15 μm.

[0029] In this embodiment, composition (A) preferably has a D50 of at least 1 μm and at most 20 μm, more preferably at least 2 μm and at most 15 μm.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, at most 70% by weight, preferably at most 68% by weight, of particles of the compound (OZ) are mixed in the mixing step, based on the total weight of the composition (A).

[0031] Preferably, at least 25% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, of said at least one vegetable oil or said at least one vegetable oil derivative, based on the total weight of said composition (A), is mixed in the mixing step.

[0032] In another preferred embodiment, the composition (A) is a paste or liquid composition, and the method comprises, based on the total weight of the composition (A): At least 20% by weight and at most 60% by weight of particles of a compound (OZ); At least 15% by weight and at most 75% by weight of at least one vegetable oil or at least one vegetable oil derivative; at least one mixing step of (a) to (c), thereby forming composition (A).

[0033] In this embodiment, at most 50% by weight, preferably at most 40% by weight, of particles of compound (OZ) are mixed in the mixing step, based on the total weight of composition (A).

[0034] In this same embodiment, preferably at most 65 wt. %, more preferably at most 55 wt. %, even more preferably at most 45 wt. %, even more preferably at most 40 wt. % of the at least one vegetable oil or the at least one vegetable oil derivative is mixed in the mixing step, based on the total weight of the composition (A).

[0035] In this same embodiment, preferably at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 25% by weight, of the at least one vegetable oil or the at least one vegetable oil derivative, based on the total weight of the composition (A), is mixed in the mixing step.

[0036] Compound (OZ) In the context of the present invention, an "oxygen-containing zinc compound" can be defined as a compound containing a zinc atom and an oxygen atom. In particular, said compound (OZ) is a vulcanization activator. In particular, said oxygen-containing zinc compound can be selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide, zinc carbonate, zinc hydroxycarbonate, and mixtures or derivatives thereof, and preferably, said oxygen-containing zinc compound is zinc oxide (ZnO).

[0037] Preferably, the method comprises mixing at least 10% by weight of the compound (OZ), more preferably at least 12% by weight, more preferably at least 15% by weight, more preferably at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 25% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight of the compound (OZ), based on the total weight of the composition (A).

[0038] Preferably, the method comprises mixing at most 70% by weight of the compound (OZ), more preferably at most 65% by weight, more preferably at most 55% by weight, more preferably at most 50% by weight, more preferably at most 45% by weight, more preferably at most 40% by weight, more preferably at most 35% by weight of the compound (OZ), based on the total weight of the composition (A).

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, a mixture of at least 10% by weight and at most 70% by weight, preferably at least 12% by weight and at most 65% by weight, more preferably at least 15% by weight and at most 60% by weight, more preferably at least 15% by weight and at most 55% by weight, more preferably at least 15% by weight and at most 50% by weight of the compound (OZ), based on the total weight of the composition (A).

[0040] Preferably, the compound (OZ) has a D50 of at least 100 nm, more preferably at least 200 nm, even more preferably at least 300 nm, even more preferably at least 400 nm, even more preferably at least 500 nm, even more preferably at least 600 nm, even more preferably at least 700 nm, even more preferably at least 800 nm, even more preferably at least 1 μm, even more preferably at least 2 μm.

[0041] Optionally, said compound (OZ) may have a D50 of at most 500 μm, or at most 100 μm, or at most 20 μm, or at most 15 μm.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the compound (OZ) has a D50 of at least 100 nm and at most 500 μm, preferably at least 300 nm and at most 100 μm, more preferably at least 500 nm and at most 20 μm, and even more preferably at least 1 μm and at most 20 μm.

[0043] In the context of the present invention, D xThe notation means the diameter, expressed in μm, at which X% by volume of the total volume of particles measured is made up of smaller particles. In the framework of the present invention, all D50 particle size measurements are laser particle size measurements carried out in water.

[0044] In the framework of the present invention, all BET specific surface area values ​​of any product, such as coated particles or any given compound, are measured by adsorption manometry in a mixture of nitrogen and helium gases after degassing under vacuum at 50° C. for at least 1 hour and calculated according to the BET method.

[0045] Optionally, the OZ compound may be at least 1 ml 2 / g, preferably at least 2m 2 / g BET surface area.

[0046] If necessary, the above OZ compounds may be used in a maximum of 100m 2 / g, preferably at most 60m 2 / g BET surface area.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the OZ compound is at least 1 m 2 / g and a maximum of 100m 2 / g, preferably at least 2m 2 / g and a maximum of 60m 2 / g BET surface area.

[0048] Optionally, the OZ compound has a D50 of at least 0.25 μm, preferably at least 3 μm, more preferably at least 5 μm, measured by laser granulometry in methanol after 3 minutes of sonication.

[0049] Optionally, the OZ compound has a D50 measured by laser granulometry in water after 3 minutes of sonication of at most 5000 μm, preferably at most 4000 μm, more preferably at most 3000 μm, at most 100 μm, at most 50 μm, at most 10 μm, at most 7 μm.

[0050] In one embodiment, the OZ compound has a D50 measured by laser granulometry in methanol after 3 minutes of sonication of at least 0.25 μm and at most 4000 μm, at least 3 μm and at most 3000 μm, more preferably at least 5 μm and at most 100 μm, even more preferably at least 5 μm and at most 50 μm, even more preferably at least 5 μm and at most 10 μm, even more preferably at least 5 μm and at most 7 μm.

[0051] The above natural oils In the context of the present invention, the term "vegetable oil" has its usual meaning known to those skilled in the art. Generally, vegetable oils are oils obtained from plants or plant parts, such as seeds. Vegetable oils that can be used in the framework of the present invention include, but are not limited to, for example, linseed oil, walnut oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, avocado oil, hempseed oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil, peanut oil, rice oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, safflower oil, wheat germ oil, and mixtures thereof.

