This book has its origin in a proposal made a few years ago that I should collaborate with Dr H. J. Stern in the production of a third edition of his well-known text-book entitled Rubber: Natural and Synthetic. The sugges tion was that I should contribute a series of chapters on synthetic rubbers. Although, in the event, it has not proved possible to publish the full book in the form originally planned, it was apparent that, with some restructuring, the material which I had collected would be valuable as an independent summary of the chemistry and technology of synthetic rubbers. It is in this form that the material is now offered. The primary purpose of this book is to provide a brief up-to-date survey of the principal types of synthetic rubber which have been and are currently available. Two classes of material are included which are regarded by some as being thermoplastics rather than rubbers, namely, plasticised polyvinyl chloride and the thermoplastic synthetic rubbers. The topics which are covered for each main family of synthetic rubbers are (i) the sources of the monomers, (ii) polymerisation procedures and the effects of important polymerisation variables upon the rubber produced, (iii) the types of rubber currently available commercially, (iv) interesting aspects of the compounding of the rubbers, with special reference to such matters as vulcanisation, reinforcement, protection against degradation, and (where appropriate) plasticisation, and (v) an indication of applications.

The Science and Technology of Rubber, Third Edition provides a broad survey of elastomers with special emphasis on materials with a rubber-like elasticity. As in the 2nd edition, the emphasis remains on a unified treatment of the material; exploring topics from the chemical aspects such as elastomer synthesis and curing, through recent theoretical developments and characterization of equilibrium and dynamic properties, to the final applications of rubber, including tire engineering and manufacturing. Many advances have been made in polymer and elastomers research over the past ten years since the 2nd edition was published. Updated material stresses the continuous relationship between the ongoing research in synthesis, physics, structure and mechanics of rubber technology and industrial applications. Special attention is paid to recent advances in rubber-like elasticity theory and new processing techniques for elastomers. This new edition is comprised of 20% new material, including a new chapter on environmental issues and tire recycling.

About ten years after the publication of the Second Edition (1973), it became apparent that it was time for an up-date of this book. This was especially true in this case, since the subject matter has traditionally dealt mainly with the structure, properties, and technology of the various elastomers used in industry, and these are bound to undergo significant changes over the period of a decade. In revising the contents of this volume, it was thought best to keep the orig inal format. Hence the first five chapters discuss the same general subject matter as before. The chapters dealing with natural rubber and the synthetic elastomers are up-dated, and an entirely new chapter has been added on the thermoplastic elastomers, which have, of course, grown tremendously in importance. Another innovation is the addition of a new chapter, "Miscellaneous Elastomers," to take care of "old" elastomers, e.g., polysulfides, which have decreased some what in importance, as well as to introduce some of the newly-developed syn thetic rubbers which have not yet reached high production levels. The editor wishes to express his sincere appreciation to all the contributors, without whose close cooperation this task would have been impossible. He would especially like to acknowledge the invaluable assistance of Dr. Howard Stephens in the planning of this book, and for his suggestion of suitable authors.

Chemistry, Manufacture and Applications of Natural Rubber, Second Edition presents the latest advances in the processing, properties and advanced applications of natural rubber (NR), drawing on state-of-the-art research in the field. Chapters cover manufacturing, processing and properties of natural rubber, describing biosynthesis, vulcanization for improved performance, strain-induced crystallization, self-reinforcement, rheology and mechanochemistry for processing, computer simulation of properties, scattering techniques and stabilizing agents. Applications covered include natural rubber, carbon allotropes, eco-friendly soft bio-composites using NR matrices and marine products, the use of NR for high functionality such as shape memory, NR for the tire industry, and natural rubber latex with advanced applications. This is an essential resource for academic researchers, scientists and (post)graduate students in rubber science, polymer science, materials science and engineering, and chemistry. In industry, this book enables professionals, R&D, and producers across the natural rubber, tire, rubber and elastomer industries, as well as across industries looking to use natural rubber products, to understand and utilize natural rubber for cutting-edge applications. - Explains the latest manufacture and processing techniques for natural rubber (NR) with enhanced properties - Explores novel applications of natural rubber across a range of industries, including current and potential uses - Discusses resources and utilization, and considers sustainable future development of natural rubber

This volume, the fourth in a series which began in 1979, covers a greater variety of subjects than any previous single volume. The basis of selection has been topical interest; hence the tailor-making of polymers to develop specific properties, methods of improving com pound processability and the use of rubbers in the oil industry are featured alongside a discussion of safety aspects. We have again sought the cooperation of the foremost authorities on the chosen subjects and have been delighted at the response which has yielded a list of authors of international repute. A. w. K. S. L. CONTENTS Preface v List of Contributors ix 1. Recent Developments in Synthetic Rubbers by Anionic Polymerization 1 I. G. HARGIS, R. A. LIVIGNI and S. L. AGGARWAL 2. Advances in Nitrile Rubber (NBR) 57 P. W. MILNER 3. Epoxidized Natural Rubber. 87 C. S. L. BAKER and I. R. GELLING 4. Process Aids and Plasticizers . 119 B. G. CROWTHER 5. A Review of Elastomers Used for Oilfield Sealing Environments . 159 W. N. K. REVOLTA and G. C. SWEET 6. Using Modern Mill Room Equipment . 193 H. ELLWOOD 7. Quality Requirements and Rubber Mixing . 221 P. S. JOHNSON 8. Health and Safety . . 253 B. G. WILLOUGHBY Index . 307 vii LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS s. L. AGGARWAL Gen Corp , Research Division, 2990 Gilchrist Road, Akron, Ohio 44305, USA C. S. L. BAKER Malaysian Rubber Producers' Research Association, Tun Abdul Razak Laboratory, Brickendonbury, Hertford SG13 8NL, UK B. G.

This book deals with the organic chemistry of polymers which find technological use as adhesives, fibres, paints, plastics and rubbers. For the most part, only polymers which are of commercial significance are considered and the primary aim of the book is to relate theoretical aspects to industrial practice. The book is mainly intended for use by students in technical institutions and universities who are specializing in polymer science and by graduates who require an introduction to this field. Several excellent books have recently appeared dealing with the physical chemistry of polymers but the organic chemistry of polymers has not received so much attention. In recognition of this situation and because the two aspects of polymer chemistry are often taught separately, this book deals specifically with organic chemistry and topics of physical chemistry have been omitted. Also, in this way the book has been kept to a reasonable size. This is not to say that integration of the two areas of polymer science is undesirable; on the contrary, it is of the utmost importance that the inter-relationship should b~ appreciated. I wish to record my thanks to my colleagues with whom I have had many helpful discussions, particularly Mrs S. L. Radchenko. I also thank Miss E. Friesen for obtaining many books and articles on my behalf and Mr H. Harms for encouragement and assistance. I am also grateful to Mrs M. Stevens who skilfully prepared the manuscript. Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Technology, Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, K. J. S.

Rubber Compounding: Chemistry and Applications describes the production, processing, and characteristics of a wide range of materials utilized in the modern tire and rubber industry, from natural to butyl rubber, carbon black, silica, silanes, and beyond. Containing contributions from leading specialists in the field, the text investigates the chem