ZDEC Rubber Accelerator: The Complete 2026 Guide to Zinc Diethyl Dithiocarbamate
ZDEC (Zinc Diethyl Dithiocarbamate) is an ultra-fast rubber accelerator from the dithiocarbamate family, primarily used in latex vulcanization at low temperatures (95–135°C). It is the preferred accelerator for latex gloves, condoms, balloons, and foam products due to its fast cure speed, excellent dispersion, and low nitrosamine risk compared to thiuram alternatives.
What is ZDEC?
ZDEC stands for Zinc Diethyl Dithiocarbamate. It is an ultra-fast vulcanization accelerator belonging to the dithiocarbamate class of rubber chemicals. Chemically, it consists of a central zinc ion bonded to two diethyl dithiocarbamate ligands.
Common names: ZDEC, Zinc Diethyl Dithiocarbamate, Ethyl Zimate, Zinc DEDC
ZDEC vs Other Accelerators
Choosing the right accelerator depends on your specific application. The comparison below highlights the key differences between ZDEC and its most common alternatives.
Quick Facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Zinc Diethyl Dithiocarbamate |
| CAS Number | 14324-55-1 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₀H₂₀N₂S₄Zn |
| Molecular Weight | 361.90 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to light yellow powder or granules |
| Melting Point | 176–180°C |
| HS Code | 2930.20 |
| EINECS Number | 238-270-9 |
What is ZDEC Used For?
ZDEC is primarily used as an ultra-fast accelerator in sulfur vulcanization, with its dominant application being latex products. It is particularly valued for its ability to cure at low temperatures (95–135°C), which is essential for heat-sensitive latex materials.
Primary Applications
| Industry | Product Examples | Typical ZDEC Loading (phr) | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical | Latex gloves, surgical tubing | 0.5–1.5 | Fast cure at low temperature; high tensile strength |
| Healthcare | Condoms, catheters | 0.3–0.8 | Thin, uniform film with excellent elasticity |
| Consumer | Balloons, bathing caps | 0.8–1.5 | Consistent color and wall uniformity |
| Home & Bedding | Latex foam (mattresses, pillows) | 0.5–1.0 | Controlled cell structure and density |
| Textile | Latex threads, rubberized fabrics | 0.6–1.2 | Uniform cross-section; smooth surface |
| Industrial | Rubber bands, erasers, adhesives | 0.3–1.0 | Fast cure; high elasticity |
| Automotive | Weather seals, gaskets (with CR/EPDM) | 0.3–0.8 | Secondary accelerator booster |
How Does ZDEC Work in Vulcanization?
ZDEC accelerates the cross-linking of rubber polymer chains during vulcanization through a catalytic mechanism:
- Activation: ZDEC reacts with zinc oxide and stearic acid in the rubber compound to form a soluble zinc complex
- Sulfur activation: This complex breaks the S₈ sulfur ring into shorter, more reactive polysulfide chains
- Cross-link formation: The activated sulfur forms C-S-C bonds between rubber polymer chains
- Catalytic regeneration: ZDEC is regenerated and continues to catalyze further vulcanization
Performance Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Cure speed | Ultra-fast |
| Optimal cure temperature | 95–135°C (203–275°F) |
| Scorch time at 120°C | 3–6 minutes |
| Cross-link density | High |
| Scorch safety | Moderate |
ZDEC's ability to work at low temperatures is its defining advantage. Most other accelerators require 140–180°C, but ZDEC achieves full cure at 100–120°C — making it ideal for latex where high heat would cause degradation.
ZDEC Chemical & Physical Properties
Identifiers
| Identifier | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 14324-55-1 |
| IUPAC Name | Zinc bis(diethylcarbamodithioate) |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₀H₂₀N₂S₄Zn |
| Molecular Weight | 361.90 g/mol |
| EINECS | 238-270-9 |
| RTECS | ZH0525000 |
| HS Code | 2930.20 (Organo-sulfur compounds) |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to light yellow powder |
| Odor | Slight, characteristic amine odor |
| Melting Point | 176–180°C |
| Decomposition Temperature | >200°C |
| Specific Gravity | 1.47 g/cm³ at 20°C |
| Bulk Density (powder) | 0.35–0.55 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in Water | Insoluble |
| Solubility (organic) | Chloroform, benzene, acetone, CS₂ |
| Flash Point | >100°C (closed cup) |
| pH (10% suspension) | 6.0–8.0 |
| Storage Stability | Min. 2 years (proper conditions) |
How is ZDEC Manufactured?