[0052] In the framework of the present invention, the term "vegetable oil derivatives" includes, for example, at least partially polymerized vegetable oils, partially polymerized oils, dehydrogenated vegetable oils, vegetable oils that have undergone aging, thermal or chemical treatment, and mixtures thereof. Vegetable oil derivatives can therefore include stand oils, raw oils and boiled oils.

[0053] Examples of vegetable oil derivatives include, but are not limited to, aged linseed oil, partially polymerized linseed oil, cooked linseed oil, dehydrogenated palm oil, and mixtures thereof.

[0054] Examples of vegetable oil derivatives include linseed oil, walnut oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, avocado oil, hemp seed oil and grape seed oil, olive oil, peanut oil, rice oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, safflower oil, wheat germ oil, palm oil and mixtures thereof.

[0055] The use of vegetable oils or vegetable oil derivatives is advantageous since they are biologically derived materials.

[0056] According to the present invention, the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative comprises at least 8% by weight of at least one fatty acid residue, based on the total weight of the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative.

[0057] In the framework of the present invention, the term "fatty acid residue" has its usual meaning known to those skilled in the art. For example, fatty acid residues form part of fats and may be at least partially in the form of triglycerides, diglycerides and / or monoglycerides. Fatty acid residues may be at least partially in the form of free fatty acids, i.e., not in the form of glycerides. Free fatty acids may be in protonated or at least partially deprotonated form.

[0058] The fatty acid residues can be linear or branched.

[0059] Examples of fatty acid residues that can be used include, but are not limited to, residues of linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, γ-linolenic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid.

[0060] According to the present invention, the fatty acid residue contains at least two unsaturations, preferably at least three unsaturations.

[0061] Surprisingly, the inventors have discovered that the use of the composition (A) according to the invention in the vulcanization process makes it possible to reduce or even avoid the release of zinc from the compound (OZ) outside the vulcanized polymer.

[0062] Without being bound by any theory, the inventors believe that at least a portion of the unsaturation contained in the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative reacts during vulcanization. As a result, at least a portion of the unsaturated fatty acid residues are incorporated into the vulcanized polymer through crosslinking. This incorporation is more significant or more likely when the fatty acid residues have at least two unsaturations. In addition, after vulcanization, some of the unsaturated fatty acid residues appear to be in the form of fatty acids, rather than in the form of glycerides, whose carboxylic acid functional groups (carboxylate forms) at least partially complex with zinc. Complexation of zinc by fatty acid residues trapped in the vulcanized polymer matrix allows for the retention of at least some or all of the zinc in compound (OZ).

[0063] Additionally, it was surprisingly found that the properties of the vulcanized polymer were not significantly affected by the presence of vegetable oil.

[0064] Additionally, the inventors have discovered that compositions in which vegetable oil is present in the compositions according to the present invention have an angle of repose that is advantageously smaller than compositions containing only an OZ compound, indicating that the composition flows fluidly.

[0065] The unsaturation of the fatty acid residue can be cis or trans.

[0066] Preferably, the unsaturations of said fatty acid residues are separated by at least one -CH2- functional group, more preferably by only one -CH2- functional group.

[0067] Preferably, the fatty acid residue is C12 to C30, more preferably C14 to C28, more preferably C14 to C26, even more preferably C14 to C24, more preferably C16 to C24, more preferably C16 to C22, more preferably C16 to C20, and even more preferably C18.

[0068] Preferably, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative comprises at least 15% by weight of said fatty acid residues, more preferably at least 20% by weight of said fatty acid residues, more preferably at least 25% by weight of said fatty acid residues, more preferably at least 30% by weight of said fatty acid residues, more preferably at least 35% by weight of said fatty acid residues, even more preferably at least 40% by weight of said fatty acid residues, and even more preferably at least 50% by weight of said fatty acid residues, based on the total weight of the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative.

[0069] Preferably, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative comprises at most 80% by weight of said fatty acid residues, more preferably at most 75% by weight of said fatty acid residues, and even more preferably at most 70% by weight of said fatty acid residues, based on the total weight of the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative comprises at least 15% by weight and at most 80% by weight of fatty acid residues, more preferably at least 20% by weight and at most 80% by weight of fatty acid residues, even more preferably at least 25% by weight and at most 75% by weight of fatty acid residues, more preferably at least 30% by weight and at most 70% by weight of fatty acid residues, more preferably at least 35% by weight and at most 70% by weight of fatty acid residues, even more preferably at least 40% by weight and at most 70% by weight of fatty acid residues, and even more preferably at least 50% by weight and at most 70% by weight of fatty acid residues, based on the total weight of the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative comprises a fatty acid residue (A) containing two unsaturations and a fatty acid residue (B) containing at least three unsaturations. The fatty acid residue (A) may be a linoleic acid residue. The fatty acid residue (B) may be a residue of α-linolenic acid, γ-linolenic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, or docosahexaenoic acid.

[0072] Preferably, the unsaturations of said fatty acid residues (A) and (B) are separated by at least one -CH2- functional group, more preferably by only one -CH2- functional group.

[0073] Preferably, each fatty acid residue is C12 to C30, more preferably C14 to C28, more preferably C14 to C26, even more preferably C14 to C24, more preferably C16 to C24, more preferably C16 to C22, more preferably C16 to C20, and even more preferably C18.

[0074] Preferably, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative comprises at least 8% by weight, more preferably at least 10% by weight, of said fatty acid residues (A), based on the total weight of the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative.

[0075] Preferably, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative comprises at most 30% by weight, more preferably at most 25% by weight, and even more preferably at most 20% by weight of fatty acid residues (A), based on the total weight of the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative comprises at least 8% by weight and at most 30% by weight, more preferably at least 10% by weight and at most 25% by weight, and even more preferably at least 10% by weight and at most 20% by weight of fatty acid residues (A), based on the total weight of the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative.

