Latex Compounding of GR-S

Abstract The more important findings in this study can be summarized as follows. (1) A satisfactory technique has been worked out for compounding GR-S in latex form, either with carbon alone or with carbon plus the other compounding ingredients. (2) Latex compounding of GR-S results in notable improvements in stress-strain properties. (3) Latex compounding of GR-S results in outstanding improvements in heat resistance properties, without any loss in rebound. (4) Latex compounding of GR-S results in lower modulus, higher elongation and higher subpermanent set. The increased set is significant, since it is accompanied by maintained rebound. Besides giving improved quality, latex compounding offers practical advantages and possibilities. These are listed below: (1) Latex compounding makes possible a reduction in the total milling time. This saving amounts to at least 10 per cent for carbon latex compounds and up to 50 per cent for complete latex compounds. The mixing time normally required in the Banbury is certainly not required. (2) Latex compounding makes possible cooler handling of the GR-S. Since the carbon is added to the latex at room temperature, no high temperatures are involved during its incorporation as in Banbury mixing. (3) Latex compounding makes possible cleaner handling of carbon, since it is added to the latex and is, therefore, mixed in the rubber before milling. If desired, the handling of carbon black could thus be transferred in toto to the polymer plants. This offers some interesting possibilities. (4) Latex compounding to the black crumb stage, followed by sheeting and baling, should provide a convenient and economical means for shipping black, particularly for transoceanic deliveries. There would also be important savings in containers. (5) The black latex crumb may provide a convenient form of compounded GR-S for extrusion and related operations.