Computer aided rubber compound formulation using design of experiments

Research at a glance

The article explains how the technique of design of experiments (DOE) can be used to formulate rubber compounds with the aid of commercial software. Some background information in theory followed by advantages of the factorial method over conventional methods that are practised in the industry are discussed. Then an example of a two-level factorial study related to rubber compounding is explained. Finally the best combination of the ingredients in the formulation for a set of desired properties are determined using an optimization method available in the software.