[0077] Preferably, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative comprises at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 35% by weight, and even more preferably at least 40% by weight of fatty acid residues (B), based on the total weight of the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative.

[0078] Preferably, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative comprises at most 75% by weight, more preferably at most 70% by weight, and even more preferably at most 65% by weight of fatty acid residues (B), based on the total weight of the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative comprises at least 30% by weight and at most 75% by weight, more preferably at least 35% by weight and at most 70% by weight, and even more preferably at least 10% by weight and at most 65% by weight of fatty acid residues (B), based on the total weight of the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative comprises at least 10% by weight and at most 20% by weight of fatty acid residues (A) and at least 10% by weight and at most 65% by weight of fatty acid residues (B), based on the total weight of the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative, wherein the fatty acid residues (A) are C16 to C22 residues containing at least two unsaturations separated by -CH2- groups, and the fatty acid residues (B) are C16 to C22 residues containing at least three unsaturations separated by -CH2- groups.

[0081] In a further preferred embodiment, the vegetable oil is linseed oil, which comprises at least 10% by weight and at most 20% by weight of the fatty acid residue (A) and at least 10% by weight and at most 65% by weight of the fatty acid residue (B), wherein the fatty acid (A) is linoleic acid and the fatty acid (B) is α-linolenic acid.

[0082] Preferably, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative comprises at least one fatty acid residue containing unsaturation.

[0083] Preferably, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative comprises at least 5% by weight, more preferably at least 10% by weight, and even more preferably at least 12% by weight of fatty acid residues containing unsaturation, based on the total weight of the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative.

[0084] Preferably, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative comprises at most 35% by weight, more preferably at most 30% by weight, and even more preferably at most 20% by weight, of fatty acid residues containing unsaturation, based on the total weight of the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative.

[0085] Preferably, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative comprises at least 5% and at most 35% by weight of fatty acid residues containing unsaturation, based on the total weight of the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative, more preferably at least 10% and at most 30% by weight, even more preferably at least 12% and at most 20% by weight.

[0086] Preferably, the fatty acid residue containing unsaturation is an oleic acid residue.

[0087] Preferably, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative also contains residues of other saturated fatty acids, such as palmitic and stearic acid.

[0088] Preferably, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative has an iodine value, measured according to the ISO 3961 standard, of at least 160 grams of 12 per gram of vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative, preferably at least 170 grams of 12, more preferably at least 175 grams of 12.

[0089] Preferably, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative has an acid number, measured according to the ISO 660 standard, of at most 1 mg, more preferably at most 2 mg, more preferably at most 4 mg KOH per gram of vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative.

[0090] Preferably, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative has a viscosity, measured at 37.8°C according to ASTM D445 standard, of at least 35 mPa·s, more preferably at least 40 mPa·s. Preferably, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative has a viscosity, measured at 37.8°C according to ASTM D445 standard, of at most 65 mPa·s, more preferably at most 60 mPa·s, more preferably at most 55 mPa·s. In a preferred embodiment, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative has a viscosity, measured at 37.8°C according to ASTM D445 standard, of at least 35 mPa·s and at most 65 mPa·s, more preferably at least 40 mPa·s and at most 60 mPa·s, more preferably at least 40 mPa·s and at most 55 mPa·s.

[0091] Preferably, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative has a saponification number, measured according to ISO 3657, of at most 200 mg, more preferably at most 195 mg, of KOH per gram of vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative. Preferably, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative has a saponification number, measured according to ISO 3657, of at least 175 mg, more preferably at least 170 mg, of KOH per gram of vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative. Preferably, the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative has a saponification number, measured according to ISO 3657, of at least 175 mg and at most 200 mg, more preferably at least 170 mg and at most 195 mg, of KOH per gram of vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative.

[0092] Magnesium oxide Preferably, the mixing step further comprises mixing at least 0.1 wt % and at most 75 wt % magnesium oxide, based on the total weight of composition (A), thereby forming composition (A).

[0093] Therefore, the method according to the present invention comprises, based on the total weight of the composition (A), At least 5% by weight and at most 75% by weight of particles of an oxygen-containing zinc compound (hereinafter, compound (OZ)), At least 1% by weight and at most 75% by weight of at least one vegetable oil or at least one vegetable oil derivative; at least 0.1% by weight and at most 75% by weight of magnesium oxide; Preferably, the method includes at least one mixing step of the above, thereby forming composition (A).

[0094] Preferably, at least 0.5 wt %, more preferably at least 0.8 wt %, and even more preferably at least 1 wt % of magnesium oxide is mixed in the mixing step.

[0095] Optionally, at least 5% by weight, or at least 10% by weight, or at least 20% by weight, or at least 30% by weight, or at least 40% by weight of magnesium oxide is mixed in the mixing step.

[0096] Preferably, at most 75 wt. %, more preferably at most 70 wt. %, even more preferably at most 60 wt. %, even more preferably at most 50 wt. %, even more preferably at most 40 wt. %, even more preferably at most 30 wt. %, even more preferably at most 20 wt. %, even more preferably at most 10 wt. % of magnesium oxide is mixed in the mixing step.

[0097] Preferably, at least 0.5% by weight and at most 7% by weight, more preferably at least 0.5% by weight and at most 5% by weight, and even more preferably at least 1% by weight and at most 3% by weight of magnesium oxide is mixed in the mixing step.

[0098] calcium carbonate Preferably, the mixing step further comprises mixing at least 10% by weight and at most 80% by weight of at least one inorganic base, based on the total weight of composition (A), thereby forming composition (A).

[0099] The inventors have discovered that compositions in which an inorganic base is present in the composition according to the present invention have an advantageously small angle of repose, which indicates that the composition will flow fluidly.

