Mixing and Processing of Compounds from Fluorocarbon Elastomers

5 Mixing and Processing of Compounds FROM Fluorocarbon Elastomers 

Compounds from solid fluorocarbon elaslomers are mixed on the equipment common in the rubber industry. However, the mixing procedures typical for standard types of elastomers are often modified to be snitable for mixing fluorocarbon elastomers. 

Mixed compounds are almost always transformed into products with required shapes and dimensions. There are several methods to accomplish this. Tubes, solid round profiles, and profiles with irregular, often complex shapes, are prepared by extrusion. Sheets, slabs, and rubber-coated fabrics are made mainly by calendering. 

Calendering, as mentioned earlier, is used to produce sheets, slabs, and certain types of coated fabrics. The grades most suitable for calendering are those with low viscosity. Processing aids are necessary to improve surface smoothness and a good release of sheets from the rolls. 

Mixed stocks should be used promptly or stored at temperatures below 18°C (65°F) to prevent scorching, and great care should be taken to exclude moisture. Typical roll temperatures for calendering recommended for Viton E-60C or related Dyneon types are as follows [50]  

---