Science and Technology of Rubber

Science and Technology of Rubber covers the most important aspects of rubber science and technology, from synthesis and structure to elasticity and flow, blending, filling, and cross-linking. Polymerization and copolymerization, the rheological behavior of unvulcanized rubber, vulcanization, reinforcement of elastomers by particulate fillers, and the chemical modification of polymers are also discussed. This book is comprised of 14 chapters; the first ten of which take the reader from an introduction through synthesis characterization, mechanical behavior, and flow to the major processing steps of filling, compounding, and vulcanization and to the theories and measurement of elastomeric performance, leaning strongly on the ""materials"" approach. The next three chapters deal with blended, modified, and thermoplastic elastomers, touching on topics such as polymer esterification, etherification, hydrolysis, and hydrogenation as well as the influence of blending on the properties of elastomer/plastic blends, especially impact strength and crack resistance. The book concludes with a chapter on tire manufacture and engineering, with emphasis on the geometric, structural, and chemical aspects of tire. This book will be of vital interest to students, practitioners, and research and development managers, as well as to anyone interested in the unusual chemistry and physics and the outstanding properties and usefulness of elastomers.