Abstract: Disclosed are a hydrogenated styrene/conjugated diolefin copolymer, a foaming material thereof, and application thereof. The copolymer contains a styrene structure unit and a hydrogenated conjugated diolefin structure unit; by taking the total content of the copolymer as a reference, the content of the styrene structure unit is 15-50 wt %, the content of 1,2-polymerization structure unit in the hydrogenated conjugated diolefin structure unit is 8-32%, the degree of randomness of the styrene structure unit in the hydrogenated conjugated diolefin structure unit is 30-80%, and the degree of hydrogenation of conjugated diolefin in the copolymer is 85-100%. The tensile strength at break of the hydrogenated styrene/conjugated diolefin copolymer is 30-60 MPa, the elongation at break is 300-600%, and the hardness (Shore A) is 70-98.

Abstract: The diimide hydrogenation of unsaturated elastomers in latex utilizing hydrazine and hydrogen peroxide or oxygen, is a metal-catalyzed process. Copper ion has been found to be the most superior catalyst for this reaction, requiring an extremely low concentration for optimal results. Generated diimide efficiently hydrogenates the polymer olefinic unsaturation while generating water and nitrogen as byproducts. With a falling hydrazine concentration during the hydrogenation process however, a competing copper-catalyzed process capable of generating hydroxyl, superoxide and/or copper-oxyl radicals becomes increasingly competitive. The ability of these radical species to abstract hydrogen from the polymer backbone to generate polymeric radicals, ultimately results in crosslinking that occurs concurrently with hydrogenation. The concept of an OH radical inactivating ligand (OIL) complexed with copper is demonstrated to ameliorate the crosslinking reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modification initiator and a modified conjugated diene-based polymer including the same, and more particularly, the present invention provides a modification initiator including a compound represented by Formula 1, a modified conjugated diene-based polymer including the same, and a method of preparing a modified conjugated diene-based polymer.

Abstract: Described herein are cationic polymers having a plurality of quaternary amino groups, methods of making such polymers, and uses of such polymers as ion exchange membranes in electrochemical devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rubber composition having excellent tensile properties and viscoelasticity properties and including a conjugated diene-based polymer. The rubber composition may include a modified conjugated diene-based polymer which is selected considering target tensile properties and viscoelasticity properties, by predicting in advance the correlation between the modification ratio of the modified conjugated diene-based polymer and the dynamic viscoelasticity loss coefficient at 60° C. of the rubber composition through Mathematical Formula 1 and Mathematical Formula 2. Therefore, excellent compounding properties may be shown.

Abstract: A major challenge in the development of anion exchange membranes for fuel cells is the design and synthesis of highly stable (chemically and mechanically) and conducting membranes. Membranes that can endure highly alkaline environments while rapidly transporting hydroxides are desired. A design for using cross-linked polymer membranes is disclosed to produce ionic highways along charge delocalized pyrazolium and homoconjugated triptycenes. The ionic highway membranes show improved performance in key parameters. Specifically, a conductivity of 111.6 mS cm?1 at 80° C. was obtained with a low 7.9% water uptake and 0.91 mmol g?1 ion exchange capacity. In contrast to existing materials, these systems have higher conductivities at reduced hydration and ionic exchange capacities, emphasizing the role of the highway. The membranes retain more than 75% of initial conductivity after 30 days of alkaline stability test.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogenated linear copolymers comprising butadiene and isoprene monomer units, as well as the process for preparing these copolymers. The invention further relates to a lubricating oil composition comprising one or more hydrogenated linear copolymers according to the invention, as well as to the use of the aforementioned copolymers as a lubricant additive or a synthetic base fluid for lubricant compositions, especially in gear oils, transmission oils, hydraulic oils, engine oils, grease, marine oils or industrial lubricating oils.

