Abstract: A nitrite polymer vulcanizate having improved hot air aging characteristics is described. The nitrile polymer vulcanizate may be produced admixing a composition comprising: (i) a nitrite polymer; (ii) a filler; (iii) an additive selected from the group comprising a strong base, a salt of a strong base and a weak acid, a salt of a weak acid, a carbodiimide, a polycarbodiimide and mixtures thereof; and (iv) a vulcanization system. A vulcanizable composition useful for producing such a vulcanizate and a method for improving the hot air aging characteristics of a nitrite polymer are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic resin composition comprising a rubber-reinforced thermoplastic resin (A) obtained by graft polymerizing a monomeric mixture (b) comprising an aromatic vinyl compound, a vinyl cyanide compound and optionally other copolymerizable monomeric compound(s) in the presence of a rubber-like polymer (a),

Abstract: The composition comprises a mixture of at least one ABS and/or ASA copolymer and an SAN copolymer having an acrylonitrile concentration of at least 43% by weight, and the quantity of SAN copolymer in the mixture is such that the total acrylonitrile concentration in the mixture is at least 30% by weight when the mixture contains only an ABS copolymer and at least 28% when the mixture contains an ASA copolymer alone or combined with an ABS copolymer.

Abstract: A thermoplastic rubber composition prepared by crosslinking 1-99 parts by weight of a crosslinkable rubbery polymer (A) and 1-99 parts by weight of a polypropylene resin (B) (total amount of (A) and (B) being 100 parts by weight), wherein said (B) comprises a polypropylene resin (B-1) characterized by generation of a torque higher than Mo after melting and a polypropylene resin (B-2) characterized by generation of a torque not higher than Mo after melting, in a melting test of said (B) in the presence of an organic peroxide (temperature condition being at 200° C.), and Mo being a torque right after complete melting.

Abstract: A rubber composition containing 50 to 90 parts by weight of a diene rubber and 50 to 10 parts by weight of a gelled rubber having a toluene swelling index of 16 to 150, based upon the total amount of 100 parts by weight of the diene rubber and the gelled rubber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rubber compounds comprising at least one rubber which contains double bonds, at least one rubber gel, and at least one sulfur-containing organosilicon compound. Vulcanized materials which can be employed in particular for the production of tire treads can be produced from the rubber compounds according to the invention.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomeric resin composition for powder molding, comprising a composition prepared by dynamically vulcanizing (a) a block copolymer of a vinyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene compound, and/or a hydrogenated block copolymer thereof, (b) a non-aromatic softening agent for rubber, (c) a peroxide-decomposing olefinic resin, (d) an unsaturated glycidyl compound, (e) an unsaturated carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, and (f) a liquid polybutadiene, and (h) at least one material selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyurethane, and polyamide polymers and copolymers; characterized in that (p) a compound represented by the following chemical formula (I) is also comprised: H2C═CH—CH2—O—(CnH2nO)m—X  (I) wherein n is an integer of from 2 to 5, CnH2n may be branched, x represents H or CH═CH2, m is the number of the repeating unit, CnH2nO, and a number average molecular weight of the compound is in a range of from 200 to 6,000.

Abstract: A molded or formed product obtained by molding or forming a resin composition comprising (A) at least one vinyl cyclic hydrocarbon polymer selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated products of aromatic vinyl polymers, vinylcyclohexene polymers or hydrogenated products thereof, and vinylcyclohexane polymers, and (B) at least one substance selected from the group consisting of compounding additives incompatible with the polymer, organic compounds having at least one alcoholic hydroxyl group and at least one ether linkage, and organic compounds having at least one alcoholic hydroxyl group and at least one ester linkage, wherein the initial light transmittance (a) of the molded or formed product at an optional wavelength within a range of 400 to 800 nm and the light transmittance (b) of the molded or formed product after the molded or formed product is held for 1,000 hours in an atmosphere of 65° C.

Abstract: A compatibilized blend of general purpose rubbers (GPR) and benzyl halide polymers are produced through solventless reactions utilizing a multifunctional agent containing a diene reactive group and a benzylic halo reactive group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pneumatic tire having a tread containing from 50 to 100 phr of a dried rubber derived from a blend of a styrene butadiene latex and an acrylonitrile butadiene latex.

