Process for preparing gum base

A process for producing gum base having a hard elastomer component comprising the steps of:

• (a) blending only filler material with hard elastomer wherein the filler material is added in a weight ratio of about 15.0:1.0 to about 1.0:1.0 of filler material to hard elastomer, respectively, which is effective to give the hard elastomer sufficient body for further processing;
• and
• (b) mixing a plasticizing agent with said filler-hard elastomer blend in a weight ratio of from about 0.1:1.0 to about 3.0:1.0 of plasticizing agent to hard elastomer, respectively, to open up said elastomer;
• wherein steps (a) and (b) are completed before subjecting said plasticized blend to high intensity mixing and before adding the remainder of desired gum base components in subsequent mixing steps and the power requirement for the high intensity mixing is less than about 0.32 amps per pound of throughput at 100 r.p.m.