Abstract: Mixing and plasticating machine (100) for continuous conditioning processes, comprising: a housing (10) in which a hollow interior (18) is formed that is delimited by the interior peripheral surface of the housing (10) and extends in the longitudinal direction of the mixing and plasticating machine (100); a screw shaft (12) which extends through the interior (18) of the housing (10), rotates in the interior (18) of the housing (10) during operation and simultaneously moves translationally back and forth; a drive which rotates the screw shaft (12) during operation; and a filling device (36) arranged on the housing (10), for feeding at least one starting material into the interior (18) of the housing (10), the filling device (36) extending through a cut-out (42) that extends through the housing wall (40) or being connected to a cut-out (42) that extends through the housing wall (40), the filling device (36) comprising at least two cavities (54, 54?) that each extend over the height of the filling device (36), w

Abstract: A modified polyester staple fiber and a preparation method of the modified polyester staple fiber are provided. The modified polyester staple fiber contains a modified nanocomposite material including an organic compound, the organic compound including one of tea polyphenol, naringin, and emodin. The organic compound is in a weight percentage range of approximately 0.1%-5% based on a total weight of the modified polyester staple fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an at least partially coated object, comprising the step of producing the object from a construction material by means of an additive manufacturing method, the construction material comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane material. Following the production of the object, the method comprises the step of at least partially bringing a preparation into contact with the object, the preparation being selected from: an aqueous polyurethane dispersion; an aqueous dispersion of a polymer comprising OH groups, this dispersion also containing a compound comprising NCO groups; an aqueous preparation of a compound containing NCO groups, but not containing any polymers comprising OH groups; or a combination of at least two thereof. The invention also relates to an at least partially coated object that was obtained by a method according to the invention.

Abstract: A method for producing a film including at least 20 wt % thermoplastic polymer and 50 to 75 wt % inorganic filler, and including the steps of: providing the mixture, melting the mixture, producing a thin layer from the mixture, cooling the thin layer, producing a film, stretching the film in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction, wherein the particle size of the inorganic filler is at most 5 ?m and the stretch ratio in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction is at least 3.5. The disclosure further relates to films produced by the method and to the use thereof.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a ballistic resistant article including steps: a) stacking a stretchable lamina of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and a stretchable continuous film of a polymer as organic matrix material to form a lamina-film stack, the continuous film not being an UHMWPE film; b) elongating the stack at a temperature below the melting point of the lamina, to an elongation ratio of at least 2, thereby providing a UHMWPE film with an organic matrix material in which the UHMWPE film is co-stretched with the film of polymer as organic matrix material; c) aligning a plurality of films to form a layer of films; d) stacking at least two layers of films to form a sheet; e) stacking a plurality of sheets to form a stack of sheets, and consolidating the sheets prior to and/or after step e) by applying pressure and optionally heat. Also, a ballistic-resistant article.

Abstract: In a process for transforming waste material into useful material, a quantity of waste material such as household garbage or municipal solid waste is provided. The waste material is pre-shredded into pre-shredded waste material. The pre-shredded waste material is processed to at least partially remove one or more selected material components, thereby providing a processed pre-shredded waste material. The processed pre-shredded waste material is then secondarily shredded into secondarily shredded waste material which is then hydrolyzed under pressure greater than ambient pressure to create an aggregate cellulose pulp.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a roofing membrane. The roofing membrane comprises a scrim. The scrim has a top surface and a bottom surface. The roofing membrane comprises a cap layer on the top surface of the scrim. The cap layer comprises a first non-styrenic polypropylene polymer, a first polypropylene impact copolymer, and a first olefin block copolymer. The roofing membrane comprises a core layer on the bottom surface of the scrim. The core layer comprises a second non-styrenic polypropylene polymer, a second polypropylene impact copolymer, and a second olefin block copolymer. The roofing membrane is configured to prevent migration of at least one oil from a layer to the roofing membrane. Some embodiments relate to a roofing structure comprising the roofing membrane, a method for installing the roofing membrane, and the like.

