mastication
Quick Summary
Mastication is the initial step in rubber manufacturing, where the raw elastomer is subjected to shearing forces. This process breaks down the long polymer molecules, reducing their viscosity and making the rubber easier to flow. Mastication is typically performed in specialized machinery such as enclosed mixers like the Banbury mixer, or on rubber mills that feature large, counter-rotating cylinders. These machines apply mechanical stress to the rubber, softening it and preparing it for subsequent processing steps like mixing with additives, shaping, and curing.1
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