polysulfide rubber

chemical compound

Also known as: Thiokol

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July 1, 2026

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Polysulfide rubber, also known by the trade name Thiokol, is a synthetic rubber discovered in 1926. It is characterized by its excellent resistance to solvents, lubricants, oxygen, light, and gases. This is due to its molecular structure, which contains sulfur-sulfur linkages.12

Polysulfide rubber is primarily used as a liquid sealant that cures into an elastomer. Its high sulfur content (about 80%) makes it dense and resistant to swelling from hydrocarbon oils. However, the sulfur-sulfur bonds can lead to relaxation and flow under pressure. Key applications include oil-resistant and weather-resistant seals, gaskets, gasoline hoses, and binders for solid rocket propellants. It is also used for protective coatings and caulking compositions.13

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major industrial polymers
Polysulfide rubber
Polysulfide rubber was discovered in 1926 by an American chemist, Joseph Cecil Patrick, while he was attempting to obtain ethylene glycol for use as an antifreeze. The elastomer was commercialized under the trade name Thiokol (after the Greek theion, “brimstone” [sulfur] and kommi,…
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Polysulfide rubber was discovered in 1926 by an American chemist, Joseph Cecil Patrick, while he was attempting to obtain ethylene glycol for use as an antifreeze. The elastomer was commercialized under the trade name Thiokol (after the Greek theion, “brimstone” [sulfur] and kommi,…
Read More

polysulfide
…resinous synthetic organic substances called Thiokols. The molecules of these products consist of long chains in which polysulfide groups alternate with small organic groups capable of forming two covalent bonds. They can be converted by heating with zinc oxide to tough, resilient materials used to make hoses and linings for…
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…resinous synthetic organic substances called Thiokols. The molecules of these products consist of long chains in which polysulfide groups alternate with small organic groups capable of forming two covalent bonds. They can be converted by heating with zinc oxide to tough, resilient materials used to make hoses and linings for…
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Samuel Shrowder Pickles
…and introduced the use of thiokol (see polysulfide) and neoprene synthetic rubbers at Spencer, from which he retired in 1950.
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…and introduced the use of thiokol (see polysulfide) and neoprene synthetic rubbers at Spencer, from which he retired in 1950.
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