Abstract: A rubber composition based on at least one diene elastomer, a reinforcing filler and a 1,3-dipolar compound comprising an epoxide group is provided. The epoxide group is a 3-membered ether ring in which a first member is a carbon atom exhibiting a connection to the dipole of the 1,3-dipolar compound and a second member is a tertiary or quaternary carbon. Such a rubber composition exhibits improved properties at break and an improved processing, as well as good hysteresis properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tread rubber composition that is excellent in wet grip performance during the initial phase of running and tensile properties, and a pneumatic tire including the tread rubber composition. The present invention relates to a tread rubber composition containing: a diene rubber; silica; and sulfur and/or a sulfur-containing compound, the tread rubber composition satisfying the following relationships (1) to (3): EB/M300?50??(1); M100?1.7 MPa??(2); and EB?500%??(3).

Abstract: A process for modifying a natural rubber is provided. The process comprises at least the following steps: i. providing at least one natural rubber and epoxidizing the natural rubber to obtain an epoxidized natural rubber, or providing a pre-epoxidized natural rubber, ii. grafting, to the epoxidized natural rubber or to the pre-epoxidized natural rubber, at least one 1,3-dipolar compound having at least one nitrogen atom. A modified natural rubber capable of being obtained by the process and also rubber compositions based on the modified natural rubber is also provided.

Abstract: The present technology provides a rubber composition comprising natural rubber, which achieves the stabilization of viscosity over a long period of time and has a dramatically reduced odor by compounding an aminoguanidine into natural rubber.

Abstract: A rubber composition for coating a fiber cord includes a diene rubber, a carbon black, and a nitrone compound having a carboxy group; the diene rubber includes a natural rubber and a styrene-butadiene rubber and/or a butadiene rubber, wherein a content of the natural rubber in a total of the diene rubber and the nitrone compound is not greater than 65 mass %; a content of the carbon black is 40 to 67 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of a total of the diene rubber and the nitrone compound; and a content of the nitrone compound is 0.1 to 10 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of a total of the diene rubber and the nitrone compound. Such rubber composition for coating a fiber cord has excellent low heat build-up when a tire is produced and excellent adhesiveness with carcass cord.

Abstract: A rubber composition for a tire rim cushion or rubber finishing contains a diene rubber and a filler containing a carbon black. The diene rubber contains a natural rubber and/or an isoprene rubber, and a modified polymer that is obtained by reacting a nitrone compound with a double bond of a conjugated diene polymer. The content of the natural rubber and/or the isoprene rubber in the diene rubber is from 30 to 60 mass %, the content of the modified polymer in the diene rubber is from 8 to 70 mass %, the content of the filler is from 60 to 90 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the diene rubber, and the nitrogen adsorption specific surface area of the carbon black is from 60 to 150 m2/g. Such rubber composition has excellent low heat build-up and ozone resistance when formed into a tire.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a rubber composition capable of producing a pneumatic tire with both excellent low rolling resistance and wet grip performance, and a pneumatic tire comprising the rubber composition. The rubber composition comprises: a diene-based rubber containing 10 mass % or greater of a modified diene polymer; and an aromatic modified terpene resin; wherein the modified diene polymer is a modified polymer obtained by modifying an unmodified diene polymer (A) with a nitrone compound (B) having a carboxy group; and a content of the aromatic modified terpene resin is from 0.1 to 50 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the diene-based rubber.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a rubber composition capable of producing a pneumatic tire with both satisfactory heat build-up reduction and excellent wet skid performance, and a pneumatic tire comprising the rubber composition. The rubber composition of the present invention contains a diene-based rubber containing from 5 to 40 mass % of a modified butadiene rubber and a white filler. The modified butadiene rubber is a modified polymer obtained by modifying an unmodified butadiene rubber (A) with a nitrone compound (B) having a carboxy group.

