Abstract: A latex compound comprising a natural rubber or a synthetic rubber material and an antioxidant comprising a zinc based synergist. The zinc based synergist may be selected from the group consisting of zinc 2-mercaptotoluimidazole and zinc 2-mercaptobenzimidazole, as well as combinations of these materials. The latex compounds may be cured without metal oxide, such as zinc oxide, and/or without zinc based accelerators. The invention further pertains to cured natural rubber or synthetic rubber material comprising the latex compounds, and curing systems and methods for curing the latex compounds without metal oxide and/or zinc based accelerators.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an accelerator system, such as an accelerator system for synthetic polyisoprene latex. The accelerator system comprises dithiocarbamate and thiourea and can produce synthetic polyisoprene films having a tensile strength of about 3,000 psi to about 5,000 psi at low curing temperatures. The invention also pertains to a method for curing synthetic polyisoprene latex.