| The last few decades have witnessed truly explosive development and growth in rubber products manufacturing technology. For example, a tire can be made today in a few minutes using sophisticated machinery without much manpower. Those who are involved in teaching, research, or business find that there is a dearth of immediate information on this subject. This book draws together and systematizes the body of information available and presents it in as logical a fashion as possible. |
| This book covers the compounding, mixing, calendering, extrusion, vulcanization, and manufacturing technology of a few important rubber products. Since most modern machinery, whether used in the mixing room or in the forming and shaping of products, and other modern manufacturing technology is self-controlling and monitored by computers, the use of computer-aided design and manufacturing, automation, and microprocessor has also been highlighted. Manufacturing process control is today's tool to combat excessive costs. Since a very large number of products are made using rubber, it was impossible to describe every form of manufacturing technology. However, the basic principles of manufacturing technology may be learned from this book. In a few cases, multiple authors were invited to contribute, to stress the importance of a subject. This volume contains material of interest to both scientists and technologists. |
| The various developments are described by experts in the field, most of whom have extensive industrial or working experience. Their contributions are expected to be of immediate relevance to those concerned with the applications of rubber. The editors are grateful to the contributors for the time and effort they were able to devote to this book. |
| During the preparation of the book, we received help from a large number of people from both industry and academics. We thank them all. In particular, we are thankful to Prof. K. L. Chopra, Director, IIT Kharagpur, and the faculty members and students of the Rubber Technology Center, IIT Kharagpur; Prof. Takashi Inoue, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo; Dr. E. Maekawa, Bando Chemical Company, Kobe; |
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