[0100] Preferably, the composition according to the invention has an angle of repose of at most 42°, more preferably at most 40°, even more preferably at most 39°, even more preferably at most 38°, even more preferably at most 37°.

[0101] Therefore, the method according to the present invention comprises, based on the total weight of the composition (A), At least 5% by weight and at most 75% by weight of particles of an oxygen-containing zinc compound (hereinafter, compound (OZ)), At least 1% by weight and at most 75% by weight of at least one vegetable oil or at least one vegetable oil derivative; at least 10% by weight and at most 80% by weight of at least one inorganic base; Preferably, the method includes at least one mixing step of the above, thereby forming composition (A).

[0102] In a preferred embodiment, the method according to the present invention comprises, based on the total weight of the composition (A), At least 5% by weight and at most 75% by weight of particles of an oxygen-containing zinc compound (hereinafter, compound (OZ)), At least 1% by weight and at most 75% by weight of at least one vegetable oil or at least one vegetable oil derivative; at least 10% by weight and at most 80% by weight of at least one inorganic base; at least 0.1% by weight and at most 75% by weight of magnesium oxide; at least one mixing step of (a) to (c), thereby forming composition (A).

[0103] Optionally, the at least one inorganic base is preferably Li + , Na + , K. + , Ca2+ , Mg 2+ and combinations thereof, and preferably O 2- , O.H. - , CO3 2- , HCO3 - and at least one anion A selected from the group consisting of:

[0104] Preferably, the at least one inorganic base is [M] x [A] y where M is preferably Li + , Na + , K. + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ and combinations thereof, and A is preferably O 2- , O.H. - , CO3 2- , HCO3 - and combinations thereof. The coefficients x and y can take values ​​of 1 or 2, or values ​​between 1 and 2. The values ​​of the coefficients x and y depend on the cation and anion.

[0105] More preferably, the at least one inorganic base is selected from the group consisting of LiOH, NaOH, KOH, Ca(OH), Mg(OH), MgO, LiCO, NaCO, KCO, CaCO, CaO, MgCO, LiHCO, NaHCO, KHCO, Ca(HCO), Mg(HCO), MgO·CaO, and mixtures and / or combinations thereof.

[0106] The inorganic base is preferably a carbonate.

[0107] In the framework of the present invention, the term "carbonate" means CO 2- Compounds containing anions and HCO3 -It includes both compounds containing anions and therefore also bicarbonates and hydroxycarbonates.

[0108] The carbonate may be, for example, CaCO3, Na2CO3, MgCO3, Al2(CO3)3, NaHCO3.

[0109] Preferably, the carbonate is CaCO3.

[0110] Preferably, at least 13 wt %, more preferably at least 15 wt %, and even more preferably at least 17 wt % of the inorganic base is mixed in the mixing step.

[0111] Preferably, 75% by weight or less, more preferably 70% by weight or less, and even more preferably 65% ​​by weight or less of the inorganic base is mixed in the mixing step.

[0112] Preferably, at least 13% by weight and at most 75% by weight, more preferably at least 15% by weight and at most 70% by weight, and even more preferably at least 17% by weight and at most 65% by weight of the inorganic base is mixed in the mixing step.

[0113] Other additives / fillers Optionally, the mixing step may further include mixing at least 10% by weight and at most 80% by weight of at least one filler, based on the total weight of composition (A), thereby forming composition (A).

[0114] In the context of the present invention, the filler (I) can be any filler that can be used in vulcanization process.However, the term "filler" does not mean that the filler (I) is inert, and in fact, the filler (I) can be, for example, a base.It is also possible that the filler (I) plays a role in the vulcanization process or does not play a role.

[0115] The filler (I) includes, but is not limited to, alumina, silica, hydroxides, silicates, and mixtures thereof.

[0116] The silica may include, but is not limited to, silica fume or precipitated silica.

[0117] Use in vulcanization processes As indicated above, the present invention also relates to a method for vulcanizing a vulcanizable composition (composition (C)), comprising the steps of providing said composition (C) comprising at least one vulcanizable polymer (polymer (V)), together with 2 to 10 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the composition (A) according to the present invention as described above, and 0.2 to 15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polymer (V), of at least one vulcanizing agent (agent (V)), relative to the total weight of the composition (C), to form the composition (C).

[0118] Preferably, composition (C) is heated at a temperature and for a time sufficient to obtain a vulcanized composition.

[0119] According to the present invention, the term "vulcanizable composition" refers to a composition adapted to undergo a vulcanization reaction as described above.

[0120] The mixture of at least one polymer (V) and said composition (A) may contain other compounds, and consequently said composition (C) may also contain other compounds.

[0121] The step of heating the composition (C) can be carried out by any means known to those skilled in the art, such as a hot press.

[0122] Preferably, composition (C) can be heated to a temperature of at least 120° C., preferably at least 140° C., more preferably at least 150° C., more preferably at least 165° C. Optionally, composition (C) is heated to a temperature of at most 220° C., preferably at most 200° C., more preferably at most 180° C.

[0123] In a preferred embodiment, the composition (C) is heated to a temperature of 120°C to 220°C, more preferably 160°C to 200°C, and even more preferably 165°C to 180°C.

[0124] The heating time of the composition (C) must be sufficient to obtain a vulcanized composition. Those skilled in the art can apply heating times commonly used in the current state of the art.

[0125] Polymer (V) The term "vulcanizable polymer" (hereinafter polymer (V)) refers to any type of polymer that is capable of undergoing a vulcanization reaction, ie, being chemically crosslinked during this reaction.

[0126] The polymer (V) according to the invention preferably comprises at least one monomer unit having at least one unsaturation, which serves as an active site for crosslinking. The polymer (V) preferably contains several unsaturations.

[0127] The polymer (V) can be, for example, a homopolymer, copolymer or terpolymer and can be obtained by a polymerization process of the Ziegler-Natta type or metallocene type, but is not limited to the above-mentioned polymerization processes.