Abstract: Surface modification methods based on a combination of plasma and chemical treatments render an unfilled butyl rubber surface highly reactive toward organosilanes, allowing formation of an organosilane self-assembled monolayer (SAM). Plasma oxidation of the butyl rubber surface followed by vapor deposition of SiCl4 produces a hydrophilic surface suitable for anchoring organosilanes. Fabrication of SAMs on this hydrophilic butyl rubber surface with n-octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) and trichloro(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl)silane (FOTS) via vapor deposition resulted in a 15% and 25% decrease in gas permeability, respectively, with no change in optical transparency of the butyl rubber.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a modified polymer that can realize a rubber composition having excellent low heat build-up and that has excellent productivity, a rubber composition containing the modified polymer, and a tire produced using the rubber composition. The modified polymer of the present invention is obtained by reacting a modifier having a nitrone group and a carboxy group with a conjugated diene polymer not containing a tetrasubstituted olefin and/or a trisubstituted olefin.

Abstract: The present technology provides a modified polymer which is modified with two or more types of nitrones that include a nitrone having at least one carboxy group and a nitrone having no carboxy group.

Abstract: There is provided a branched conjugated diene copolymer prepared by copolymerizing 1 to 99% by weight of a branched conjugated diene compound (1): wherein R1 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon having 6 to 11 carbon atoms, and 99 to 1% by weight of a conjugated diene compound (2): wherein R2 and R3 are the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom, or the like. The branched conjugated diene copolymer is useful as a rubber component of a rubber composition for a tire enhancing both of abrasion resistance and grip performance to a high level and exhibiting excellent processability.

Abstract: A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of: (i) polymerizing monomer to form a reactive polymer; and (ii) reacting the reactive polymer with a protected hydrazone compound containing an acyl group.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of devulcanising vulcanised rubber which comprises the following steps: a) providing at least one vulcanised rubber composition; b) grinding the vulcanised rubber into chips or pellets; c) mixing the ground rubber obtained from step b) in such a way as to homogenise the form and temperature of same. d) carrying out a non-degrading mechanical treatment on the mixed rubber at the end of step c) to obtain a polymeric composite. The invention also concerns a thermoplastic material and an elastomeric mixture which comprise, in the formulation of same, at least one polymeric composite obtained by this method of devulcanisation.

Abstract: Provided herein are graft copolymers of polyfarnesenes with condensation polymers; and methods of making and using the graft copolymers disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the condensation polymers include polyesters, polycarbonates, polyamides, polyethers, phenol-formaldehyde resins, urea-formaldehyde resins, melamine-formaldehyde resins and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the polyfarnesenes include farnesene homopolymers derived from a farnesene, and farnesene interpolymers derived from a farnesene and at least a vinyl monomer. In certain embodiments, the farnesene is prepared from a sugar by using a microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adhesive composition that may improve both adhesiveness to a film layer and adhesiveness to a rubber layer, and an adhesion method using the same, as well as a laminate and a tire. The adhesive composition according to the present invention includes a rubber component, at least 80 mass % of which rubber component is an epoxidized natural rubber.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for producing treated filler that includes (a) treating a slurry that includes untreated filler where the untreated filler has not been previously dried, with a treating composition that includes a treating agent, thereby forming a treated filler slurry, and (b) drying the treated filler slurry to produce treated filler. The treating agent can include a polymer having (i) at least one first group that interacts with the untreated filler and (ii) at least one second group that interacts with a rubber matrix into which the treated filler is incorporated. The present invention also is directed to treated filler prepared by the process, as well as rubber compounding compositions and tires including the treated filler.

Abstract: Tyre and rubber composition for tyre, based on at least one isoprene elastomer (for example natural rubber), an inorganic filler as reinforcing filler (for example silica) and a coupling system which provides the bonding between the said reinforcing inorganic filler and the isoprene elastomer, the said coupling system comprising, in combination: as first coupling agent, a silane sulphide compound; as second coupling agent, an at least bifunctional organosilicon compound (for example an organosilane or an organosiloxane) which can be grafted to the elastomer by means of an azodicarbonyl functional group (—CO—N?N—CO—).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator of formula I wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are as defined. The invention is further directed to a rubber composition including the functionalized elastomer, and a pneumatic tire including the rubber composition.