Abstract: Provided is an electrically conductive resin composition with which the characteristics inherent in a thermoplastic resin are easily retained and which exhibits more excellent electrical conductivity even if the blending amount of an electrically conductive filler is small. This electrically conductive resin composition contains a thermoplastic resin, such as a polycarbonate or a polyolefin, and an electrically conductive filler, such as a carbon nanotube. This electrically conductive resin composition further contains a dye, such as a perinone-based dye or a disazo-based dye, which is a component for improving electrical conductivity, and this electrically conductive resin composition can be obtained by kneading or molding a raw material mixture containing a thermoplastic resin, an electrically conductive filler, and a dye under a condition of a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A continuous tube having alternating compositions along a length direction of the tube can include at least a first segment extruded from a first composition along a length direction of the tube and at least a second segment extruded from a second composition along the length direction of the tube in which the first and second segments are integrally joined. Additional segments can be added to the continuous tubing. Such tubing can be used as medical device such as with infusion sets.

Abstract: Provided herein are polymer compositions comprising a polymer and polymer processing aid (PPA) comprising a blend of at least two of: (i) a polyethylene glycol; (ii) a surfactant comprising a sorbitan ester or a polysorbate; and (iii) a metal salt of a fatty acid. The polymer can be a C2-C6 olefin homopolymer or a copolymer of two or more C2-C20 ?-olefins, and the polymer composition can take the form of polymer pellets; a polymer melt; reactor-grade polymer granules and/or polymer slurries; or other form of polymer composition containing the PPA and optionally one or more other additives. The polymer composition is preferably free or substantially free of fluorine, including fluoropolymer-based PPAs.

Abstract: A recyclable polyethylene man-door comprises an interior panel and an exterior door panel, each panel having a horizontal pattern of cut-outs and optionally comprising a blend of mineral additives that do not adversely affect the recyclability of the finished product.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin pellet is columnar. A cross-sectional shape taken along a plane orthogonal to a height direction of the thermoplastic resin pellet has a longer diameter represented by “a” and a shorter diameter represented by “b”. A ratio a/b is greater than or equal to 1.0, and the ratio a/b is less than or equal to 2.6. A ratio ? of a unit height volume of a cylindrical portion of a hopper of a molding machine, into which the thermoplastic resin pellet is loaded, to a volume of the thermoplastic resin pellet is greater than 16. A method for manufacturing an electric cable includes supplying the thermoplastic resin pellet to the hopper, melting the thermoplastic resin pellet in the cylinder to supply molten resin to the die, and extruding the molten resin from the die to form a sheath on a core wire.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a thermoplastic prepreg includes a double belt mechanism that is configured to compress a fiber mat, web, or mesh that is passed through the double belt mechanism, a resin applicator that is configured to apply monomers or oligomers to the fiber mat, web, or mesh, and a curing oven that is configured to effect polymerization of the monomers or oligomers and thereby form the thermoplastic polymer as the fiber mat, web, or mesh is moved through the curing oven. The double belt mechanism compresses the fiber mat, web, or mesh and the applied monomers or oligomers as the fiber mat, web, or mesh is passed through the curing oven so that the monomers or oligomers fully saturate the fiber mat, web, or mesh. Upon polymerization of the monomers or oligomers, the fiber mat, web, or mesh is fully impregnated with the thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tire, the method comprising the steps of providing a cured tire subassembly, the subassembly including a first bead and a second bead, a cured carcass layer extending from the first bead to the second bead, and an optional cured innerliner disposed on the carcass layer; and applying an air barrier composition to the cured carcass layer, or to the cured innerliner if present, to form an air barrier layer.

Abstract: Nanostructured materials, and methods and apparatus for their production are provided. Nanostructured materials comprise nanofibers having nanoparticles deposited along the outer surface thereof. The size of the nanofibers and nanoparticles, and the spacing of such nanoparticles along the nanofibers may be controlled over a wide range. Nanostructured materials may comprise a plurality of such nanofibers interwoven together to form fiber cloth-like materials. Many materials may be used to form the nanofibers including polymer nanofiber materials (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), etc.) along with compatible nanoparticle materials (e.g., salts or other crystallizable materials).

