For compounding solid rubber and plastic materials (filler incorporation and intensive mixing), which mixer is the most suitable choice in an industrial processing line?

Introduction / Context:
Compounding rubber and plastics requires intensive shear to break down polymer, incorporate fillers, and distribute curatives. Choosing the correct mixer determines dispersion quality, mixing time, and batch consistency.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The material is a solid elastomeric or thermoplastic mass.
• Goal: high-shear compounding and homogenisation.
• Industrial-scale operation is implied.

Concept / Approach:
Banbury (internal) mixers use counter-rotating rotors in a closed chamber to deliver high shear and temperature control, ideal for filler incorporation (e.g., carbon black) and additives. Pan mixers, pug mills, and ribbon blenders provide weaker shear, more suited to pastes, clays, or dry powders. Charge can mixers are typically used for lower-viscosity materials or pre-mixes.

Step-by-Step Solution:
List mixer types and typical applications.Match need for intensive shear and temperature control to internal mixer design.Select Banbury mixer for solid rubber/plastic compounding.

Verification / Alternative check:
Rubber compounding practice universally cites Banbury/internal mixers for masterbatches and final mixes, confirming this choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Pan/Pug/Ribbon: inadequate shear for tough solid polymers.Charge can mixer: not the standard high-shear compounding unit.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing dry blending of powders with polymer compounding needs.

Final Answer:
Banbury mixer