[0128] Preferably, the polymer (V) can be an elastomer. For example, the polymer (V) can be, but is not limited to, natural rubber, polyisoprene, styrene butadiene (SBR), polybutadiene, isoprene butadiene (IBR), styrene isoprene butadiene (SIBR), ethylene propylene / ethylene propylene diene (EPDM), nitrile elastomer, propylene oxide polymer, star-branched butyl elastomer, halogenated star-branched butyl elastomer, brominated butyl rubber, chlorinated butyl rubber, crosslinked star-branched polyisobutylene rubber, brominated star-branched butyl polyisobutylene / isoprene copolymer rubber), poly(isobutylene-co-alkylstyrene), preferably isobutylene / methylstyrene copolymer, such as isobutylene / metabromomethylstyrene, isobutylene / bromomethylstyrene, isobutylene / chloromethylstyrene, isobutylenecyclopentadiene, and isobutylene / chloromethylene.

[0129] The polymer (V) preferably contains ethylene repeating units. The polymer (V) preferably contains at least 20% by weight, preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, and even more preferably at least 50% by weight of the ethylene repeating units relative to the total weight of the polymer (V). The polymer (V) may preferably contain at most 95% by weight, more preferably at most 90% by weight, even more preferably at most 85% by weight, and even more preferably at most 80% by weight of the ethylene repeating units relative to the total weight of the polymer (V).

[0130] In a preferred embodiment, the polymer (V) contains the ethylene repeating units in an amount of 20% by weight to 95% by weight, preferably 30% by weight to 90% by weight, more preferably 40% by weight to 85% by weight, and even more preferably 50% by weight to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer (V).

[0131] More preferably, the polymer (V) further comprises diene repeat units, such as, but not limited to, isoprene, butadiene, ethylidene norbornene, dicyclopentadiene, vinyl norbornene, and mixtures thereof.

[0132] The polymer (V) preferably contains diene repeat units. The polymer (V) preferably contains at least 0.1 wt. %, preferably at least 0.2 wt. %, more preferably at least 0.3 wt. %, even more preferably at least 0.4 wt. %, and even more preferably at least 0.5 wt. %, of the diene repeat units relative to the total weight of the polymer (V). The polymer (V) may preferably contain at most 25 wt. %, more preferably at most 20 wt. %, even more preferably at most 15 wt. %, and even more preferably at most 12 wt. %, of the diene repeat units relative to the total weight of the polymer (V).

[0133] In a preferred embodiment, the polymer (V) contains the diene repeating units in an amount of 0.1 to 25% by weight, preferably 0.2 to 20% by weight, more preferably 0.3 to 15% by weight, and even more preferably 0.5 to 12% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer (V).

[0134] In another specific embodiment, polymer (V) is a terpolymer and contains, relative to the total weight of polymer (V), 50% to 80% by weight of the ethylene repeat units and 0.1% to 25%, preferably 0.2% to 20%, more preferably 0.3% to 15%, and even more preferably 0.5% to 12% of the diene repeat units, wherein the diene repeat units are selected from the group consisting of ethylidene norbornene, dicyclopentadiene, vinyl norbornene, and mixtures thereof.

[0135] In another alternative embodiment, the weight percentage of the diene in polymer (V) may need to be lowered, and in this case, polymer (V) contains 0.1 to 10% by weight of the diene repeat unit, preferably 0.2 to 9% by weight, more preferably 0.3 to 8% by weight, and even more preferably 0.5 to 7.5% by weight, based on the total weight of polymer (V). In this case, polymer (V) preferably further contains 20 to 95% by weight, more preferably 30 to 90% by weight, more preferably 40 to 85% by weight, and even more preferably 50 to 80% by weight of the ethylene repeat unit, based on the total weight of polymer (V), and the diene repeat unit is selected from the group consisting of ethylidene norbornene, dicyclopentadiene, vinyl norbornene, and mixtures thereof.

[0136] In yet another alternative embodiment, the weight percentage of diene in polymer (V) may need to be increased, in which case polymer (V) comprises from 1 to 20% by weight, preferably from 2.5 to 17% by weight, more preferably from 5 to 15% by weight, and even more preferably from 7 to 12% by weight of the diene repeat units, based on the total weight of polymer (V). In this case, polymer (V) preferably further comprises from 20 to 95% by weight, more preferably from 30 to 90% by weight, more preferably from 40 to 85% by weight, even more preferably from 50 to 80% by weight, even more preferably from 50 to 70% by weight, even more preferably from 50 to 75% by weight, even more preferably from 50 to 70% by weight, and even more preferably from 50 to 65% by weight of the ethylene repeat units, based on the total weight of polymer (V), the diene repeat units being selected from the group consisting of ethylidene norbornene, dicyclopentadiene, vinyl norbornene, and mixtures thereof.

[0137] The polymer (V) may further comprise propylene repeating units.

[0138] Providing composition (C) comprising a mixture of at least one vulcanizable polymer (polymer (V)) and 2 to 10 parts by weight of composition (A) per 100 parts by weight of polymer (V). Preferably, the supply of composition (C) may comprise a mixture of at least one polymer (V) and preferably 2 to 8 parts by weight, more preferably 3 to 7 parts by weight, and even more preferably 4 to 6 parts by weight of composition (A) per 100 parts by weight of polymer (V).

[0139] Additional Components Preferably, the step of providing the composition (C) can include adding at least one additional component to the polymer (V), wherein the at least one additional component is selected from the group consisting of diatomaceous earth, quartz, talc, glass fiber, graphite, carbon black, carbon nanotubes, and mixtures thereof.

[0140] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one additional component is carbon black.

[0141] Oil phase Preferably, the step of providing the composition (C) may include the step of adding an oil phase to the polymer (V).