Abstract: 1. A plasticizing device includes a barrel including a resin material supply port portion and a fiber supply port portion which is formed on a distal side from the resin material supply port portion; and a screw that comprises a shaft body and a flight, and is received in the barrel. The barrel is disposed with a posture in which its axial line intersects a gravitational direction. A maximum length of an opening in the barrel of the fiber supply port portion along an axial direction of the barrel is 1 time or more and 2 times or less as much as a pitch of the flight disposed in a portion of the screw which faces the opening in the barrel of the fiber supply port portion in a direction perpendicular to the axial line of the barrel.

Abstract: Provided is a molded body with a hollow portion comprising tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer, which is obtained by heat treating a molded body with a hollow portion obtained by melt molding tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer having a melt flow rate of 0.1 to 100 g/10 min when measured with a load of 5 kg and a measurement temperature of 372±0.1° C. in accordance with ASTM D1238. The heat treatment is carried out at a temperature from 130° C. below the melting point of the copolymer to the melting point of the copolymer. The molded body exhibits excellent blister resistance when utilized in contact with harsh chemicals and under harsh operating conditions.

Abstract: A glass forming apparatus includes a glass delivery vessel, a forming body with a forming body inlet and a downcomer (48) between the glass delivery vessel and the forming body. The downcomer includes a downcomer tube (100) with an inlet end (110) for receiving molten glass from the glass delivery vessel and an outlet end (109) for discharging molten glass to the forming body inlet. An upper heating zone (110) and a lower heating zone (150) positioned downstream from the upper heating zone (110) encircle the downcomer tube and a lower controlled atmosphere enclosure (155) is positioned around and sealed to the downcomer tube (100) in the lower heating zone (150). The lower controlled atmosphere enclosure (155) includes at least one heating element (156) for heating molten glass flowing through the downcomer tube within the forming body inlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stabilising composition, comprising: a) a first phenolic antioxidant comprising one or more phenolic compounds having the structure of formula (I) wherein R1 is a linear or branched alkyl group having from 12 to 20 carbon atoms; and b) one or more second phenolic antioxidants independently selected from: a mono-hydroxybenzene having lower steric hindrance than the first phenolic antioxidant; a di-hydroxybenzene; and/or a tri-hydroxybenzene.

Abstract: A resin infusion method that incorporates a melt-on-demand approach. The method includes: (a) providing a curable resin composition in the form of a block of frozen resin (20); (b) coupling the block of frozen resin (20) to an inlet port of a heated extruder (22), which comprises at least one rotating screw (24) housed within a heated barrel (25); (c) progressively melting the block of frozen resin (20) at the inlet port and concurrently feeding the melt resin through the heated barrel (25) to produce a liquid resin having a viscosity suitable for resin infusion; (d) continuously feeding the liquid resin exiting from the extruder to a mold, which contains a fibrous preform; and (e) introducing the liquid resin into the fibrous preform, wherein the block of frozen resin (20) provides an amount of resin composition sufficient for infusing the entire fibrous preform.

Abstract: Stabilizer compositions having a stabilizing amount of at least one co-active agent; and a stabilizing amount of any one or more ultraviolet light absorber chosen from an ortho-hydroxyphenyl triazine, an ortho-hydroxy benzophenone, or an ortho-hydroxyphenyl benzotriazole, optionally in combination with a stabilizing amount of a hindered amine light stabilizer, are provided herein, along with masterbatch concentrates containing same, and processes for using same for stabilizing organic materials to protect against light and thermal degradation due to exposure to UV irradiation.

Abstract: A resin structure comprising a resin formed body (1) and a liquid layer (3) formed on a surface of the resin formed body (1), the liquid layer (3) having liquid protrusions (3a) that are locally protruded on the surface thereof. The structure exhibits improved properties on the surface of the resin formed body (1), such as improved sliding property and non-adhesiveness to various substances maintaining stability as a result of forming the liquid layer (3).

