| abstract |
A vulcanisable polymer composition which comprises a carboxylated nitrile rubber, a polyvalent metal oxide, and an alkali metal salt selected from the lithium, sodium and potassium salts of C 12-18 alkanoic acids. The composition can be prepared by mixing the polyvalent metal oxide, e.g. zinc oxide, with a pre-formed mixture of the rubber and the salt, e.g. sodium or potassium stearate. A vulcanisate can be formed by heating the composition. |