The rubber industry today is based on the mixing of batches of rubber compounds.
This industry is basically a batch industry where raw rubber(s), filler(s), and other
compounding ingredient(s) are mixed together using either a two-roll mill or an
internal mixer to prepare batches of rubber compounds (Figure 1.1). These uncured
batches are further processed “downstream” through capital-intensive processes
involving extruders, calenders, injection-molding machines, continuous vulcanization
units, and curing presses. The continuity of these processes relies on a consistent,
steady supply of rubber compounding ingredients and base polymers (natural
and synthetic rubbers); see Figure 1.2 for how these topics are arranged in this
book.