Abstract: A nanofibrous catalyst for in the electrolyzer and methods of making the catalyst. The catalysts are composed of highly porous transition metal carbonitrides, metal oxides or perovskites derived from the metal-organic frameworks and integrated into a 3D porous nano-network electrode architecture. The catalysts are low-cost, highly active toward OER, with excellent conductivity yet resistant to the oxidation under high potential operable under both acidic and alkaline environments.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a process. In an embodiment, the process includes blending a broad molecular weight distribution (MWD) ethylene-based polymer having an 121/12 ratio from 55 to 85 with a narrow MWD ethylene-based polymer having an 121/12 ratio from 20 to 50. The process includes forming a blend component comprising from 20 wt % to 45 wt % of the broad MWD ethylene-based polymer, from 80 wt % to 55 wt % of the narrow MWD ethylene-based polymer, and optional carbon black. The blend component has a density from 0.925 g/cc to 0.955 g/cc and an 121/12 ratio from 30 to 55. The process includes extruding the blend component over a conductor at a rate greater than 1.02 m/s, and forming a conductor jacket having a surface smoothness from 30 ?-inch to 80 ?-inch.

Abstract: Plasiticized polyvinylacetal films with greater film-to-film uniformity are produced by a process of extruding a melt stream containing a polyvinyl acetal and a plasticizer at 150-250° C., the film having a predefined melt viscosity at 60-170° C., by providing a first melt stream of at least a first plasticizer and a first polyvinyl acetal resin and measuring its melt viscosity at 60-170° C. online; and adjusting the 60-170° C. melt viscosity by adding a second plasticizer and/or a second polyvinyl acetal resin to the first melt stream in an amount to provide a second melt stream with a melt viscosity at 60-170° C. having a difference of at most 20% to the predefined melt viscosity at 60-170° C.

Abstract: A dielectric composite includes: at least one first dielectric material represented by Chemical Formula 1, and at least one second dielectric material represented by Chemical Formula 2, wherein the first dielectric material has at least one first crystal structure and the second dielectric material has a second crystal structure that is different from the first crystal structure, and the first dielectric material and the second dielectric material are agglomerated with each other, A111-xA12xB12O6??Chemical Formula 1 A212(1-y)A222yB22O7.

Abstract: The present specification relates to a method for manufacturing a fine aluminum pattern, an aluminum pattern manufactured by the manufacturing method, and a conductive film including the same.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing topsheets for absorbent articles are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of and system for adhesive bonding by a) providing a polymerizable adhesive composition on a surface of an element to be bonded to form an assembly; b) irradiating the assembly with radiation at a first wavelength capable of vulcanization of bonds in the polymerizable adhesive composition by activation of sulfur-containing compound with at least one selected from x-ray, e-beam, visible, or infrared light to thereby generate ultraviolet light in the polymerizable adhesive composition; and c) adhesively joining two or more components together by way of the polymerizable adhesive composition.

Abstract: Methods for extrusion of polyolefins (112) that control specific energy input to the extruder (102) for gel reduction. Disclosed herein is an example method for forming plastic products (120, 208) with reduced gels, comprising: melting a polyolefin resin (112) in extruder (102) to form a melt; adjusting specific energy input in the extruder (102) to reduce gels in the melt; and forming the melt into a polyolefin product (120, 208). Disclosed herein is also an example method for forming plastic products (120, 20) with reduced gels, comprising: melting a polyolefin resin in extruder (102) to form a melt; selecting a throttle valve (104) position for gel reduction; setting the throttle valve (104) at the selected throttle valve (104) position to restrict flow of the melt out of the extruder (102); and forming the melt into a polyolefin product (120, 208).

Abstract: Disclosed are polymeric compositions with improved breakdown strength. The polymeric compositions contain a polyolefin and a voltage stabilizing agent. The voltage stabilizing agent is a diphenoxybenzene and/or a benzanilide. The present polymeric compositions exhibit improved breakdown strength when applied as an insulating layer for power cable.

