An Introduction to Rubber Technology

This book is written as an introduction to the subject of rubber technology, leaving the in depth specialization to other texts. “Introduction to Rubber Technology” is aimed at those people who simply wish to gain a basic overall understanding of this field. Thus the purchasing agent, engineer, polymer chemist, student of rubber technology, shop floor manager, and indeed the president and upper management, involved in the industry will want to read this book. Customers who use rubber in their products can obtain an understanding of those technical aspects with which they are unfamiliar from this book. A knowledge of the content of the eight chapters will also provide the reader with a communication tool for discussing the subject with a rubber specialist.

Rubber technology has a fascinating history from the jungles of Brazil to its designation as a strategic material during World War 11. The primary material comes in many variations, most of which are of synthetic origin. All of these variations have their own special property combination to help them find a niche in the product marketplace. The rubber technologist then formulates a blend of this primary raw gum elastomer with other chemicals to produce rubber formulations, drawing from a potentially infinite variation of material combinations. Machines mix, extrude, calender and mold the blend of materials in this formulation known as the rubber compound. At this point the rubber laboratory has an armoury of tests related to the compound to ensure that the customer is satisfied with the final product. Rubber chemistry and physics are used to explain why rubber behaves as it does and helps push the boundaries surrounding its use. With a greater understanding of the special deformation and elastic properties of this unusual engineering material the engineer can find unique solutions to some of his applications. One of the many rubbery materials, urethane, is ideally suited to be cast as a liquid into molds to produce products which exploit its high strength. This book opens the door to all of these areas.