Abstract: A low stress relaxation elastomeric material comprises a block copolymer having an elasotmeric soft block portion and thermoplastic hard block portions, at least one vinylarene resin and mineral oil. The elasotmeric material may be used in a film comprising an elastomeric layer and at least one substantially less elastomeric skin layer. The skin layer comprises a thermoplastic polymer such as polyolefins. The film exhibits desired elastic and stress relaxation properties at body temperature. The film is useful in forming a macroscopically-expanded, three-dimensional elastomeric web.

Abstract: A relatively small amount of a plasticizer having an SP value of at least 8.8 and a molecular weight of at most 550 is added to blend rubber of NBR-PVC in which NBR has an AN content of from 43 to 50% by weight. The fuel impermeability and the low-temperature flexibility of the resulting rubber composition are improved to be comparable to those of FKM, and the amount of the plasticizer and its reaction product to be released from the rubber composition in fuel is reduced. Adding a controlled amount of carbon black to the rubber composition makes the composition have favorable electroconductivity. The rubber composition is formed into hoses or electroconductive hoses of low fuel permeation.

Abstract: One-component, heat-curing reactive compositions based on liquid rubbers containing reactive olefinic double bonds and optionally solid rubbers and vulcanization systems based on sulfur have high maxima of the acoustic loss factor over a broad in-use temperature range of around +10° C. to +40° C. in their vulcanized state. These compositions optionally contain fine-particle thermoplastic polymers as an additional component. The compositions are suitable for use as acoustically damping adhesives, sealing compounds or coating compositions.

Abstract: Compositions comprising at least one fluorinated polymer comprising vinylidene fluoride units and at least one nitrile rubber exhibit good mechanical and thermomechanical properties as well as good chemical resistance, in particular good impermeability to hydrocarbons. These compositions are beneficially used in the manufacture of components having at least two layers such as films, pipes, tubes or laminates.

Abstract: A compatibilized blend of general purpose rubbers (GPR) and polymers containing benzylic halide groups are produced through solventless reactions utilizing a multifunctional agent containing a diene reactive group and a benzylic halo reactive group.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polymer blend having improved properties comprising: (A) 90 to 10% by weight of a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin; and (B) 10 to 90% by weight of a shear-treated rubber obtained by subjecting a nitrile group-containing highly saturated copolymer rubber to a high-shear treatment in the presence of an anti-oxidant so as to lower the Mooney viscosity of the copolymer rubber by 15 units or more, said shear-treated rubber having a Mooney viscosity of 5 to 135, a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of 3.0 to 5.0 and a storage stability characterized by that the incremental increase in the Mooney viscosity of said shear-treated rubber during a 30 day storage under an ambient condition in air is not more than 10 units.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomers including a polyvinyl chloride and a nitrile rubber additive are disclosed. The nitrile rubber additive can be crosslinked and/or essentially free of plasticizer. The thermoplastic elastomers can include additional materials, such a copolyester and/or a plasticizer. The thermoplastic elastomers can be soft, elastomeric and/or oil resistant. The thermoplastic elastomers can have good low temperature properties. The thermoplastic elastomers can have good flame retardant, smoke suppressant and/or char forming properties.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the discovery that cyclized polyisoprene polymers can be incorporated into tire tread compounds to improve traction, treadwear, and resistance to tear. It is further based upon the discovery that cyclized polyisoprene polymers can be blended with halobutyl rubber and/or natural rubber and can be utilized in tire innerliner formulations. The present invention more specifically discloses a tire which is comprised of a generally toroidal-shaped carcass with an outer circumferential tread, two spaced beads, at least one ply extending from bead to bead and sidewalls extending radially from and connecting said tread to said beads, wherein said tread is adapted to be ground-contacting, and wherein said tread is comprised of a sulfur cured rubber composition which is comprised of about 5 phr to about 50 phr of cyclized polyisoprene and about 50 phr to about 95 phr of at least one other rubbery polymer.

