Summary
The invention relates to a rubber composition with enhanced curing and adhesion properties, comprising the following ingredients: R1 - an elastomer or rubber E which is preferably a diene-based elastomer, R2 - a particulate active filler which is preferably carbon black, or silica, or a combination of both, R3 - a cobalt free curing or crosslinking or vulcanising system which includes sulphur, an active zinc composition ZnX having a specific surface area of from 10 m 2 /g to 100 m 2 /g, and accelerators, and R4 - a reinforcing resin which comprises a non-self-curing novolak resin that is resorcinol free, to a process to cure these rubber compositions, and to a method of use of these rubber compositions in engineered rubber products selected from the group consisting of hoses, pressure hoses, conveyor belts, gaskets, and tyres.