Rubber masterbatch preparation

A process for preparing an elastomer composite in an extruder, said process comprising:

• (a) providing at least one dry solid particulate ingredient in powder or granular form, in a first mixing zone to obtain a first mix;
• (b) providing at least one elastomer in a second mixing zone to obtain a second mix;
• (c) contacting the first mix and the second mix to obtain a third mix;
• and
• (d) processing the third mix to obtain an elastomer composite,
• wherein the first mixing zone and the second mixing zone have a temperature in the range of 30° C.-50° C., the processing of the third mix is carried out at a temperature in the range of 120° C.-200° C. and a mixing speed in the range of 450-1050 rpm,
• wherein the at least one dry solid particulate ingredient is selected from the group consisting of carbon black, silica, calcium carbonate, clay, and combinations thereof,
• wherein the at least one elastomer is selected from the group consisting of natural rubber latex, styrene butadiene rubber latex, butadiene rubber latex, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber latex, chloroprene rubber latex, neoprene rubber latex, and combinations thereof, and
• wherein the process is carried out in a single co-rotating twin screw extruder (CRTSE).