[0142] The oil phase is liquid at room temperature. Preferably, the oil phase is liquid at a temperature of -20°C, preferably -10°C, preferably -5°C, more preferably 0°C, even more preferably 5°C, even more preferably 10°C, even more preferably 15°C.

[0143] If desired, the step of adding an oil phase to the polymer can occur before or after the step of adding at least one additional component, or alternatively, the step of adding an oil phase to the polymer can occur simultaneously or at least partially simultaneously with the step of adding at least one additional component.

[0144] Vulcanization accelerator Preferably, the step of providing the composition (C) may further include the addition of a vulcanization accelerator (accelerator (V)).

[0145] Any accelerator (V) commonly used in vulcanization processes can be used. Generally, the accelerator (V) is chosen from compounds capable of interacting with the activator (V) to reduce the vulcanization time and / or temperature. Preferably, the accelerator is selected from the group consisting of aminoaldehydes, guanidines, thiazoles, thiophosphates, sulfenamides, thioureas, thiurams, dithiocarbamates, xanthates, and mixtures thereof.

[0146] Examples of aminoaldehydes include, but are not limited to, hexamethylenetetramine, heptaldehyde-aniline condensation products, and mixtures thereof. Examples of guanidines include, but are not limited to, diphenylguanidine, N,N'-diorthotolylguanidine, and mixtures thereof.

[0147] Examples of thiazoles include, but are not limited to, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, 2-2'-dithiobis(benzothiazole), zinc-2-mercaptobenzothiazole, and mixtures thereof. Thiophosphates can be, for example, zinc-O,O-di-N-phosphorodithioate. Sulfenamides include, but are not limited to, N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide, N-tert-butyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide, 2-(4-morpholinothio)-benzothiazole, N,N'-dicyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide, and mixtures thereof. Thioureas include, but are not limited to, ethylenethiourea, dipentamethylenethiourea, dibutylthiourea, and mixtures thereof. Thiurams include, but are not limited to, tetramethylthiuram monosulfide, tetramethylthiuram disulfide, dipentamethylenethiuram tetrasulfide, tetrabenzylthiuram disulfide, and mixtures thereof. Dithiocarbamates include, but are not limited to, zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate, zinc diethyldithiocarbamate, zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate, zinc dibenzyldithiocarbamate, and mixtures thereof. Xanthates can be, for example, zinc isopropylxanthate.

[0148] In a preferred embodiment, the accelerator (V) is selected from the group consisting of mercaptobenzothiazole, tetramethylthiuram disulfide, N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide, zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate, and mixtures thereof.

[0149] In a more preferred embodiment, the accelerator (V) is a mixture of mercaptobenzothiazole, tetramethylthiuram disulfide, N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide, and zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate.

[0150] Preferably, at least 0.2 parts by weight, more preferably at least 0.5 parts by weight, even more preferably at least 1 part by weight, and even more preferably at least 1.5 parts by weight of the accelerator (V) can be added per 100 parts by weight of the polymer (V). If necessary, at most 15 parts by weight, more preferably at most 12 parts by weight, and even more preferably at most 10 parts by weight of the accelerator (V) can be added per 100 parts by weight of the polymer (V).

[0151] In one embodiment, 0.2 to 15 parts by weight, preferably 0.5 to 12 parts by weight, more preferably 1 to 10 parts by weight, and even more preferably 1.5 to 10 parts by weight of the accelerator (V) can be added per 100 parts by weight of the polymer (V).

[0152] Drug (V) According to the present invention, agent (V) is an agent for vulcanization of polymer (V). Preferably, agent (V) is adapted to react with at least one unsaturation of polymer (V) and induce crosslinking of polymer (V).

[0153] Examples of agents (V) include, but are not limited to, sulfur, polysulfides, sulfur monochloride, sulfur dichloride, tellurium, selenium, thiuram, disulfides such as quinone dioximes, organic peroxides, diisocyanates.

[0154] Preferably, agent (V) is a sulfur compound, more preferably containing at least one disulfide (SS) bond, and more preferably, agent (V) is a sulfur compound selected from the group consisting of sulfur, sulfur chloride, polysulfides, and mixtures thereof.

[0155] The inventors have shown that in order to obtain a vulcanizable composition, composition (C) must contain at least 0.2 parts by weight of agent (V) per 100 parts by weight of said polymer (V). Preferably, composition (C) contains at least 0.3 parts by weight, more preferably at least 0.5 parts by weight, of said agent (V) per 100 parts by weight of said polymer (V).

[0156] The method according to the present invention comprises the step of adding 0.2 to 15 parts by weight of at least one vulcanizing agent (agent (V)) per 100 parts by weight of the polymer (V) to form the composition (C).

[0157] In a preferred embodiment, the method according to the present invention comprises the step of adding 0.2 to 4 parts by weight, preferably 0.3 to 3 parts by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 3 parts by weight of the agent (V) per 100 parts by weight of the polymer (V).

[0158] The agent (V) is advantageously added to the composition (C) in the form of a powder.

[0159] A final aspect of the present invention relates to vulcanized compositions obtainable by the vulcanization process according to the invention. [Example]

[0160] Example - Preparation of Vulcanization Activated Composition ZnO, CaCO3, linseed oil, and MgO were mixed in a mixer. The mixer was equipped with a thermocouple to measure the temperature. All ingredients were added simultaneously in the proportions specified in Table 1. The maximum mixing temperature and mixing time are also specified in Table 1.

[0161] The composition of unsaturated fatty acid residues of the used linseed oil is summarized in Table 2. In addition, the used linseed oil contains 5 wt% to 18 wt% saturated fatty acids based on the total weight of the linseed oil. The percentages of various fatty acid residues can be measured using the ISO 12966 standard or any other equivalent standard. The D50 of the ZnO was 1 μm to 100 μm.

[0162] [Table 1]

[0163] The BET specific surface area was measured for the final composition (A). The specific surface area was close to 0, which tends to indicate that the ZnO (and CaCO and MgO) core was completely or nearly completely covered with linseed oil.