Abstract: Gel-type copolymer beads are described which are useful as ion exchange resins such as those used in the treatment of power plant condensate water. The subject copolymer beads possess an interpenetrating polymer network of at least two polymer components including: (i) a first polymer component derived from a first monomer mixture comprising a first monovinylidene monomer having a styrenic content less than about 50 molar percent and (ii) a second polymer component derived from a second monomer mixture comprising: a second monovinylidene monomer having a styrenic content greater than about 50 molar percent and a second crosslinking agent. The ratio of the molar percent crosslinking agent of the first polymer component to the second polymer component is less than about 0.7. Methods for making the subject beads and methods for their use as ion exchange resins for treating aqueous solutions are also provided.

Abstract: A rubber mixture containing at least one rubber component, at least one filler, and conventional additives that it contain at least one first gel as a filler, which is essentially comprised of a rubber, has a particle size of 3×10−9 to 1×10−6 m, and has a swelling index in toluene of 1 to 15, and at least the surface of this gel has acid or base groups, where these groups have not been produced by means of reaction with dithiophosphoric acid, and comprises: a) at least one second gel as an additional filler, which is essentially comprised of a rubber, has a particle size of 3×10−9 to 1×10−6 m, and has a swelling index in toluene of 1 to 15, which is in a position to undergo a neutralization reaction with the acid or base groups of the first gel and/or b) contains at least one substance as an additional additive, which is capable of undergoing a neutralization reaction with the acid or base groups of at least one gel.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising a blend of (a) a grafted olefin rubber, (b) an ungrafted olefin rubber, (c) a copolymeric matrix and an optional (d) a grafted acrylate rubber is disclosed. The composition which is characterized in having a desirable balance of impact strength and low gloss is useful for molding and extrusion of articles for certain outdoor applications.

Abstract: An elastomer material, particularly for use as a seal material in oil-lubricated engines, where the elastomer compound is a blend of a fluorocaoutchouc (FCM) and at least a second elastomer, which contains the fluorocaoutchouc as the minority component at 5 to 30 phr.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foamable polymeric composition, comprising a thermoplastic elastomer on the basis of a polyolefin and a rubber; the invention is characterized in that the polyolefin is a polypropylene homo- or copolymer having: a weight average molecular weight, Mw, of at least 2*105, and an elongational viscosity (measured at a temperature of 170° C., at a rate of elongation of 0.03 s−1 and at a time of 10 s), EV(170/10), of at least 1.4*105 Pa.s. The invention relates also to a process for foaming a polymeric composition, as well as to a foamed thermoplastic article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sulfur cured rubber composition particularly suited for use in tire treads. The sulfur cured rubber composition is composed of, based on 100 parts by weight of rubber, from about 1.0 to 15 parts by weight of a chlorosulfonated polyethylene; from about 1.0 to 15 parts by weight of a carboxylated nitrile rubber; and 98 to 70 parts by weight of a rubber selected from the group consisting of medium vinyl polybutadiene, styrene-butadiene rubber, synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene, synthetic 3,4-polyisoprene, natural rubber, cis-1,4-polybutadiene, styrene-isoprene rubber, styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A nitrite polymer vulcanizate having improved hot air aging characteristics is described. The nitrite polymer vulcanizate may be produced admixing a composition comprising: (i) a nitrite polymer; (ii) a filler; (iii) an additive selected from the group comprising: a strong base, a salt of a strong base and a weak acid, a salt of a weak acid, a carbodiimide, a polycarbodiimide and mixtures thereof; and (iv) a vulcanization system. A vulcanizable composition useful for producing such a vulcanizate and a method for improving the hot air aging characteristics of a nitrite polymer are also described.

Abstract: Vulcanized rubber parts suitable to dampen vibrations generated by mechanical devices are disclosed. The parts are based on a cured composition comprising one or a mixture of a diolefin polymers, e.g., natural rubber, a halogenated copolymer of a C4 to C7 isomonoolefin, e.g., isobutylene, and a para-alkylstyrene, filler and a curing system. The vulcanized parts exhibit improved aging and high temperature resistance and reduced deterioration of dynamic properties after long term exposure to high temperatures.

