Elastomer Processing

Abstract

Generally elastomer processing involves two major steps. First one is the designing of a mixing formulation for a specific end-use and the second one is the production process by which rubber compound is transformed into final product. When designing a mixing formulation the compounder must take account not only of those vulcanisate properties essential to satisfy service requirements but also cost of the raw materials and the production process. There should always be a compromise between cost of production and quality of the product. This chapter is an attempt to deal with different processing techniques normally used in the rubber industry.