Abstract: Die (1) representing a tread pattern model for a tread of a tire to be molded, said die being made up of a die body (2) and at least one insert (10) attached to the body of said die, covering at least one of the surfaces of the grooves (4) in the body (2), the insert having at least one substantially flat surface provided with textures.

Abstract: A crosslinkable bioplasticizer is disclosed, a mixture of an epoxy-functional bio-derived plasticizer and an aromatic dianhydride. When heated, the mixture crosslinks, which can be accelerated by the addition of a Lewis Acid metal catalyst. The crosslinked bioplasticizer can be melt compounded into a thermoplastic resin or can be formed in situ in the thermoplastic resin. The crosslinking of the bioplasticizer can reduce blooming of the bioplasticizer to the surface of a plastic article made by extrusion, molding, calendering, or thermoforming techniques.