Abstract: A rubber composition comprising: at least one hydrogenated nitrile rubber, and at least one thermoplastic polyolefin, wherein the weight ratio (hydrogenated nitrile rubber:thermoplastic polyolefin) is in the range from 95:0.5 to 50:50. The composition retains substantially the resistance to heat and chemicals and the mechanical properties characteristic of hydrogenated nitrile rubber upon curing.

Abstract: These articles relate to rubber compositions and laminates thereof. The laminates bring together materials not easily bonded to each other. The compositions comprise rubber and a resin component containing ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). The laminates are useful for providing a protective covering such as shelf or drawer liners.

Abstract: The rubber mixtures containing modified rubber gels according to the invention prepared from at least one rubber gel modified with compounds containing sulphur and reactive towards C═C double bonds and at least one rubber containing double bonds are preferable suitable for the production of vulcanizates which have an unusually strong reinforcing action in rubber vulcanizates. The vulcanisates furthermore exhibit unusually low dynamic damping at relatively elevated temperatures. They are thus particularly suitable for the production of low rolling resistance motor vehicle tire treads.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to structures and fabricated articles having shape/reshape behavior (and processes for their preparation) comprising;(A) from about 1 to 100 wt % (based on the combined weights of Components A and B) of at least one substantially random interpolymer having an I.sub.2 of 0.1 to about 1,000 g/10 min and an M.sub.w /M.sub.n of from about 1.5 to about 20, which comprises;(1) from about 38 to about 65 mol % of polymer units derived from;(a) at least one vinyl or vinylidene aromatic monomer, or(b) at least one hindered aliphatic or cycloaliphatic vinyl or vinylidene monomer, or(c) a combination of at least one aromatic vinyl or vinylidene monomer and at least one hindered aliphatic or cycloaliphatic vinyl or vinylidene monomer, and(2) from about 35 to about 62 mol % of polymer units derived from ethylene and/or at least one C.sub.3-20 .alpha.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomer compositions which have good high temperature end use and good oil swell resistance are made by blending a high melting thermoplastic polymer containing a non-polar rubber and a polar rubber. Alternatively, a high melting thermoplastic polymer containing a non-polar rubber or a polar rubber or both is blended with a polyolefin thermoplastic polymer containing a non-polar rubber, or a polar rubber, or both. The composition is dynamically vulcanized. The cured multi-component thermoplastic elastomer compositions exhibit good end use properties such as hardness, tensile strength, modulus, flexibility.

Abstract: The present invention provides performance enhancing shoe components. The invented shoe component includes an upper layer of 1,4-polybutadiene and, optionally, a rubber such as natural rubber, synthetic isoprene rubber or polyisoprene. The first layer is attached to a resilient layer which extends substantially the length of the shoe. Optionally, a third layer or a coating may be attached to the resilient layer. The invented shoe components may be formed as shoe inserts, insoles, midsoles or shoe soles.

Abstract: This invention discloses a rubbery polymer having improved properties which is comprised of repeat units which are derived from (a) butyl acrylate, or optionally a mixture of butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate containing up to about 40 percent 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, (b) at least one member selected from the group consisting of methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate and ethyl acrylate, (c) acrylonitrile, (d) styrene and (e) a crosslinking agent; wherein a chemical agent or a copolymer containing hydroxyl groups, ester groups, amine groups or carboxylic acid groups is grafted onto said rubbery polymer. The grafting can be done in the presence or in the absence of a carrying polymer matrix which should be inert with regard to the grafting reaction. Fatty alcohols and ethylene vinyl acetate are representative examples of agents which can be grafted onto the rubbery polymer.

Abstract: Elastomeric particles, which have a tendency to agglomerate, are rendered non-agglomerating by contacting those particles with an aqueous solution or dispersion of a polyurethane rubber, a high Mooney viscosity, high gel content rubber and/or a soap, and optionally a polar binder, separating the coated elastomeric particles from the solution or dispersion, and then drying the elastomeric particles while keeping the coated particles in motion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the making a polyvinylchloride/acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber blend by a) coating a polyvinylchloride resin with a stabilizer to form a precoated PVC; b) blending said precoated PVC with one or more acrylonitrile-butadiene rubbers to form a prestabilized NBR/PVC blend; and c) applying heat and pressure to intimately blend said prestabilized NBR/PVC blend into a fluxed NBR/PVC blend. Another aspect is a novel polyvinylchloride/acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber blend having a stabilizer homogeneously and uniformly distributed throughout the microscopic polyvinylchloride domains.

