Rubber compounds processing operation complexity

Typically, the compounded rubber stocks need to be further processed for use. The process could be an injection or transfer molding into a hot mold, where it is cured. Extrusion of the rubber stock is used to make hose or tire treads and sidewalls. Another common process is calendaring, in which a fabric is passed through rolls where rubber is squeezed into the fabric to make fabric-reinforced rubber sheets for roofing membranes, belting or body plies for tires. The actual construction of the final product can be quite complex. For example, a tire contains in excess of six different compounded elastomeric stocks. All the components must be prepared and assembled with high precision so that the final cured product can operate smoothly at high speeds and last over 50,000 mi. 

Wear Resistance The ability to resist the abrasion action of a rubbing surface is a feature of most rubbers and the actual removal of rubber particles from the surface is a complex process. However, compounding variables which affect the resistance of rubbers to abrasion are well known and compound modifications to suit operating conditions is an established technique. Soft resilient compounds are more resistant to abrasion induced by particle impact as in grit blasting while stiffer compounds have greater resistance to scuffing. 

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