Metal deactivators as adhesion promotors for vulcanizable elastomers to metals

A method of improving adhesion between a vulcanizable elastomeric composition and a metal surface to provide a strong and durable bond, which method comprises

• (a) adding to a vulcanizable elastomeric composition a methylene acceptor and a methylene donor reactable therewith, and from 0.05% to 10% by weight based on the weight of the elastomer of a metal deactivating compound of the formula ##STR271## wherein R.sub.12 is a lower alkyl group containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, R.sub.13 is hydrogen or a lower alkyl group containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and R.sub.14 is hydrogen, an alkanoyl group containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms or a group represented by the formula ##STR272## and n is an integer from 0 to 5, and (b) vulcanizing the composition while it is in contact with the metal surface.