Introduction - the book and rubber blends
Andrew J. Tinker
Sources of problems and solutions
Blends considered
Strategy
Wider implications

Measurement of crosslink density in vulcanized blends
Andrew J. Tinker
Swollen-state NMR spectroscopy
Network visualization microscopy

Characterization of vulcanized blends by microscopy
Paul Cudby
Light microscopy
Scanning electron microscopy
Chemical etching
Chemical staining
Transmission electron microscopy
SEM-based transmission electron microscopy

Estimation of crosslink density by solid-state NMR spectroscopy
Aris bin Ahmad and Abu bin Amu
Experimental procedures
NMR spectra of NR
NMR spectra of other rubbers

NR/NBR blends - basic problems and solutions
Michael V. Lewan
NR/NBR41
NR/Krynac 34.50 blends

Improving the morphology and properties of NR/NBR blends with NR/PMMA graft copolymers
K.G. Karnika da Silva and Michael V. Lewan
Methods of blending
Phase morphology
Physical properties
Crosslink distribution in the blends

Improving the morphology and properties of NR/NBR blends with polychloroprene as the compatibilizing agent
Krisna Kongsin and Michael V. Lewan
Cure systems for NR/CR/NBR blends
Phase morphology of NR/CR/NBR blends

NR/NBR blends - comounding for food contact applications
Michael V. Lewan
Formulations for milking inflations to meet FDA regulations
Formulations for milking inflations to meet BGA regulations

Novel natural rubber/ethylene propylene copolymer (EPM) blends
Paul S. Brown
Dynamic vulcanization
Selection of dynamic cure system
Dynamic vulcanization of NR/EPM blends
The sandwich mix cycle
Processing behaviour
Vulcanization of DV blends
Resistance to environmental damage
Preferred formulation

Natural rubber/ENR-25 blends
Sally Groves
Designed experiments
Plasticizer investigations
Cure Systems
Dynamic:static modulus ratios
Tri-blends

Partition coefficients for an ester plasticizer in black-filled blends
Jianhe Liao and Sally Groves
Identification of exuding plasticizer
Estimation of Diolpate partition coefficients

Improving resistance to low temperature crystallization in NR/ENR blends
Benny George, Jianhe Liao and Sally Groves
Effect of incorporating Hv-BR into NR/ENR-25 blends
Curative level optimization

Compounding NR/ENR-25 and NR/Hv-BR/ENR-25 blends for engineering applications
Sally Groves
Optimizing plasticizer level and masterbatch ratio
Mixing trials
Single-stage mixing for crossblending and finalizing
NR/Hv-BR/ENR-25 blends
Injection moulding

Solutions to the basic problems of poor physical properties of NR/EPDM blends
Stuart Cook
Approaches to improving NR/EPDM blend properties
General experimental procedures
Mixing procedures
Effect of EPDM modification on crosslink density
Small-scale extrusion trials 230
Effect of EPDM modification on phase morphology
Interaction of modified EPDM and carbon black
Physical properties
high temperature curing effects
Modification of different EPDM grades

Compounding NR/EPDM blends for tyre sidewalls
Stuart Cook
Properties of comparable NR/BR and NR/EPDM blend formulations
Development of a NR/EPDM sidewall formulation
Experimental design approach
Crack growth testing
Large-scale factory mixing trials
Compound extrusion and tyre building
Initial tyre tests
Analysis of initial tyre testing
Second factory tyre building and testing trials
Ozone and atmospheric weathering tests

Compounding NR/EPDM blends for light-coloured applications
Stuart Cook and Rose Marie Escolar
General experimental procedures
Preparation of blend compounds
Comparison of physical properties
Formulation development
Weathering and ozone testing

NR/EPDM blends for extruded profile weatherstrip of NR/EPDM blends
Mohamed Aris bin Ahmad, Ridha Arizal and Stuart Cook
General experimental procedures
Initial preparation and assessment of blend compounds
Small-scale extrusion trials
Formulation development and processing