The effects of synthetic fatty acids ("Versatic 10", average formula CIjH2202) and the cobalt salts of these acids (cobalt siccative) on the thermal properties of cis-1,4-polyisoprene were examined, using a rheometer and a derivatograph. It was found that both Versatic 10 and the cobalt siccative accelerate the peroxide vulcanization of the isoprene rubber considerably, simultaneously decreasing the cross-linking density and increasing the sol fraction eonter~t in the vuI.canizates. This is brought about by parallel radical and ionic decomposition of the peroxide initiator in the presence of these compounds. The addition of Versatic 10 or the cobalt siccative to the polyisoprene rubber does not alter the general character of its thermal changes, rut decreases the temperatures of these processes and the degradation degree of the elastomer.Studies carried out in our institute led to the conclusion that thermal processes in elastomers in an atmosphere of air are controlled by the rate of diffusion of oxygen into the reaction zone. These processes are initiated by the formation of unstable peroxide groups, whose decomposition gives rise to the degradation and thermal destruction or crossqinking of the macromolecules [1][2][3]. The role of initiator in these processes can also be played by a low-molecular peroxide added to the elastomer [1 ]. It is known from the theory and practice of radical polymerization that peroxides show particular activity in the presence of salts of metals with variable valency (in redox systems). Thus, we decided to establish whether this mechanism of peroxide activation also operates in the case of reactions taking place at a considerably elevated temperature in the elastomer system. Therefore, we have examined the effects of the cobalt salts of organic acids in the form of a siccative on the thermal properties of cis-1,4-polyisoprene.