ZDEC is produced through a three-step chemical synthesis:
Step 1 — Diethylamine reacts with carbon disulfide and sodium hydroxide to form sodium diethyl dithiocarbamate:
(C₂H₅)₂NH + CS₂ + NaOH → (C₂H₅)₂N-CS₂Na + H₂O
Step 2 — The sodium salt is reacted with zinc sulfate (or zinc chloride) to precipitate ZDEC:
2(C₂H₅)₂N-CS₂Na + ZnSO₄ → [(C₂H₅)₂N-CS₂]₂Zn + Na₂SO₄
Step 3 — The precipitate is washed, dried at 50–60°C, and milled or granulated to the desired particle size.
Typical Quality Control Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥ 97% |
| Zinc content | 17.5–19.0% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.5% |
| Melting point | 176–180°C |
| Ash content | ≤ 0.3% |
ZDEC vs ZDBC
| Parameter | ZDEC | ZDBC |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Zinc Diethyl Dithiocarbamate | Zinc Dibutyl Dithiocarbamate |
| Alkyl group | Ethyl (C₂) | Butyl (C₄) |
| Molecular weight | 361.90 g/mol | 474.12 g/mol |
| Melting point | 176–180°C | 104–110°C |
| Cure speed | Ultra-fast | Fast |
| Optimal temp | 95–135°C | 110–150°C |
| Scorch safety | Moderate | Better |
| Latex suitability | Excellent | Good |
| Tire suitability | Limited | Excellent |
| Cost | Lower | Slightly higher |
When to use ZDEC: Latex dipping, low-temperature cure, fast production cycles
When to use ZDBC: Tire compounds, dark-colored goods, high-temperature vulcanization
ZDEC vs TMTD
| Parameter | ZDEC | TMTD |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Dithiocarbamate (zinc salt) | Thiuram disulfide |
| Cure speed | Ultra-fast | Ultra-fast |
| Sulfur donor | No | Yes (can cure without free sulfur) |
| Nitrosamine risk | Lower | Higher (forms NDMA) |
| Latex yellowing | Less | More |
| Cost | Moderate | Lower |
| 2026 trend | ✅ Increasing adoption | ⚠️ Under regulatory pressure |
Key trend: ZDEC is increasingly replacing TMTD in latex applications due to stricter EU and FDA nitrosamine regulations.
ZDEC vs ZMBT
| Parameter | ZDEC | ZMBT |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Dithiocarbamate | Thiazole |
| Cure speed | Ultra-fast | Semi-ultra |
| Cure temperature | Low (95–135°C) | Moderate (120–160°C) |
| Scorch safety | Moderate | Good |
| Latex preference | Excellent | Good |
| Synergistic use | With thiazoles | With dithiocarbamates |
ZDEC Dosage & Formulation Guide
Typical Latex Glove Formulation
| Ingredient | phr (parts per hundred rubber) |
|---|---|
| Natural rubber latex | 100.0 |
| Sulfur | 1.0–1.5 |
| ZDEC | 0.5–1.0 |
| Zinc oxide | 0.3–0.5 |
| Antioxidant (e.g., 6PPD) | 0.5–1.0 |
| Titanium dioxide (optional) | 0–2.0 |
| Pigment | 0.1–0.5 |
Synergistic Accelerator Systems
| System | Composition (phr) | Best For | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZDEC + ZMBT | 0.3–0.5 + 0.3–0.8 | Latex dipping | Balanced cure + scorch safety |
| ZDEC + DPG | 0.5 + 0.3–0.5 | NR molded goods | Higher cross-link density |
| ZDEC + CBS | 0.3 + 0.8–1.2 | Tire tread | Faster initiation, better scorch |
| ZDEC + TMTD | 0.3 + 0.3 | NR/SBR blends | Synergistic ultra-fast system |
Dosage by Application
| Application | Recommended ZDEC (phr) |
|---|---|
| Latex dipping (thin film) | 0.3–0.8 |
| Latex dipping (thick film) | 0.5–1.5 |
| NR molded goods | 0.3–1.0 |
| SBR compounds | 0.2–0.8 |
| NBR compounds | 0.3–1.0 |
| Rubber adhesives | 0.2–0.5 |
Note: Exceeding 1.5 phr may cause surface bloom. For higher loading requirements, combine with secondary accelerators.
