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Abstract

Processes for the batch production of rubber-based compositions capable of being shaped and shaped articles made thereof. They include a step of high intensity mixing cured rubber particles with other selected compounds into a closed mixing chamber provided on a high intensity mixer including a central shaft having mixing blades. Through high speed rotation of the shaft, blade tip speed above about 20 meter/s are obtained to intensively mix and thermokinetically heat the batch of mixable material, whose temperature is continuously monitored. Discharge of the batch from the mixing chamber takes place when the temperature is considered to have reached a reference value ensuring a substantially uniform mix of the rubber material and added compounds, to produce the rubber-based composition. According to a first preferred embodiment, cured rubber is fed into the mixing chamber with a resinous material, and discharge occurs at a temperature ensuring a substantially uniform mix of the rubber material in a matrix of resinous material to produce the rubber-based composition, which can be then shaped without any further heating. According to a second preferred embodiment, a curing agent is added to the cured rubber particles, and the batch is discharged from the mixing chamber when the temperature reaches a reference value ensuring a substantially uniform mix of the cured rubber material with the curing agent without causing a significant further curing, to produce a rubber-based composition capable of being heat-shaped. Other preferred embodiments using a reactive polymeric binding agent and a bonding agent are described.

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First Claim