AN APPROACH TO THE MODELING OF MIXING OF ELASTOMERS

In recent years, the process of mixing elastomers with carbon black has been the subject of various studies. In particular, the process involving the use of the internal mixer has been examined systematically. A method was proposed for the control and scale-up which is based on the energy input for mixing; then, properties were evaluated as a function of the mixing energy. This method was used for evaluating the performance of different types of elastomers and carbon blacks in the internal mixer. In the present work a dynamic model for the mixing mechanism is developed. Then, a quantitative estimate is made for the mixing behavior, i. e. , the mixing energy, from the fundamental properties of the material, i. e. , the viscoelastic and the ultimate properties.