An efficient rheological approach of the rubber-to-metal
vulcanization bonding process, based on the use of a simple
rotational rheometer, is proposed. The same apparatus allows
both: characterization of the rheokinetics of the
reactive components involved (rubber, adhesive and
primer), and to study the diffusion reaction phenomena at
the rubber/adhesive interface in conditions close to the real
molding process. The modelling of the experimental data
obtained allowed the identification of kinetic models able
to predict the reactivity of each component for any molding
temperature cycle. It could, therefore, be used as an optimization
tool for the process. The thickness of the interphase
formed in the rubber by diffusion/reaction was also
evaluated from the rheological data, opening interesting
perspectives for the modelling of the process in the case of
model adhesives with a known composition. Moreover, the
approach described could potentially be applied to other
types of vulcanization bonding processes for making plastic/
rubber or composite/rubber assemblies.