Pore-free rubber articles are prepared by dip-molding in a dipping medium that includes a vulcanizing agent, then partially-cured by immersing the dip former in a heated liquid bath that is chemically inert. A particularly effective liquid bath is a molten, nitrite free inorganic salt. The partially-cured rubber is then maintained at a desired curing temperature in a low/no oxygen heating oven to complete curing. Alternatively, upon removal from the molten salt bath, the latex film is quenched.

Methods to make a silica elastomer composite with a destabilized dispersion of silica are described, along with silica elastomer composites made from the methods. The advantages achieved with the methods are further described.

Rubber pellets are coated with an anti-tack material. The anti-tack material may be comprised of a metallic stearate, such as magnesium stearate. The coated rubber pellets are loaded on to a rotational conveyance mechanism that rotates at a speed and radial amount to provide an interaction time between the rubber pellets and the anti-tack material. The coated rubber pellets may then be dried in a centrifuge dryer having a plurality of angled fins extending from a rotational shaft.

A rubber composition obtained by dry-mixing a rubber wet masterbatch A containing a carbon black A having a nitrogen adsorption specific: surface area (N.sub.2SA) of NA (m.sup.2/g) with a rubber wet masterbatch B containing a carbon black B having a nitrogen adsorption specific surface area (N.sub.2SA) of NB (m.sup.2/g), wherein the content ratio of the rubber wet masterbatch A to the rubber wet masterbatch B is from 5/95 to 40/60, and when the content proportion of the carbon black A in the rubber wet masterbatch A is represented by LA, and that of the carbon black B in the rubber wet masterbatch B is represented by LB, the specific expressions are satisfied.

Methods to make a silica elastomer composite with a destabilized dispersion of silica are described, along with silica elastomer composites made from the methods. The advantages achieved with the methods are further described.

This present invention relates to oxidized, discrete carbon nanotubes in dispersions, especially for use in printing inks. The dispersions can include materials such as elastomers, thermosets and thermoplastics or aqueous dispersions of open-ended carbon nanotubes with additives. A further feature of this invention relates to the development of a dispersion of oxidized, discrete carbon nanotubes that are electrically conductive.

Described herein are methods for producing guayule seeds, guayule plants, and products generated therefrom. More specifically, the disclosure provides methods for the production of viable seeds from apomictic guayule plants, seeds produced by such methods, plants grown from such seeds, plant parts, biomass, and biomaterials derived therefrom.

This present invention relates to oxidized, discrete carbon nanotubes in dispersions, especially for use in printing inks. The dispersions can include materials such as elastomers, thermosets and thermoplastics or aqueous dispersions of open-ended carbon nanotubes with additives. A further feature of this invention relates to the development of a dispersion of oxidized, discrete carbon nanotubes that are electrically conductive.

A method of producing a hemp fiber foam is disclosed. The method may include providing a mixture of foam reactants including an amount of hemp fiber that contains an amount of absorbed moisture. The method may further include providing an amount of water to the mixture based on the amount of absorbed moisture within the amount of hemp fiber. The method may further include reacting the mixture, pouring the mixture into a mold, and curing the mixture to form a hemp fiber foam wherein the amount of hemp fiber is incorporated into the hemp fiber foam.

Described herein are methods for producing guayule seeds, guayule plants, and products generated therefrom. More specifically, the disclosure provides methods for the production of viable seeds from apomictic guayule plants, seeds produced by such methods, plants grown from such seeds, plant parts, biomass, and biomaterials derived therefrom.