Abstract: A composition for use in the finishing of a polymer surface comprises a dry, stable homogeneous mixture of pigment and a thermoplastic resin compatible with the polymer surface. The homogeneous mixture is soluble in a solvent to form a lacquer, for application to the surface, that has a colour determined by the amount and chromatic characteristics of the pigment in the dry mixture. The composition can be delivered to a customer and conveniently mixed on site to produce a lacquer having the desired colour characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stainproofing agent having the durability capable of maintaining sufficient water- and oil-repellency as well as stainproofing properties before and after cleaning. Disclosed is a stainproofing agent containing (A) a fluroalkyl group-containg copolymer having (I) a structure unit derived from a monomer having a fluoroalkyl group, (II) a structure unit derived from a monomer containing no fluorine, (III) a structure unit derived from vinyl chloride, and (IV) a structure unit derived from a crosslinking monomer; (B) a urethane compound having a fluoroalkyl group, or a copolymer having (V) a structure unit derived from a monomer having a fluoroalkyl group and a carbon-carbon double bond, and (VI) a structure unit derived from a monomer which contains no fluorine atom and has at least one urethane or urea linkage and one carbon-carbon double bond; and (C) an acrylic copolymer containing no fluorine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chlorinated polyvinyl chloride compound and an article made therefrom. The compound comprises a two step CPVC resin, chlorinated polyethylene as well as an impact modifier. The compound exhibits good physical properties, chemical resistance as well as ease of processability.

Abstract: Seals for automotive body applications (such as, windows, hoods, trunks and doors) and building applications (such as, window glazing gaskets and weather strips) should be dimensional stable, provide low compression set and offer outstanding sealing characteristics over a broad temperature range. They must be capable of sealing out noise, wind and water, while providing long-term ultraviolet light resistance.

Abstract: Vulcanized rubber parts suitable to dampen vibrations generated by mechanical devices are disclosed. The parts are based on a cured composition comprising one or a mixture of a diolefin polymers, e.g., natural rubber, a halogenated copolymer of a C.sub.4 to C.sub.7 isomonoolefin, e.g., isobutylene, and a para-alkylstyrene, filler and a curing system. The vulcanized parts exhibit improved aging and high temperature resistance and reduced deterioration of dynamic properties after long term exposure to high temperatures.

Abstract: A treating agent comprises a nitrile group-containing highly saturated polymer rubber latex (A) having an iodine value of 120 or less, a rubber latex (B) other than the highly saturated polymer rubber latex, and a water-soluble resorcinol/formaldehyde condensate in amounts of 15 to 80%, 5 to 70% and 2 to 15%, all by weight in terms of solids, respectively. A rubber-reinforcing fiber product is coated with the treating agent. A rubber article such as a toothed belt, a tire and the like is made using this rubber-reinforcing fiber product. The glass fiber product coated with the treating agent may be further coated with a halogen-containing polymer-based adhesive as a secondary treating agent. Thus, the treating agent exhibits a large bonding force between the reinforcing fiber product and a matrix. Even if the rubber article is repeatedly subjected to a flexing stress, the strength thereof cannot be reduced. A peel-off cannot occurs between the reinforcing fiber product and the rubber matrix.

Abstract: Compounded polymeric compositions containing processed paint sludge putty as a replacement for polymeric components are provided. The paint sludge comprises from about 5 to 90% by weight of the total compounded polymeric composition and may be decatalyzed so that it contains uncured polymer for use in a variety of compositions including pressure sensitive sealants, caulking sealants, automotive sealants, polyvinyl chloride plastics, rubbers and asphalt cement coatings.