Abstract: A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of: (i) polymerizing monomers to form a reactive polymer, and (ii) reacting the reactive polymer with a protected polyhydrazone compound.

Abstract: For a tire excellent in strength, low-heat buildup property, wet grip property, and driveability, and a rubber composition and a conjugated diene rubber for the tire, a conjugated diene rubber of the present invention includes 5 wt % or more of a structure that 3 or more conjugated diene polymer chains are bound via a denaturing agent, obtained by reaction of each chain and the agent, each chain being that at least one of terminals is an isoprene block having 70 wt % or more of an isoprene monomer unit, and the other is an active terminal, the agent having, per molecule, at least one of an epoxy group(s) and a hydrocarbyloxysilyl group(s), and being that a total number of the epoxy group(s) and hydrocarbyloxy groups in the hydrocarbyloxysilyl group(s) per molecule is 3 or more.

Abstract: A rubber composition that can be used in applications such as automotive tires and can improve the fuel efficiency performance and driving stability of automobiles and the like, a method for producing a rubber composition, and a tire using the same are provided.

Abstract: Provided are a method for producing a relatively uniformly epoxidized natural rubber in a simple and inexpensive manner, a rubber composition for tires that includes the epoxidized natural rubber, and a pneumatic tire formed from the rubber composition for tires. The present invention relates to a method for producing an epoxidized natural rubber, including: Step 1 of coagulating natural rubber latex into granules to prepare a granular solid rubber; and Step 2 of treating the granular solid rubber with an epoxidizing liquid to epoxidize the granular solid rubber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a copolymer comprising: a polymeric backbone chain derived from a monomer comprising at least one conjugated diolefin monomer and optionally at least one vinyl aromatic monomer; and a polymeric side-chain bonded exclusively to a terminal end of the backbone chain, the side-chain comprising a polymer derived from a monomer having a hydrogen bond donor moiety and a hydrogen bond acceptor moiety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified polymer obtained by grafting a compound comprising at least one group Q, and at least one group A bonded together by at least, and preferably, one “spacer” group Sp in which: Q comprises an azo-carbonyl group capable of being grafted onto the polymer chain by an “ene reaction”, A comprises an associative group comprising at least one nitrogen atom, Sp is an atom or a group of atoms forming a bond between Q and A.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer comprising: a polymeric backbone chain derived from a monomer comprising at least one conjugated diene monomer and optionally at least one vinyl aromatic monomer; and a functional group bonded to the backbone chain, the functional group comprising a multidentate ligand capable of complexing with a metal ion.

Abstract: A BCP having first block of first monomer and second block of second monomer, adapted to undergo a transition from disordered state to ordered state at a temperature less than TOD, further including a bridging moiety having a functional group to provide hydrogen bonding between bridging moieties of adjacent first and second BCP molecules when in the ordered state and at a temperature in excess of a glass transition temperature Tg for the BCP. Composition including BCP comprising first block of first monomer and second block of second monomer, and a crosslinking compound having first and second terminal groups joined by a central moiety and arranged to crosslink second blocks of adjacent first and second BCP molecules by providing non-covalent bonding between the terminal groups and a functional group of the second monomer of the second blocks when the BCP is in the ordered state.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oil-soluble lubricating oil additive composition, suitable for use as a dispersant viscosity index improver in lubricating oils; prepared by the process which comprises reacting a hydrocarbon polymer having a number average molecular weight (Mn) between about 7,000 and about 500,000 wherein the polymer backbone has been functionalized with an ethylenically unsaturated acylating agent and a hydroxyl-linked polycyclic fused ring component.