Abstract: A masterbatch may be blended with virgin polymer to add desired color or other properties to the virgin polymer prior to further processing. Methods and processes for producing an antimicrobial and/or antiviral polymeric masterbatch that may be used to add antimicrobial, antiviral and/or antifungal properties to a virgin polymer without significantly degrading the properties of the virgin polymer. The masterbatch may be extruded into pellets or formed into other particles for subsequent blending with the virgin polymer to add antimicrobial and antiviral properties to the polymeric materials. The method includes a heat treatment after compounding the base polymer with the antimicrobial, antiviral and/or antifungal are compounded together. The heat treatment comprises heating the masterbatch blend to a temperature between the glass transition temperature and the melting point of the base polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine for mixing and conveying a road application mixture and to the methods of use thereof. A hopper has a top and bottom and contains a selected amount of solid material useful for melting snow and ice. An auger casing with a solid inlet is attached to the bottom of the hopper and is oriented in an inclined plane. A tank containing a liquid is connected to the auger casing at a liquid inlet. The hopper has a discharge at a distal end. An auger is contained within the auger casing for conveying the solid material and mixing it with the liquid material. The auger has a first flight section with a first pitch and a second flight section with a second pitch and with cross bars. The auger housing has a discharge. The auger can be started remotely.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating a ceramic matrix composite are disclosed. A fiber preform may be placed in a mold. An aqueous solution may be added to the fiber preform. The aqueous solution may include water, carbon nanotubes, and a binder. The preform may be frozen. Freezing the preform may cause the water to expand and separate fibers in the fiber preform. The carbon nanotubes may bond to the fibers. The preform may be freeze dried to remove the water. The preform may then be processed according to standard CMC process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus capable of monitoring performance of a process and of the condition of equipment units effecting such process is disclosed. A process model predicated upon mass and energy balancing is developed on the basis of a plurality of generally nonlinear models of the equipment units. At least one or more of such equipment models are characterized by one or more adjustable maintenance parameters. Data relating to mass and energy transfer within the process is collected and is reconciled with the mass and energy characteristics of the process predicted by the model. The condition of the equipment units and process performance may then be inferred by monitoring the values of the maintenance parameters over successive data reconciliation operations.

Abstract: A ceramic paste composition including carbon nanotubes or a carbon nanotube-metal composite and a silicone adhesive, wherein the silicone adhesive includes 0.1 to 10 wt % of a silanol group, and has a mole ratio of a phenyl group to a methyl group of 0.3 to 2.5. The ceramic paste composition has low sheet resistance, through which an excellent heat generating property, and shielding, absorbing and conducting properties may be implemented in one or more embodiments. Further, though the ceramic paste composition has a very high heat generating temperature of 400° C., as compared with general paste based on carbon nanotubes, the physical properties thereof may be maintained stably. In addition, the ceramic paste may be widely used in various fields including heat generating products such as those for keeping warmth or heating, and products for electromagnetic wave shielding and absorption, electrodes, electronic circuits, antennas, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a polyarylene sulfide resin comprising: a step of reacting a poly(arylenesulfonium salt) having a constitutional unit represented by the following formula (1) with an aliphatic amide compound to obtain a polyarylene sulfide resin having a constitutional unit represented by the following formula (2): wherein R1 represents a direct bond, -Ar2-, -Ar2-S— or -Ar2-O—; Ar1 and Ar2 each represent an arylene group optionally having a functional group as a substituent; R2 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an aromatic group optionally having an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms as a substituent; and X? represents an anion, wherein R1 and Ar1 are the same as described above.

Abstract: Composite resin particles including: a polyethylene-based resin and a polystyrene-based resin, wherein the polyethylene-based resin and the polystyrene-based resin are included in the ranges of 50 to 20% by mass and 50 to 80% by mass respectively, with respect to the total of these resins, the polyethylene-based resin is composed of: a first polyethylene-based resin having a medium density to a high density in the range of 925 to 965 kg/m3; and a second polyethylene-based resin which is linear and which has a lower density than the first polyethylene-based resin, and the first polyethylene-based resin and the second polyethylene-based resin are included in the ranges of 90 to 30% by mass and 10 to 70% by mass respectively, with respect to the total of these resins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for a preparation of a solid composition comprising the steps of a) dissolving a premix in a premix-solvent, or melting a premix, wherein the premix contains a pesticide and a nonionic, amphiphilic polyalkoxylate, b) solidifying the premix by removing the premix-solvent, or by cooling, and c) contacting the premix with at least one auxiliary. The invention further relates to a solid composition obtainable by said method; to a method for the preparation of an aqueous tank mix, in which a pesticide is present as suspended particles having a particle size below 1.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyether and polyesters polyol condensations. The polyols are uniquely suited for ease of manufacture and improved adhesive characteristics particularly for low surface energy materials. The materials can be used in urethane adhesives.