[0164] [Table 2]

[0165] The composition obtained in Example 4 was not dusty, unlike the other compositions obtained in Examples 1, 2, 3 and 5.

[0166] The compositions of Examples 1 to 5 and 7 were powder compositions in which ZnO, CaCO3 and MgO were the major components of a core at least partially covered with a layer of linseed oil. The composition of Example 6 was a paste-like composition.

[0167] The composition according to Example 8 was a powder composition in which ZnO and MgO were the main components of a core that was at least partially covered with a layer of linseed oil.

[0168] The angle of repose of Example 7 is smaller than that of Example 8. The angle of repose of Example 8 is smaller than that of Comparative Example 1.

[0169] Methods for measuring the angle of repose are known to those skilled in the art. For example, a specified volume (e.g., 150 ml) of the composition for which the angle of repose is to be measured is taken and placed in a funnel placed at the top center of a flat-bottomed cylinder. For example, the outlet of the funnel can be 7.5 cm from the top of the cylinder. Allow the entire specified volume to flow. After the entire product has flowed out, measure the height of the pyramid formed in mm. Using the trigonometric formula, the base angle of the pyramid is measured, which is known as the angle of repose.

[0170] Example - Use of composition (A) in a vulcanization process Each of the compositions (A) obtained in Examples 2, 3, 4 and 6 was mixed in a mixer with the components whose properties and proportions are shown in Table 3.

[0171] [Table 3]

[0172] The mechanical properties of the vulcanized rubber are listed in Table 4. The same method was repeated using ZnO instead of composition (A) of Examples 2, 3, 4 and 6, to create "ZnO" examples (comparative examples).

[0173] [Table 4]

[0174] The curing time can be determined by measuring the time to start the curing (Ts2) and the time related to the end of the curing (t90) using an oscillating disc rheometer. The maximum torque (Cmax) measured during the rheological test can be used to determine the values ​​of ts2 and t90. The variation of the torque is an indicator of the degree of crosslinking of the product obtained after curing. All rheometric measurements were carried out at a temperature of 170°C.

[0175] The maximum torque corresponds to the measurement of the vulcanized (cured) product. In fact, a so-called variable torque is supplied by the motor of the device to maintain a stable oscillation of the rheometer disc both in terms of frequency and amplitude. The variable torque depends on the elasticity / viscosity of the product being tested. Therefore, the more viscous or elastic the product, the higher the torque.

[0176] Measurements of Cmin, Cmax, TR, Ts2, T50 and T90 were carried out using an oscillating disc rheometer at a temperature of 170°C according to ASTM D5289.

[0177] R / R (breaking strength) was measured in accordance with the NF T 46-002 standard.

[0178] Hardness measurements (SH-A hardness) were performed in accordance with the ISO 7619-1 2010 standard.

[0179] Tear measurements were performed according to the NF T 46-007 standard.

[0180] As can be seen, the mechanical properties of the different examples can be compared, which tends to show that the presence of vegetable oil has no or negligible effect on the mechanical properties of the vulcanized polymer.

[0181] Zinc release test The rubber obtained after vulcanization with composition (a) of Example 6 and ZnO (comparative example) was subjected to a zinc release test.

[0182] For each rubber sample, a piece measuring 10 cm x 8 cm was cut. Each piece of rubber was cut into approximately 20 small squares measuring 2 cm x 2 cm. Each small square was weighed. Each small square was washed three times in succession with milli-Q water in three aluminum dishes.

[0183] After rinsing, the small squares were placed directly into a 250 ml glass bottle and covered with 200 ml of Milli-Q water. The bottle was sealed with a stopper. For reference, the bottle was filled with Milli-Q water.

[0184] Each bottle was placed in a 35°C oven and shaken daily for four weeks. Samples of each bottle were taken periodically and analyzed by atomic absorption according to FD T 90-112 standard. The results of the bottle water analysis are shown in Table 5.

[0185] [Table 5]

[0186] As can be seen, the amount of ZnO released from the rubber obtained by vulcanization using composition (A) of Example 6 is very low and the amount of ZnO released does not seem to change over time. The opposite is observed when standard ZnO is used in the vulcanization.

Claims

1. 1. A method for preparing a vulcanization-activated composition (hereinafter, composition (A)), comprising the steps of: At least 5% by weight and at most 95% by weight, preferably at least 5% by weight and at most 75% by weight, of particles of an oxygen-containing zinc compound (hereinafter, compound (OZ)), at least 1% by weight and at most 75% by weight of at least one vegetable oil or at least one vegetable oil derivative; to form said composition (A), said weight percentages being based on the total weight of said composition (A), wherein said vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative comprises at least 8 weight percent of at least one fatty acid residue, based on the total weight of said vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative, and said fatty acid residue comprises at least two unsaturations.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the mixing step further comprises mixing at least 0.1 wt. % and at most 75 wt. % magnesium oxide, based on the total weight of composition (A).

3. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the mixing step additionally comprises mixing at least 10 wt. % and at most 80 wt. % of at least one inorganic base, based on the total weight of composition (A).

4. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vegetable oil is selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, walnut oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, avocado oil, hemp seed oil, grape seed oil, olive oil, peanut oil, rice oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, safflower oil, wheat germ oil and mixtures thereof.

5. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vegetable oil derivative is a derivative of an oil selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, walnut oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, avocado oil, hemp seed oil, grape seed oil, olive oil, peanut oil, rice oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, safflower oil, wheat germ oil, palm oil and mixtures thereof.

6. 6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fatty acid residue is a C12 to C30, more preferably C14 to C28, more preferably C14 to C26, even more preferably C14 to C24, more preferably C16 to C24, more preferably C16 to C22, more preferably C16 to C20, even more preferably C18 residue.

7. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative comprises at least 15% by weight of the fatty acid residues, more preferably at least 20% by weight of the fatty acid residues, more preferably at least 25% by weight of the fatty acid residues, more preferably at least 30% by weight of the fatty acid residues, more preferably at least 35% by weight of the fatty acid residues, even more preferably at least 40% by weight of the fatty acid residues, and even more preferably at least 50% by weight of the fatty acid residues, based on the total weight of the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative.

8. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative comprises at most 80% by weight of said fatty acid residues, more preferably at most 75% by weight of said fatty acid residues, and even more preferably at most 70% by weight of said fatty acid residues, based on the total weight of the vegetable oil or vegetable oil derivative.

9. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the fatty acid residue is a residue selected from the group consisting of α-linolenic acid, γ-linolenic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and linoleic acid.

10. 10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fatty acid residue is a fatty acid residue (A) containing two unsaturations, and the vegetable oil and / or vegetable oil derivative further comprises a fatty acid residue (B) containing at least three unsaturations.

11. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fatty acid residue (A) is a linoleic acid residue, and the fatty acid residue (B) is a residue selected from the group consisting of residues of α-linolenic acid, γ-linolenic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and linoleic acid.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least 10 wt% of the compound (OZ), more preferably at least 12 wt%, more preferably at least 15 wt%, more preferably at least 20 wt%, more preferably at least 25 wt%, more preferably at least 30 wt%, more preferably at least 40 wt%, more preferably at least 50 wt%, more preferably at least 60 wt% of the compound (OZ), based on the total weight of the composition (A), is mixed in the mixing step.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at most 70 wt% of the compound (OZ), more preferably at most 65 wt%, more preferably at most 55 wt%, more preferably at most 50 wt%, more preferably at most 45 wt%, more preferably at most 40 wt%, more preferably at most 35 wt% of the compound (OZ), based on the total weight of the composition (A), is mixed in the mixing step.

14. 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the compound (OZ) has a D50, measured by laser granulometry in water, of at least 100 nm, more preferably at least 200 nm, even more preferably at least 300 nm, even more preferably at least 400 nm, even more preferably at least 500 nm, even more preferably at least 600 nm, even more preferably at least 700 nm, even more preferably at least 800 nm, even more preferably at least 1 μm, even more preferably at least 2 μm.

15. 15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the compound (OZ) can have a D50, measured by laser granulometry in water, of at most 500 μm, or at most 100 μm, or at most 20 μm, or at most 15 μm.

16. 16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said compound (OZ) is selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide, zinc carbonate, zinc hydroxycarbonate and mixtures thereof.

17. The composition (A) is a paste or liquid composition, and the method comprises, based on the total weight of the composition (A), At least 20% by weight and at most 60% by weight of particles of compound (OZ); at least 15% by weight and at most 75% by weight of at least one vegetable oil or at least one vegetable oil derivative; 17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising at least one mixing step of:

18. The composition (A) is a powdery composition of at least partially coated OZ compound particles, and the method comprises, based on the total weight of the composition (A), At least 20% by weight and at most 60% by weight of particles of compound (OZ); at least 1% by weight and at most 35% by weight of at least one vegetable oil or at least one vegetable oil derivative; 17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising at least one mixing step of:

19. 19. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 18, wherein at least 0.5 wt. %, more preferably at least 0.8 wt. %, even more preferably at least 1 wt. % of magnesium oxide is mixed in the mixing step.

20. 20. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 19, wherein at most 75 wt.%, more preferably at most 70 wt.%, even more preferably at most 60 wt.%, even more preferably at most 50 wt.%, even more preferably at most 40 wt.%, even more preferably at most 30 wt.%, even more preferably at most 20 wt.%, even more preferably at most 10 wt.% of magnesium oxide is mixed in the mixing step.

21. The at least one inorganic base is LiOH, NaOH, KOH, Ca(OH) ２ , Mg(OH) ２ , MgO, Li ２ CO ３ , Na ２ CO ３ , K. ２ CO ３ , CaCO ３ , CaO, MgCO ３ , LiHCO ３ , NaHCO ３ , KHCO ３ , Ca(HCO ３ ) ２ , Mg(HCO ３ ) ２ 21. The method of any one of claims 3 to 20, wherein the inorganic filler is selected from the group consisting of MgO, MgO, CaO, and mixtures and / or combinations thereof.

22. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 21, wherein at least 13 wt%, more preferably at least 15 wt%, even more preferably at least 17 wt% of inorganic base is mixed in the mixing step.

23. 23. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 22, wherein at most 75 wt. %, more preferably at most 70 wt. %, even more preferably at most 65 wt. % of the inorganic base is mixed in the mixing step.

24. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the mixing step is carried out at a temperature of at most 100°C, preferably at most 80°C, more preferably at most 70°C, even more preferably at most 60°C, even more preferably at most 50°C, even more preferably at most 40°C.

25. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixing step is carried out at a temperature of at least 10°C, more preferably at least 15°C, more preferably at least 17°C, more preferably at least 20°C.

26. 26. The method of any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the mixing is carried out for at most 30 minutes, or at most 20 minutes, or at most 10 minutes, or at most 5 minutes, or at most 1 minute, or at most 30 seconds.

27. The method of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the mixing is carried out for at least 10 seconds.

28. A vulcanization-activated composition obtainable by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 27.

29. Use of a composition according to claim 28 or a composition obtainable by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 27 in a vulcanization process.

30. 27. A method for vulcanizing a vulcanizable composition (composition (C)), the method comprising the steps of providing composition (C) comprising, relative to the total weight of composition (C), at least one vulcanizable polymer (polymer (V)), together with 2 to 10 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polymer (V) of composition (A) according to claim 28 or composition (A) obtainable by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 27, and 0.2 to 15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polymer (V) of at least one vulcanizing agent (agent (V)), to form composition (C).

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