Abstract: There are provided a modified conjugated diene-based polymer having a good balance between the hysteresis loss properties and the wet skid resistance, practically sufficient abrasion resistance and fracture strength, and high processability when formed into a vulcanized product, and a modified conjugated diene-based polymer composition. A method for producing a modified conjugated diene-based polymer, comprising: a polymerization step of polymerizing a conjugated diene compound or copolymerizing a conjugated diene compound with an aromatic vinyl compound using an alkali metal compound or an alkaline earth metal compound as a polymerization initiator to obtain a conjugated diene-based polymer having a reactive end, and a modifying step of reacting a compound having a specific structure with the reactive end of the conjugated diene-based polymer.

Abstract: After hydrolyzing a phospholipid bonded to a molecular end of a natural rubber, a compound having a polar group reacting with a hydroxyl group is condensed with a hydroxyl group contained in the phospholipid-hydrolyzed natural rubber to thereby obtain a modified natural rubber in which a polar group is present at a molecular end. The modified natural rubber thus obtained in which a polar group is present at a molecular end is used for a rubber component of a rubber composition, whereby a rubber composition in which carbon black and silica as fillers are bonded to the rubber component to enhance a reinforcing effect and which is excellent in a low hysteresis loss property and abrasion resistance to a large extent is obtained. An enzyme or an alkali is used for hydrolyzing the phospholipid, and a condensing agent is used for condensing the polar group-containing compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified natural rubber which simultaneously achieves good fuel economy and good heat-aging resistance, and the production method thereof. The present invention also provides a tire rubber composition and a pneumatic tire which are produced using the modified natural rubber. The present invention relates to a modified natural rubber which is obtainable by treating a rubber coagulated from a saponified natural rubber latex, with a basic compound and then with an acidic compound.

Abstract: A synthetic bead for use in mineral separation is described. The synthetic bead has a surface made of a synthetic material such as polymer and the synthetic material is functionalized with molecules having a functional group for attracting mineral particles to the surface in a separation process. The synthetic beads can be placed in flotation cell containing a mixture of water, valuable material and unwanted material or in a pipeline where the mixture is transported from one location to another. The enriched synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles are separated from the unwanted materials in the mixture. The mineral particles are then released from the synthetic beads by means of low pH treatment, ultrasonic agitation, thermal or electromagnetic treatment.

Abstract: A synthetic polyisoprene latex emulsion has pre-vulcanization composition and post vulcanization composition. The pre-vulcanization composition comprises soluble sulfur with high S8 ring structure that is catalytically broken by a zinc dithiocarbamate. Surfactants present in the pre-vulcanization composition wets synthetic polyisoprene particles and permeates small sized sulfur and accelerator molecules into the interior of these particles thereby pre-vulcanizing the particles. The degree of pre-vulcanization is verified by isopropanol index test. The latex emulsion has post-vulcanization composition with accelerators that crosslink inter-particle region during post vulcanization cure cycle. The dipped synthetic polyisoprene article is substantially uniformly cured both in the inter-particle and intra-particle regions and reliably exhibits high cross link density, uniform distribution of double bonds in TEM and zinc segregation at the boundaries or original particles by electron microprobe analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper rubber for windshield wipers, which contains at least one rubber component that is cured by vulcanization, the material of the wiper rubber containing, at least in the unvulcanized state, a combination of a cross-linking agent with sulfur and/or with a sulfur donor.

Abstract: A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of polymerizing monomer to form a reactive polymer; and reacting the reactive polymer with a protected oxime compound containing an acyl group.

Abstract: To provide a charging member that can have a uniform electrical resistance, can not easily change in electrical resistance even by any long-term continuous electrification and, as a result thereof, may cause less change in its charging performance with time. A charging member having a conductive support and an elastic-material layer; the elastic-material layer comprising a vulcanized rubber; the vulcanized rubber being a vulcanized product of a composition which comprises i) a binder polymer comprising a polymer having a butadiene skeleton and ii) carbon black as electrically conductive particles; and the polymer having a butadiene skeleton has a molecular terminal modified with an atomic group having a specific structure.