Abstract: A large concentric co-extrusion die (1) is described having a plurality of annular or conical die mandrel layers (201-205). Each layer is formed between a pair of adjacent annular or conical die mandrels (101-106) defining between them a flow path for molten thermoplastics material from an inlet to an annular extrusion outlet (110) through which a thermoplastics tubular extrusion is formed in use. Extrusion takes place through the multiple annular layer outlets (301-305) to form a multi-layered product. At least one layer (203) of the annular or conical die mandrels has a plurality of molten material inlets arranged around the external circumference of the co-extrusion die with each inlet being connected to a feed channel (403) which has plural bifurcations (403.1, 403.2, 403.3) providing 2n subsidiary outlet feed channels (503) where n is the number of bifurcations. Each subsidiary outlet feed channel being connected to a corresponding helical outlet channel (703).

Abstract: An extruder for processing hydrocarbon-containing material. The extruder includes a screw that is rotatably positioned in a barrel liner and a heating system positioned about at least a portion of the barrel liner that is designed to heat the hydrocarbon-containing material as the hydrocarbon-containing material moves through the barrel liner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hollow glass microsphere and polymer composite having enhanced viscoelastic and rheological properties.

Abstract: An extruder for processing hydrocarbon-containing material. The extruder includes a screw that is rotatably positioned in a auger barrel and a heating system positioned about at least a portion of the auger barrel that is designed to heat the hydrocarbon-containing material as the hydrocarbon-containing material moves through the auger barrel.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising dexmedetomidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein the composition is formulated as a liquid for parenteral administration to a subject, and wherein the composition is disposed in a flexible plastic container as a ready to use premixed solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer fiber comprising a thermoplastic polymer comprising the following building blocks A and B: —O—(CH2—CH2—O)n— (A) —O—[CH2]y—O— (B), wherein n is an integer of 10-400, and y is an integer in the range of 2 to 16, wherein A is present in an amount of 15-30 mole %, B is present in an amount of 20-40 mole % and wherein building blocks A and B are linked by the following linking group C: —[(C?O)—NH—CH2—CH2—CH2—CH2—CH2—CH2—NH—(C?O)]— (C) wherein C is present in an amount of 45-55 mole %. The present invention further relates to a method for preparing a polymer fiber, absorbent articles comprising a polymer fiber and the use of a fiber in a product for treating wounds and/or burns.

Abstract: A multifunctional syntactic foam including a matrix material and hollow particles, where a first and second material property of the syntactic foam are tailored on the basis of the wall thickness and volume fraction of the hollow particles.

Abstract: The injection molding apparatus of the present invention includes: a heating cylinder; a screw that is provided rotatably in an inner portion of the heating cylinder; a resin feed hopper that feeds a resin pellet; and a fiber feed device that is provided ahead of the resin feed hopper and feeds reinforcing fibers into the heating cylinder. The screw includes a first stage that is located on a rear side, and in which the resin pellet is melted, and a second stage that is located on a front side, and in which the melted resin pellet and the reinforcing fibers are mixed, and a lead of a second flight provided in the second stage is larger than a lead of a first flight provided in the first stage.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising dexmedetomidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein the composition is formulated as a liquid for parenteral administration to a subject, and wherein the composition is disposed in a flexible plastic container as a ready to use premixed solution.

Abstract: A compound plant for processing elastomeric compounds for tires with both a high quality and a high throughput includes at least one batch mixing device in combination with at least one multi-shaft continuous mixing device having a high number of shafts. For example, the multi-shaft continuous mixing device could be a ring extruder having a plurality of co-rotating screws disposed to form a ring. In operation, a first elastomeric compound is discharged from the at least one batch mixing device and processed with the at least one multi-shaft continuous mixing device to obtain a second elastomeric compound.