Mixing Of Vulcanisable Rubbers And Thermoplastic Elastomers

This report describes the current state-of-the-art in mixing from a practical viewpoint. It begins by offering historical background against which the latest developments are set. It considers both batch and continuous systems, containing details of key developments by equipment manufacturers, with the different concepts discussed in layman's terms. This report also summarises the range of mixing techniques applied in the industry as well as methods for monitoring mixing quality both off- and on-line are also covered. Recent academic research in rubber mixing is briefly considered, providing an indication of possible future practical advances in this field. This review of rubber mixing is supported by an indexed section containing several hundred key references and abstracts selected from the Rapra Abstracts database.

The nature and general properties of TPE's are explained, and the classes of materials considered in turn include styrenic block copolymers, polyether-esters, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyolefins and other miscellaneous systems. Developments in specific market sectors are also outlined. The review is supported by an extensive References and Abstracts section, containing over 400 abstracts, which provide a great deal more information on these useful materials.

Now in its seventh year, this international two-day conference is firmly established as Europe's premier event for the thermoplastic elastomers industry. The TPE 2004 conference programme discussed technical developments and featured expert presentations on key market trends, new application developments and the very latest material innovations.

Science and Technology of Rubber covers the most important aspects of rubber science and technology, from synthesis and structure to elasticity and flow, blending, filling, and cross-linking. Polymerization and copolymerization, the rheological behavior of unvulcanized rubber, vulcanization, reinforcement of elastomers by particulate fillers, and the chemical modification of polymers are also discussed. This book is comprised of 14 chapters; the first ten of which take the reader from an introduction through synthesis characterization, mechanical behavior, and flow to the major processing steps of filling, compounding, and vulcanization and to the theories and measurement of elastomeric performance, leaning strongly on the ""materials"" approach. The next three chapters deal with blended, modified, and thermoplastic elastomers, touching on topics such as polymer esterification, etherification, hydrolysis, and hydrogenation as well as the influence of blending on the properties of elastomer/plastic blends, especially impact strength and crack resistance. The book concludes with a chapter on tire manufacture and engineering, with emphasis on the geometric, structural, and chemical aspects of tire. This book will be of vital interest to students, practitioners, and research and development managers, as well as to anyone interested in the unusual chemistry and physics and the outstanding properties and usefulness of elastomers.

The book provides a qualified and fast view into the world of TPE including the difference to rubber materials. It describes their classification as they are presented in the market, characterization, manufacturing, processing and behavior. Aside from the self-learning option, it is a companion to seminars and studies about elastomers.

This report contains discussion of the different families of thermoplastic elastomer materials, and of the trends in material developments. The key end-use sectors are analysed in terms of material usage and future trends.