Abstract: A carbon nanostructure that is free of a growth substrate can include a plurality of carbon nanotubes that are branched, crosslinked, and share common walls with one another. The carbon nanostructure can be released from a growth substrate in the form of a flake material. Optionally, the carbon nanotubes of the carbon nanostructure can be coated, such as with a polymer, or a filler material can be present within the porosity of the carbon nanostructure. Methods for forming a carbon nanostructure that is free of a growth substrate can include providing a carbon nanostructure adhered to a growth substrate, and removing the carbon nanostructure from the growth substrate to form a carbon nanostructure that is free of the growth substrate. Various techniques can be used to affect removal of the carbon nanostructure from the growth substrate. Isolation of the carbon nanostructure can further employ various wet and/or dry separation techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides dispersing agents for inorganic fillers capable of uniformly dispersing inorganic fillers in a substrate such as made of a rubber or resin material such that molded products with improved mechanical strength and abrasion resistance can be produced from such a substrate material and more specifically that rubber compositions with improved abrasion resistance and workability can be obtained and that automobile tires with improved low fuel consumption and handling stability can be produced from such rubber compositions, as well as a method of producing such dispersing agents characterized as using a modified conjugated diene polymer obtained by introducing specified structural units with improved mutual reaction with inorganic fillers into a conjugated diene polymer having affinity with rubber and resin materials.

Abstract: A modified conjugated diene polymer and a manufacturing method for the same are provided. The modified conjugated diene polymer is manufactured by the method including, forming a conjugated diene polymer by a polymerization step and making it react with a first modifier and then react with a second modifier. The modified conjugated diene polymer has over 97% of cis-1,4 structure. A PDI of the modified conjugated diene polymer is bigger than 1.8 and smaller than 2.5. The first modifier has a chemical formula of X—R1-Si(R2)3. The second modifier has a chemical formula of R3-Si(R4)3.

Abstract: Disclosed are a polybutadiene having a controlled microstructure, a narrow molecular weight distribution, minimal gel content, and a low APHA color, a modified polybutadiene, producing methods for both, and a rubber-reinforced styrene resin composition using the same. The polybutadiene of the present invention is characterized in that the ratio (Tcp/ML1+4) of a 5% toluene melting viscosity (Tcp) measured at 25° C. and the Mooney viscosity (ML1+4) at 100° C. is 2.0 or higher, the molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) is 2.80 or less, the gel content is 0.06 wt % or less, and the APHA color is 20 or less.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adhesive composition that may improve both adhesiveness to a film layer and adhesiveness to a rubber layer, and an adhesion method using the same, as well as a laminate and a tire. The adhesive composition according to the present invention includes a rubber component, at least 80 mass % of which rubber component is an epoxidized natural rubber.

Abstract: A functionalized polymer terminated by using an isocyanato alkoxysilane terminating agent. A method of preparing a functionalized polymer comprising the step of contacting a living polymer with an isocyanato alkoxysilane terminating agent.

Abstract: A process for producing a conjugated diene-based polymer which comprises, in the first modification, modifying a conjugated diene-based polymer having active chain ends, which is obtained by polymerizing a diene-based monomer singly or with other monomers and has a content of a cis-1,4 unit of 75% by mole or greater in the conjugated diene portion of the main chain, by reacting the active chain ends with a hydrocarbyloxysilane compound and reacting the modified polymer with a specific compound such as a hydrocarbyloxysilane compound, and a rubber composition containing the polymer modified in accordance with the above process and, preferably, 10 to 100 parts by weight of silica and/or carbon black per 100 parts by weight of the rubber component containing the modified polymer, are provided. The rubber composition containing silica and/or carbon black exhibits improved fracture properties, abrasion resistance, low heat buildup property and excellent workability.