Abstract: This invention relates to preparation of nanocomposites comprised of elastomer and a dispersion of an at least partially exfoliated water swellable clay and to rubber compositions containing such nanocomposite and articles of manufacture which contain at least one component thereof. The nanocomposite is prepared by addition of a water suspension of water swellable clay particles to an anionic aqueous emulsion of elastomer particles to form a mixture to which an amine having at least two amine centers is added to intercalate and at least partially exfoliate the water swelled clay particles by an ion exchange within the galleries of the multilayered clay with cation exchangeable ion(s) and to aid in coagulating the elastomer and resultant clay particles to form said nanocomposite.

Abstract: This invention relates to preparation of nanocomposites comprised of elastomer and a dispersion therein of an at least partially exfoliated, intercalated, multilayered, water swellable clay (e.g. smectite clay). The invention further relates to rubber compositions comprised of such nanocomposite, articles of manufacture, such as for example tires and industrial products such as, for example conveyor belts, power transmission belts and hoses, which contain at least one component comprised of said nanocomposite or said rubber composition. A particular adaptation for such rubber composition is contemplated for rubber tire components, such as for example treads, where significant replacement of carbon black reinforcement may be desired to reduce heat buildup for tire durability and reduction in tire weight for vehicular fuel economy such as, for example, aircraft tire treads.

Abstract: A method for evaluating and controlling a mixing process for polymer-based compounds includes the steps: obtaining initial starting conditions and values for viscosity dependent parameters; increasing batch temperature by a differential amount; calculating mixing parameters such as batch temperature, dispersion, viscosity, and torque based upon fundamental kinetic, thermodynamic, and theological models; determining whether an endpoint or end points of one or more mixing parameters has been achieved; and changing one or more conditions so as to achieve the desired endpoint(s).

Abstract: A method for evaluating and controlling a mixing process for polymer-based compounds includes the steps: obtaining initial starting conditions and values for viscosity dependent parameters; increasing batch temperature by a differential amount; calculating mixing parameters such as batch temperature, dispersion, viscosity, and torque based upon fundamental kinetic, thermodynamic, and Theological models; determining whether an endpoint or end points of one or more mixing parameters has been achieved; and changing one or more conditions so as to achieve the desired endpoint(s).