This volume, the fourth in a series which began in 1979, covers a greater variety of subjects than any previous single volume. The basis of selection has been topical interest; hence the tailor-making of polymers to develop specific properties, methods of improving com­ pound processability and the use of rubbers in the oil industry are featured alongside a discussion of safety aspects. We have again sought the cooperation of the foremost authorities on the chosen subjects and have been delighted at the response which has yielded a list of authors of international repute. A. w. K. S. L. CONTENTS Preface v List of Contributors ix 1. Recent Developments in Synthetic Rubbers by Anionic Polymerization 1 I. G. HARGIS, R. A. LIVIGNI and S. L. AGGARWAL 2. Advances in Nitrile Rubber (NBR) 57 P. W. MILNER 3. Epoxidized Natural Rubber. 87 C. S. L. BAKER and I. R. GELLING 4. Process Aids and Plasticizers . 119 B. G. CROWTHER 5. A Review of Elastomers Used for Oilfield Sealing Environments . 159 W. N. K. REVOLTA and G. C. SWEET 6. Using Modern Mill Room Equipment . 193 H. ELLWOOD 7. Quality Requirements and Rubber Mixing . 221 P. S. JOHNSON 8. Health and Safety . . 253 B. G. WILLOUGHBY Index . 307 vii LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS s. L. AGGARWAL Gen Corp , Research Division, 2990 Gilchrist Road, Akron, Ohio 44305, USA C. S. L. BAKER Malaysian Rubber Producers' Research Association, Tun Abdul Razak Laboratory, Brickendonbury, Hertford SG13 8NL, UK B. G.