Elastomer composite materials in low density forms and methods

Abstract

A bale of elastomer composite is formed of elastomer and filler; the bale having a void volume of at least 3%. In another aspect, a container is provided, at least a portion of the container being occupied by elastomer composite pieces of elastomer and filler, wherein the occupied portion of the container has a void volume of at least 3%.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method of producing an elastomer composite blend, the method comprising: blending a bale of elastomer composite pieces having a void volume of at least 3% with additional elastomer material comprising at least additional elastomer, to form an elastomer composite blend. 
     
     
         22 - 24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . A method of producing an elastomer composite blend in accordance with  claim 21 , wherein the additional elastomer comprises elastomer different from the elastomer of the elastomer composite. 
     
     
         26 . A method of producing an elastomer composite blend in accordance with  claim 21 , wherein the step of blending the bale of elastomer composite with the additional elastomer material comprises dry mixing the bale of elastomer composite with the additional elastomer material. 
     
     
         27 . A method of producing an elastomer composite blend in accordance with  claim 21 , wherein the additional elastomer material comprises additional filler. 
     
     
         28 . A method of producing an elastomer composite blend in accordance with  claim 21 , wherein the bale of elastomer composite includes at least one additive selected from the group consisting of: antiozonants, antioxidants, plasticizers, processing aids, resins, flame retardants, extender oils, lubricants, cure activators, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         29 - 33 . (canceled) 
     
     
         34 . A container wherein at least a portion of the container is occupied by elastomer composite pieces comprising an elastomer and filler, and wherein the occupied portion of the container has a void volume of at least 3%. 
     
     
         35 . A container in accordance with  claim 34 , wherein the occupied portion of the container has a void volume of approximately 3% to approximately 40%. 
     
     
         36 . A container in accordance with  claim 34 , wherein the elastomer composite pieces have a Mooney viscosity of at least 100. 
     
     
         37 . A container in accordance with  claim 34 , wherein the elastomer composite pieces have a generally planar form. 
     
     
         38 . A container in accordance with  claim 34 , wherein the elastomer composite pieces have the form of short strips. 
     
     
         39 . (canceled) 
     
     
         40 . A container in accordance with  claim 34 , wherein the elastomer composite pieces have the form of pellets. 
     
     
         41 . (canceled) 
     
     
         42 . A container in accordance with  claim 34 , wherein the container is a bag, a drum, or a box. 
     
     
         43 - 52 . (canceled) 
     
     
         53 . A method of producing an elastomer composite blend, the method comprising providing a container wherein at least a portion of the container is occupied by elastomer composite pieces and wherein the occupied portion of the container has a void volume of at least 3%; and blending the elastomer composite pieces with additional elastomer material comprising at least additional elastomer, to form an elastomer composite blend. 
     
     
         54 - 55 . (canceled) 
     
     
         56 . A method of producing an elastomer composite blend in accordance with  claim 53 , wherein the additional elastomer comprises elastomer different from the elastomer of the elastomer composite. 
     
     
         57 . A method of producing an elastomer composite blend in accordance with  claim 53 , wherein the step of blending the elastomer composite pieces with the additional elastomer material comprises dry mixing the elastomer composite pieces with the additional elastomer material. 
     
     
         58 . A method of producing an elastomer composite blend in accordance with  claim 53 , wherein the additional elastomer material comprises additional filler. 
     
     
         59 . A method of producing an elastomer composite blend in accordance with  claim 53 , wherein the elastomer composite pieces include at least one additive selected from antiozonants, antioxidants, plasticizers, processing aids, resins, flame retardants, extender oils, lubricants, cure activators, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         60 - 64 . (canceled)