High-Speed Apparatus for Determination of Plasticity in Rubber Works and Some Results

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Abstract
Since the day that Hancock invented his wooden masticator, plasticizing has been one of the outstanding features of the rubber industry. Although the application of rubber in the form of latex, thus avoiding the process of mechanical softening, is increasing, this does not imply that the use of heavy machinery for plasticizing coagulated rubber is lessening. It is now commonly accepted that plasticizing or mastication of rubber is a chemical process, occurring under combined mechanical and chemical (oxygen) influences and resulting in a diminishing of the length of the hydrocarbon molecules. This breakdown of rubber is of great technical importance, because the plasticity of rubber stock determines its workability. The degree of plasticizing or breakdown, especially when mastication has been prolonged, has also some effect on mechanical and aging properties after the plasticizing has been counterbalanced by the action of vulcanization. It follows from the foregoing that control of plasticity during fabrication is of great interest from a technological standpoint. From the standpoint of works economy the problem is not less urgent, because energy used by internal mixers and mixing rollers as well as extra costs resulting from wrong plasticity in calendering and moulding are of importance in total production costs.

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