Book excerpt: This valuable guide to compounding elastomers with precipitated silica covers principles, properties, mixing, testing and formulations from a practical perspective. This handbook and reference manual will serve those who work on part design, elastomer formulation, manufacturing and applications of elastomers. Ample discussion of compound specifications adds to the usefulness of this book to practitioners. Comparisons of carbon black and silica compounds throughout the book allow readers to select the most suitable formulation for applications ranging from tires to electrical insulation to shoe soles. The author has over forty years of experience in the rubber industry highlighted by his 39 years at the PPG Rubber Research laboratories. A highlight of the book is the inclusion of studies conducted by the author which greatly adds to the richness of the contents.