Application of ambient temperature cured polymers or prepolymers to a

Abstract

A process and composition for applying and bonding a curable polymer or prepolymer, for example, an amine curable polymer or prepolymer, at ambient temperatures to the surface of a cured elastomer substrate. The elastomer article or substrate is treated with an organic oxidant such as one selected, for example, from the group consisting of N-halosulfonamides, N-halohydantoins, N-haloamides, N-haloimides, and the various isomers of mono-, di-, and trichloroisocyanuric acid. A composition of a curable polymer or prepolymer is prepared with a curing agent. To the curing agent and curable polymer or prepolymer composition is added a polar solvent which is mixed with the resulting blend or mixture and added to the treated elastomer surface; said polymer or prepolymer cures at ambient temperature and becomes bonded to said elastomer. The application is relatively easy, since the entire mixture is a liquid and can be applied in situ. The invention is particularly suitable for repairing various damaged elastomer articles such as tires (especially off-the-road), conveyor belts, hoses, preparation of caulking or sealing compounds, and especially in bonding tire lugs or tire treads to a tire carcass.