SULFOXIDE-CONTAINING COMPOUNDS AS CROSSLINKING AGENTS

A crosslinking agent includes two or more of functional that are capable of forming a bond with an elastomer containing olefinic unsaturation. One or both of these functional groups includes a sulfoxide group. The functional groups are linked by a linking moiety. A rubber composition may include the crosslinking agent, one or more vulcanizable elastomers, and optionally other rubber-forming additives, such as reinforcing fillers, processing aids, and/or curing aids. A tire tread or other shaped object may be formed from the rubber composition.