Rubber Compounding

Abstract

AbstractRubber compounding is the complex, multidisciplinary science of selecting and blending the appropriate combination of elastomers and other ingredients to meet the performance, manufacturing, environmental, and cost requirements for rubber goods made and used in commerce. There is a wide variety of elastomers and ingredients that are available in making rubber goods, which include all of the following types of products: tires, innertubes, retreaded tires, footwear, conveyor belts, rubber rolls, hoses, belts, weatherstripping, O‐rings, seals, diaphragms, tubing, rubber and latex gloves, ball bladders, medical devices, bumpers, and numerous other products. This is a review of the basic materials used in designing many common types of rubber products. The development of the combination of materials contained in a usable rubber compound involves many disciplines that include chemistry, physics, mathematics, and polymer science. In many cases, classical scientific methods can predict the interaction effects and estimate the properties expected from rubber compounds. Looking to the future new technology materials will certainly have an impact and could focus on three topics, environmental factors, recycling, and sustainability which has attracted much recent attention. In terms of environmental considerations, the use of current materials in new applications will also have a potentially greater impact on end‐product performance. Finally, environmental concerns are creating an interest in utilizing both postindustrial and postconsumer recycled rubber products into new rubber compounds and thus help address Sustainability requirements.