| abstract |
A cured elastomer is formed by partially crosslinking an elastomer compound containing first and second free radical initiators at a first crosslinking temperature T1, then further crosslinking at a second crosslinking temperature T2. Either: (i) the first free radical initiator's half-life is about 0.2-5 minutes at T1, the second free radical initiator's half-life is about 0.2-5 minutes at T2, and T2 is higher than T1 by at least about 30 °C; or (ii) the second free radical initiator's one-minute half-life temperature is higher than the first free radical initiator's one -minute half-life temperature by at least about 30 °C, T1 is within about 20 °C of the first one -minute half-life temperature, and T2 is within about 20 °C of the second one -minute half-life temperature. |