This volume draws on the specialized knowledge of leading researchers to offer the first comprehensive overview of leading-edge elastomer and rubber research from around the world. Divided into seven sections, it begins with a general introduction before presenting the chemistry and structure—property relationships of a variety of new materials and composites. Subsequent sections discuss rubber ingredients, characterization methods, physics and engineering issues, tires, and environmental issues. This complete review of elastomers research compiles once-guarded and widely scattered information into one reference source, and points readers to future research directions in the field.

From the Preface: “...Research has also burgeoned because of the development of innovative materials and stringent application requirements. However, many of these activities are concentrated in the industry and are not published in the open literature. Any researcher or beginner in rubber science and technology will always have a question, `What are the topics of rubber research in the world?' It is with this perspective that the book has been compiled to give its readership a broad view of rubber research activities in the world...”

Target Audience: Researchers, scientists, engineers, and technologists investigating new rubber formulations, thermoplastic elastomers, nanocomposites, biomaterials, smart polymers, and rubber ingredients and blends.

Table of Contents:

Introduction: Some Outstanding Problems in the Mechanics of Rubbery Solids

New Elastomers and Composites:

Elastomer—Clay Composites

Rubber—Silica Hybrid Nanocomposites

Rubber Nanocomposites Based on Miscellaneous Nanofillers

Thermoplastic Elastomers

Plastomers

New Elastomers: Biomacromolecular Engineering via Carbocationic Polymerization

Novel Elastomers for Biomedical Applications

Recombinant Resilin — A Protein-Based Elastomer

Smart Elastomers

Recent Developments in Rubber—Rubber and Rubber—Plastics Blends

Fiber-Reinforced Elastomers

A Chemical Modification Approach for Improving the Oil Resistance of Ethylene—Propylene Copolymers

Rubber Ingredients:

Rubber-Curing Systems

Degradation and Protection

Q-Flex QDI Quinone Diimine Antidegradant — Improved Mixing Chemistry Resulting in a Better Balance of Productivity

Silica Fillers for Elastomer Reinforcement

Mechanism of the Carbon Black Reinforcement of Rubbers

New Characterization Techniques:

Visualization of Nano-Filler Dispersion and Morphology in Rubbery Matrix by 3D-TEM

Scanning Probe Microscopy of Elastomers and Rubbery Materials

Recent Developments in Rubber Research Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Physics and Engineering:

Reinforced Elastomers: From Molecular Physics to Industrial Applications

Effects of Time, Temperature, and Fluids on the Long-Term Service Durability of Elastomers and Elastomeric Components

Extrapolating the Viscoelastic Response of Rubber

Recent Advances in Fatigue Life Prediction Methods for Rubber Components

Rubber Friction and Abrasion in Relation to Tire Traction and Wear

Improving Adhesion of Rubber

Rheology of Rubber and Rubber Nanocomposites

Rubber—Silica Mixing

Stream Effects and Nonlinear Viscoelasticity in Rubber Processing Operations

Electron Beam Processing of Rubber

Tires:

Tire Technology — Recent Advances and Future Trends

Recent Developments in Fillers for Tire Applications

Rubber Oxidation in Tires

Recent Developments in Rubber Mixing and Cord Calendering in Tire Production

High-Tech Quadroplex Extrusion Technology for the Tire Industry

Eco-Friendly Technology and Recycling:

Recent Advances in Eco-Friendly Elastomer Technology

Waste Rubber Recycling

Index