Thermoplastic vulcanizates having improved physical properties, including
extrusion surface roughness can be achieved by a method that includes a
first processing step to form a fully cured TPV base, a cooling step
wherein the fully cured TPV base is solidified and a second processing
step which imparts improved physical properties including improved
extrusion surface roughness to the resultant TPV. The method may be
adapted for use in conjunction with a peroxide curing agents to protect a
portion of the thermoplastic, which may be polypropylene, from
degradation by the peroxide curing agent. The adaptation to the methods
may include the addition of a portion of the thermoplastic to the TPV
after the peroxide curing agent has been added. The adaptation may also
include one or more devolatalization steps with or without the addition
of a stripping agent.