The self crosslinking behavior of polychloroprene rubber (CR) containing phosphorylated cashew nut shell liquid (PCNSL) prepolymer was studied. The cure characteristics and kinetics of crosslinking of blends of CR and PCNSL were determined using an oscillating disk rheometer. The extent of crosslinking was determined from chemical crosslink density index obtained by equilibrium swelling method in a solvent. Evidence for heat induced self crosslinking was obtained from FTIR spectroscopy. It was found that 5 to 10 phr of PCNSL accelerates the heat induced self crosslinking behavior of CR. The effect of conventional curatives and fillers on the cure characteristics and mechanical properties of CR was also studied and compared. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.