ZDEC Safety & Handling
GHS Classification
| Classification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302 (Harmful if swallowed), H315 (Skin irritation), H319 (Eye irritation), H317 (Allergic skin reaction), H335 (Respiratory irritation) |
Required PPE
| Activity | PPE |
|---|---|
| Handling powder | Safety goggles, N95 respirator, nitrile gloves |
| Handling granules | Safety goggles, nitrile gloves |
| Bulk processing | Full-face respirator, chemical-resistant suit |
First Aid
| Scenario | Action |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Move to fresh air; seek medical help if irritation persists |
| Skin contact | Wash with soap and water for 15+ minutes |
| Eye contact | Flush with water for 15+ minutes; seek immediate medical attention |
| Ingestion | Do NOT induce vomiting; rinse mouth; seek medical help |
Fire Fighting
- Suitable media: Dry powder, foam, CO₂, water spray
- Avoid: Direct water jet (may spread dust)
- Toxic decomposition: CO, CO₂, SOₓ, NOₓ, zinc oxide fumes
- UN Number: UN3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s.)
- Class: 9 / Packing Group III
ZDEC Storage & Shelf Life
Storage Requirements
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Below 30°C (86°F) |
| Humidity | Below 60% RH |
| Container | Sealed, original packaging |
| Light | Dark or opaque containers |
| Ventilation | Well-ventilated, dry warehouse |
| Avoid | Strong oxidizers, acids, bases |
Shelf Life by Grade
| Grade | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Standard powder | 24 months |
| Dust-free granules | 24 months |
| Oil-treated grade | 18 months |
Signs of Degradation
- Color darkening (white → yellow → brown)
- Caking or lump formation
- Strong amine odor
- Reduced vulcanization activity
- Lower melting point
ZDEC Regulatory Compliance
Certifications
| Certification | Scope | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 9001 | Quality management | Standard |
| REACH (EU) | Chemical registration | ✓ Available |
| RoHS | Hazardous substances | ✓ Compliant |
| SGS test report | Third-party verification | Upon request |
| FDA | Food contact (limited) | Check application |
| TSCA (USA) | Chemical inventory | ✓ Listed |
| K-REACH (Korea) | Chemical registration | Pre-registration |
| ENCS (Japan) | Existing chemical | ✓ Listed |
Nitrosamine Compliance
Nitrosamine regulation is a critical concern in latex applications:
- ZDEC vs TMTD: ZDEC has significantly lower nitrosamine potential
- Primary concern: Diethylamine by-products can form NDEA (N-Nitrosodiethylamine) under specific conditions
- Best practice: Use with nitrosamine scavengers (vitamin E, α-tocopherol) or within recommended limits
- Regulatory trend: EU and FDA continue tightening nitrosamine limits; ZDEC is well-positioned as a lower-risk alternative
ZDEC Packaging & Shipping
Packaging Options
| Type | Weight | Application |
|---|---|---|
| PP woven bag + PE liner | 20 kg | Standard powder/granules |
| Paper bag + PE liner | 20 kg | Standard granules |
| Fiber drum | 25 kg | Premium grade |
| FIBC big bag | 500–1000 kg | Bulk industrial |
| Palletized | 40 bags/pallet (800 kg) | Container loading |
Shipping Classification
| Mode | Detail |
|---|---|
| UN Number | 3077 |
| Class | 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous goods) |
| Packing group | III |
| IMDG | Marine pollutant (if applicable) |
| IATA | Class 9, limited quantities |
Container Capacity
| Container | Estimated Loading |
|---|---|
| 20 ft (FCL) | 15–18 MT |
| 40 ft (FCL) | 25–27 MT |
| LCL | Min. 1 pallet (800 kg) |
ZDEC Price Factors & Market Trends (2026)
What Affects ZDEC Pricing
| Factor | Impact | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Diethylamine cost | High | Ties to oil and energy markets |
| CS₂ cost | High | Raw material for dithiocarbamate synthesis |
| Zinc metal price | Medium | LME zinc market correlation |
| Energy costs (China) | Medium | Drying and milling are energy-intensive |
| China production | High | ~75%+ of global supply from China |
| REACH compliance | Low-Medium | Adds regulatory overhead |
Estimated Price Range (2026, FOB China)
| Grade | USD/kg |
|---|---|
| ZDEC powder (standard) | $2.50–$3.80 |
| ZDEC granules (dust-free) | $2.80–$4.20 |
| ZDEC oil-treated | $3.00–$4.50 |
| ZDEC high-purity (>99%) | $4.00–$6.00 |
Contact suppliers for current pricing. Prices are indicative and subject to market fluctuation.
