Millathane® millable urethanes are high-performance elastomers that can be processed using conventional rubber equipment. Achieving consistent, high-quality results, however, depends on following a controlled and well-structured mixing approach.
What Makes Millathane® Different?
Millathane® is a family of millable polyurethane elastomers that combine the durability and abrasion resistance of cast urethanes with the processing versatility of traditional rubber.
These materials can be processed on standard equipment such as open mills or internal mixers and are commonly used in applications like rollers, seals, and other industrial components where toughness and wear resistance are critical.
A High-Level Look at the Mixing Process
Start with a Controlled Mill Environment
A consistent mixing process begins with proper mill conditions. Starting with a cooler mill and maintaining temperature control throughout the batch helps reduce the risk of sticking, excessive heat buildup, or premature curing.
The initial step involves banding the Millathane polymer on the mill to create a uniform base before additional ingredients are introduced.
Build the Compound in Stages
Once the base polymer is broken down, processing ingredients are incorporated into a controlled sequence.
Process aids are typically introduced early to improve flow and handling, followed by reinforcing fillers and other additives. Adding these materials gradually, rather than all at once, supports more uniform dispersion and improved compound consistency.
As the materials are incorporated, the compound develops structure and uniformity.
Manage Temperature Before Final Additions
Temperature control remains critical throughout mixing, particularly prior to introducing cure systems.
Allowing the compound to cool before adding curatives helps prevent premature reactions and ensures that crosslinking occurs during the intended curing stage rather than during mixing.
Why the Process Matters
Each step in the mixing process contributes to the final performance of the material. Proper sequencing, dispersion, and temperature control all play a role in achieving:
- Consistent physical properties
- Improved processing behavior
- Reliable end-use performance
Mixing Demonstration
The following video provides a visual reference of the mill-mixing process, including polymer breakdown, ingredient incorporation, and compound development.
