The properties of synthetic polyisoprene (PI) cannot rival that of NR, although synthetic PI can achieve similar molecular chain structure (for example molecular weight and molecule chain configuration) to that of NR. It is still a challenge to explore the reason why NR owns superior comprehensive properties. Here our group focuses on the problem why non-rubber components can accelerate crosslinking process from molecular level. From macroscopic perspective, we find that proteins change the crosslinking behaviors and decrease activation energy of crosslinking process. From microscopic perspective, the formation of coordination interaction between Zn²⁺ and amide bonds of proteins is confirmed, which improves solubility of Zn²⁺ in matrix and further contributes to crosslinking reaction. In this study, the formation of coordination interaction between proteins and Zn²⁺ is considered as one of the reasons why NR owns excellent mechanical properties. This article also provides more insightful understanding toward the relationship among structure, components, and properties of NR.

合成聚异戊二烯（PI）的特性无法与NR媲美，尽管合成PI可以实现与NR相似的分子链结构（例如分子量和分子链构型）。探索NR拥有卓越综合性能的原因仍然是一个挑战。在这里，我们的小组关注非橡胶组分为什么可以从分子水平加速交联过程的问题。从宏观的角度来看，我们发现蛋白质改变了交联行为并降低了交联过程的活化能。从微观角度，证实了Zn ²⁺与蛋白质酰胺键之间形成配位相互作用，从而提高了Zn ^2+的溶解度在基体中并进一步有助于交联反应。在这项研究中，蛋白质与Zn ²⁺之间配位相互作用的形成被认为是NR具有优异机械性能的原因之一。本文还提供了对NR的结构，组件和属性之间关系的更深刻的理解。