Key Market Trends 2024–2026
- Demand shift from thiurams to dithiocarbamates — Nitrosamine regulations continue driving replacement of TMTD with ZDEC in latex applications
- Chinese capacity expansion — New production lines in Shandong and Henan have stabilized supply
- Medical glove demand stabilized — Post-pandemic baseline remains elevated vs. pre-2020
- Sustainability pressure — Growing demand for eco-friendly, heavy-metal-free grades
- Geopolitical factors — US-EU tariffs on Chinese chemicals impacting supply chain strategies
Advantages & Limitations of ZDEC
Advantages ✅
| Advantage | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Ultra-fast cure speed | Higher production throughput |
| Low-temperature curing | Ideal for heat-sensitive latex; energy savings |
| Excellent latex dispersion | Uniform films and consistent quality |
| High tensile strength | Durable end products |
| Good aging resistance | Longer product lifespan |
| Cost-effective | One of the most economical ultra-fast accelerators |
| Lower nitrosamine risk | Regulatory advantage over thiurams |
| Low odor | Better working environment |
Limitations ❌
| Limitation | Mitigation |
|---|---|
| Moderate scorch safety | Monitor mixing temperature; use retarders |
| Not for high-temp applications | Combine with sulfenamide accelerators |
| Regulatory restrictions | Verify with local REACH/FDA for food contact |
| Bloom at high dosage (>1.5 phr) | Reduce dosage; use synergistic systems |
Frequently Asked Questions About ZDEC
Is ZDEC soluble in water?
No. ZDEC is practically insoluble in water. It dissolves well in organic solvents such as chloroform, benzene, acetone, and carbon disulfide.
What is the cure temperature for ZDEC in latex?
The optimal cure temperature is 100–120°C (212–248°F) — significantly lower than most other accelerators. This low-temperature capability is why ZDEC is the preferred choice for latex products.
Is ZDEC the same as ZDBC?
No. Both are zinc dithiocarbamates but with different alkyl groups — ZDEC has ethyl groups (C₂), ZDBC has butyl groups (C₄). ZDEC cures faster at lower temperatures; ZDBC has better scorch safety and is preferred for tire applications.
Does ZDEC cause nitrosamines?
ZDEC has lower nitrosamine potential compared to thiuram accelerators (TMTD, TETD). However, under specific conditions (excessive heat, nitrosating agents), diethylamine by-products can form NDEA. This is manageable with proper formulation.
What is the shelf life of ZDEC?
24 months when stored properly (below 30°C, dry conditions, sealed packaging). Oil-treated grades have a slightly shorter 18-month shelf life.
Can ZDEC be used in food-contact rubber?
Under EU and FDA guidelines, ZDEC is acceptable in certain food-contact rubber applications at specified maximum levels. Verify with your specific regulatory framework and end-use requirements.
What is the HS code for ZDEC?
ZDEC is typically classified under HS code 2930.20 (Organo-sulfur compounds). Customs classification may vary by country.
Can ZDEC be used with peroxide curing systems?
No. ZDEC is designed exclusively for sulfur vulcanization. Peroxide curing systems require specialized co-agents.
What is the difference between powder and granular ZDEC?
- Powder: Better dispersion, more dusty
- Granules: Dust-free, better flow, slightly more mixing time
- Performance: Identical chemically
Is ZDEC banned in Europe?
No. ZDEC is not banned in the EU. It is REACH-registered and compliant. However, certain applications may have specific restrictions — always verify compliance for your specific use case and jurisdiction.
Where to Buy ZDEC?
Rayway Chemical (raywaychem.com) is a leading Chinese supplier of high-quality ZDEC and other rubber accelerators, serving clients worldwide since 2006.
| Why Rayway Chemical? | Details |
|---|---|
| ✅ ISO 9001 certified | Quality management system |
| ✅ REACH compliant | EU registration available |
| ✅ SGS testing | Third-party verification |
| ✅ Multiple grades | Powder, granules, oil-treated, high-purity |
| ✅ Flexible packaging | 20 kg bags to 1000 kg big bags |
| ✅ Global shipping | FOB Qingdao / CIF worldwide |
| ✅ Free samples | Available for qualified partners |
| ✅ Technical support | Experienced rubber chemists on staff |
Contact Rayway Chemical → for current pricing, free samples, and technical documentation.
Last updated: May 2026. Product specifications and regulatory information may change. Always consult the manufacturer for current technical data sheets and compliance documentation.
ZDEC Applications & Typical Usage>
