N-Cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazolesulfenamide (CBS/CZ): A Practical Look at a Key Rubber Additive

What is CBS/CZ?

N-Cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazolesulfenamide, often called CBS or CZ, stands out in tire manufacturing and rubber processing. This chemical acts as an accelerator, helping control how fast rubber cures. CBS/CZ plays a unique part by making sure the vulcanization process keeps up with modern production lines, especially in the global market where deadlines and quality standards matter.

Product Forms and Physical Structure

CBS/CZ appears as a solid under normal room temperatures. Most shipments arrive as off-white or light yellow flakes, powder, or sometimes beads or granules. These forms help with storage and handling—the powder clumps less, the flakes can be scooped, and the beads travel through pipes easily. No one shipping CBS/CZ as a liquid or crystal; it comes in these dry forms because moisture shortens its shelf life and handling becomes tricky. The chemical gives off a faint rubbery or medicinal odor. The density runs close to 1.20 g/cm³, meaning it has some heft but won’t feel like a block of steel.

Structural and Molecular Description

The structure of CBS/CZ centers on a benzothiazole ring attached to a cyclohexyl group and a sulfenamide segment, making up its formula: C13H16N2S2. That mix gives its physical and chemical stability. The molecular weight clocks in at roughly 264.41 g/mol. The arrangement delivers good controlling power in the crosslinking of sulfur in natural and synthetic rubbers—too little reaction slows production, too much leaves a fragile product. Having worked in a plant where CBS/CZ was compared to other sulfenamides, it brings a balanced delay and acceleration effect critical to achieving consistent rubber sheets and tire treads.

Specifications and Standards

Specifications matter for any batch that hits a container. For high-grade CBS/CZ, purity needs to reach at least 95%, sometimes going above 97%. Common test methods look for melting points between 97°C and 105°C, low ash levels (below 0.3%), and minimal oil or moisture content, since contamination drags down performance speed or physical qualities of rubber. The HS Code for N-Cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazolesulfenamide is 2934200090 (under organic compounds, heterocyclic structures).

Properties and Performance

CBS/CZ changes the cure curve in rubber mixing rooms. Unlike old-school accelerators that kicked off reactions too quickly, CBS/CZ offers a delayed-action effect. That lets workers load molds without racing the clock and helps avoid scorching. In motorcycle and car tire shops, this additive proves key for producing treads with both bounce and durability. The material handles well at room temperature and resists clumping if kept away from water and sunlight. At elevated temperatures, it holds together until the vulcanizing agent gets rolling. This feature keeps production safe and efficient, with fewer bad runs or product recalls due to improper crosslinking.

Safe, Hazardous, and Harmful Nature

Dealing with chemicals means paying attention to health—or the risks pile up. CBS/CZ won’t blow up in your hand or catch fire easily, but it does come with hazards. Dust irritates eyes, skin, and the respiratory tract. Some people notice mild allergic reactions after extended contact. Regulatory bodies rate CBS/CZ as a skin and respiratory irritant; the safety data sheets call for gloves, glasses, and proper ventilation. CBS/CZ is not classed as a carcinogen, but accidental ingestion or direct, prolonged skin contact should be avoided. Environmental concerns focus on disposal: unreacted CBS/CZ leaching into soil or water may harm aquatic life because of the benzothiazole core, which resists quick breakdown. At work, I saw improper handling lead to complaints of sore throats and skin rashes, so common sense safety gear and training make a difference.

Role as Raw Material in Rubber Production

CBS/CZ serves as a backbone raw material for tires, conveyor belts, shoe soles, hoses, sealing strips—almost every rubber product needing reliable vulcanization. Since its introduction, CBS/CZ helped push tire performance away from 1950s standards, allowing softer rides, sharper grip, and longer tread life. The additive replaced earlier, less predictable accelerators, cutting down cycle times. In plants I’ve visited, switching to CBS/CZ brought steadier quality control and reduced scrap rates.

Addressing Challenges and Solutions

The handling, storage, and environmental impact of CBS/CZ call for better planning. Proper bagging, climate control, and reduced exposure to dust are shared lessons across manufacturing. Responsible disposal means incineration in controlled conditions, recycling where solvent extraction is available, or repurposing waste as fuel by adhering to approved protocols. In my experience, investing in worker safety training and stricter chemical management practices slashes accidents and fines. Frequent equipment cleaning, air scrubbers, and transparent recordkeeping of material flow keep both the shop floor and the local environment safe.

Conclusion

N-Cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazolesulfenamide stands as more than a chemical name on a drum; it supports modern rubber manufacturing and raises the bar for performance and process safety. Understanding its structure, properties, application risks, and responsible handling principles helps deliver reliable products for global markets, while protecting the people and places behind the scenes.