Abstract: A reactive, powdered polymeric material, the polymeric material comprising polymer particles (i) having an average particle size less than about 1000 .mu.m; (ii) which are made up of a plurality of smaller particles; and (iii) having energy stored therein. A process for producing the powdered polymeric material is described. The process comprises the steps of: (i) placing polymeric material in a milling chamber equipped with impact means; (ii) accelerating the impact means to at least about 50 ml/s.sup.2 ; (iii) impacting the polymeric material with the impact means; (iv) repeatedly welding and fracturing the polymeric material; and (v) repeating Steps (ii), (iii) and (iv) until a powdered polymeric material is produced having an average particle size less than about 1000 .mu.m. During Steps (iii) and (iv), the temperature of the milling chamber is maintained below the glass transition temperature of the polymeric material.

Abstract: Seals for automotive body applications (such as, windows, hoods, trunks and doors) and building applications (such as, window glazing gaskets and weather strips) should be dimensional stable, provide low compression set and offer outstanding sealing characteristics over a broad temperature range. They must be capable of sealing out noise, wind and water, while providing long-term ultraviolet light resistance.

Abstract: A laminate of vulcanizable rubber composition layers, which comprises (i) a vulcanizable fluororubber composition layer comprising a fluororubber and a metal oxide and (ii) a vulcanizable nitrile rubber composition layer consisting essentially of a nitrile rubber, an organic phosphonium salt of the following formula (1), an organic peroxide crosslinking system, and an organic basic vulcanization accelerator: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are hydrocarbyl, and no more than three thereof may be amino or fluoroalkyl; and R.sub.5 is hydrogen or alkyl. A vulcanized laminate made of the vulcanizable rubber composition layers is useful for a fuel hose or a diaphragm.

Abstract: The present invention relates polysulfides of N-methylpyrrolidinone and to rubber compositions containing such polysulfides. Addition of the polysulfides to rubber improves the hysteresis, accelerates the cure rate and improves filler dispersion.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for applying a rubbery coating to a substrate which comprises: (1) dipping the substrate into a plastisol composition in a manner whereby the plastisol composition is applied to the surface of the substrate, wherein the plastisol composition is comprised of (i) polyvinyl chloride, (ii) from about 70 to about 100 parts of a plasticizer per 100 parts of the polyvinylchloride, (iii) from about 1 to about 3 parts of a stabilizer and (iv) from about 10 to about 30 parts of a highly crosslinked nitrile rubber composition per 100 parts of the polyvinyl chloride, wherein the highly crosslinked nitrile rubber has repeat units which are derived from (a) 1,3-butadiene, (b) acrylonitrile and (c) a crosslinking agent, and wherein said highly crosslinked nitrile rubber has a Mooney viscosity of about 50 to about 120, a swelling index of less than about 10 percent, a mill shrinkage of less than 10 percent and a gel content of greater than 90 percent; (2) removing the substrate from the pla

Abstract: The invention provides golf balls formed from the reaction product of compositions comprising an ester grafted hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber such as zinc dimethacrylate grafted hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber elastomer. The compositions may further include polybutadiene rubber. Balls made of these compositions are especially suited for use in restricted land spaces such as driving ranges.

Abstract: An saturated nitrile-conjugated diene copolymer obtained by copolymerizing acrylonitrile with butadiene in the presence of a free radical initiator and an alkylthiol compound as a molecular weight modifier. A part of the monomers is incorporated in a monomer charge before polymerization, and the remainder thereof is added in a polymerization mixture during polymerization. The alkylthiol compound has 12 to 16 carbon atoms, which include at least three tertiary carbon atoms, and further has a sulfur atom directly bound to at least one of the tertiary carbon atoms. The copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of 15 to 450 and a bound nitrile content of 10 to 60% by weight. The breadth (.DELTA.AN) of compositional distribution of the unsaturated nitrile in the copolymer is 3 to 20. The copolymer is used in combination with a sulfur-containing vulcanizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides performance enhancing shoe components, and methods of making the same, comprising 1,4-polybutadiene and a rubber selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic isoprene rubber, polyisoprene, butadiene acrylonitrile rubber and ethylenepropylene diene modified rubber. The shoe components are most advantageously placed in the user shoe beneath the ball of the foot to increase energy return and thereby enhance athletic performance. The shoe components may be formed as midsoles and parts of midsoles, insoles and parts of insoles, or shoe inserts.