Both entry level as well as experienced rubber technologists, rubber chemists, process engineers, laboratory managers, supervisors, technicians, shop foremen, quality assurance managers and engineers, technical sales personnel, rubber producers and users.

• Know the five categories of rubber processability tests
• Understand the differences between general purpose and specialty elastomers, and how they affect compounding and mixing
• Review methodologies for solving factory problems
• Gain an intensive overview of rubber compounding and mixing

Participants are encouraged to purchase two textbooks (not included in the course fee) written by course instructor, John Dick; available from Hanser Publications.

Rubber Technology: Compounding and Testing for Performance
John Dick

“Rubber Technology: Compounding and Testing for Performance” is a practical guide to cost-effective formulating of rubber compounds to achieve optimal processing and performance. It provides a thorough discussion of the principles of rubber compounding, rubber testing and how various compound changes affect different properties and test easements.

Rubber compounding is discussed as a series of interdependent systems such as the elastomer system, the filler-oil system, the cure system, etc. A holistic approach is used to show how changes in these different systems affect specific compound properties.

Much attention is given to trade-offs in properties and emphasis is placed on finding the best balance for compound cost, processing properties and product performance.

How to Improve Rubber Compounds: 1,800 Experimental Ideas for Problem Solving, Second Edition
John Dick

Rubber compounding is an art as well as a science. The art of rubber compounding is to achieve a better sense of trade-offs in properties and meet product performance requirements at acceptable production costs. The purpose of this book is to provide various experimental ideas for developing better compounds and solving technical problems.

This second edition includes more than 1,800 experimental ideas to improve specific rubber properties. Many of the additional ideas are a result of an extensive review of recent journal articles and conference presentations from rubber societies throughout the world. Other ideas are the result of 18 renowned industrial experts who compiled a large number of diverse experimental suggestions to enhance specific compound properties.

Rubber compounding is a highly complex endeavor. By reviewing the suggestions in this book, the compounder may develop a better sense of how to achieve a compromise with compound properties when developing new or improving established rubber recipes.