Evaluation of itaconic acid/aromatic diamine adducts as novel antioxidants polymers. Part 1: Evaluation as antioxidants for natural rubber vulcanizates

Itaconic acid was reacted with phenylene diamine (ortho, meta and para) and o‐tolidine in boiling dekalin, using Dean and Stark apparatus. The polymers prepared were evaluated for their suitability as antioxidants for natural rubber vulcanizates. The amide polymers prepared showed high efficiency as antioxidants for rubber vulcanizates, exceeding the performance of commercial antioxidants. In addition, the results obtained are encouraging and support the use of these polymers from both the environmental and economical points of view.