The Isomerization of Rubber to Cyclorubber under the Influence of High Tension Alternating Currents

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Abstract
Chemical transformations by means of high tension alternating currents, accompanied by the activation of oxygen were investigated extensively toward the end of the last century by de Hemptinne, who studied the behavior of a large number of chemical substances and systems under the influence of these discharges. These transformations are in general characterized by the fact that the discharge causes deep seated changes in the molecular structure of the substances, principally organic, on which it acts. The chemistry of some, indeed most, of the reactions produced by the silent electric discharge in liquid and solid systems has never been definitely explained, particularly when these reactions are accompanied by a complete destruction of the molecule. In the so-called “Voltol” oil process, the oil becomes more viscous when treated by the silent discharge and becomes a valuable lubricant, well known in the automotive market today. This product led to a thoróugh knowledge of the process and to a confirmation of Nernst's theory, according to which the increase in viscosity is due to a displacement of the intramolecular bonds caused by the impact of ions and electrons, resulting in the formation of polymerization products of high molecular weight. The discharge is produced in a rarified atmosphere of hydrogen, and due to the alternating field the ions and electrons in the gaseous layer undergo such acceleration that they increase markedly in numbers by impact. Because of their great kinetic energy the effect on the liquid molecules is exceptionally violent. The molecules split off hydrogen, which, because of its atomic, highly active form immediately becomes attached to the unsaturated bonds, forming saturated compounds. This is true of saturated as well as unsaturated compounds used as the substances to be treated, the mechanism of the reaction being characterized by the following general equation:

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