Abstract: A sulfur-vulcanizable rubber compound, being devoid of peroxide components, having high modulus and low hysteresis properties subsequent to vulcanization. Such compounds comprise from about 25 to 55 parts by weight of polyisoprene; and from about 75 to 45 parts by weight of a diene polymer selected from the group consisting of homopolymers of conjugated diene monomers and copolymers thereof with monoolefin monomers and EPDM terpolymers to total 100 parts by weight of rubber polymer; from about 50 to 70 parts by weight of a reinforcing filler, per 100 parts by weight wherein at least a portion of at least one of the rubber polymers is grafted with a polymeric metal salt of an .alpha., .beta.-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid to form an uncured graft rubber copolymer and at least about 4 parts by weight of a curative selected from the group consisting of sulfur and sulfur donors, per 100 parts by weight of rubber.

Abstract: A sulfur-vulcanizable rubber compound, being devoid of peroxide components, having high modulus and low hysteresis properties subsequent to vulcanization. Such compounds comprise from about 25 to 55 parts by weight of polyisoprene; and from about 75 to 45 parts by weight of a diene polymer selected from the group consisting of homopolymers of conjugated diene monomers and copolymers thereof with monoolefin monomers and EPDM terpolymers to total 100 parts by weight of rubber polymer; from about 50 to 70 parts by weight of a reinforcing filler, per 100 parts by weight wherein at least a portion of at least one of the rubber polymers is grafted with a polymeric metal salt of an .alpha., .beta.-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid to form an uncured graft rubber copolymer and at least about 4 parts by weight of a curative selected from the group consisting of sulfur and sulfur donors, per 100 parts by weight of rubber.

Abstract: An anionic polymerization initiator includes a carbon-lithio salt of the adduct of a cyclic secondary amine with a conjugated diene. A method of preparing an anionic polymerization initiator includes reacting an excess of a cyclic secondary amine with a conjugated diene to form an adduct; and, reacting the adduct with an organolithium compound. A method of preparing a polymer includes forming a solution of one or more anionically polymerizable monomers in a hydrocarbon solvent; and, polymerizing the monomer with an anionic polymerization initiator comprising a carbon-lithio salt of the adduct of a cyclic secondary amine with a conjugated diene. A functionalized polymer includes the termination product of a living polymer having the general formula AYLi, wherein A is a functional group derived from an anionic polymerization initiator; and, Y is a divalent polymer radical; wherein the anionic polymerization initiator is a carbon-lithio salt of the adduct of a cyclic secondary amine with a conjugated diene.

Abstract: A continuous process is described for preparing copolymer compositions of 1,3-conjugated dienes and aromatic vinyl compounds having a weight average molecular weight of greater than about 100,000, and in one embodiment above about 900,000. The process comprises:(A) continuously introducing into a reactor, a 1,3-conjugated diene, an aromatic vinyl compound, a hydrocarbon solvent and a polymerization catalyst comprising a trimetalated 1-alkyne wherein the catalyst is obtained by reacting at a temperature of above about 70.degree. C., a 1-alkyne containing at least 4 carbon atoms, an organo metallic compound, R.degree. M and a 1,3-conjugated diene wherein the alkyne is characterized by the formulaRCH.sub.2 C.tbd.CH (II)wherein R is an alkyl group, R.degree. is a hydrocarbyl group, M is an alkali metal, the mole ratio of R.degree.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for ablating selected surfaces of an elastomeric product or an attached work piece. A tire is positioned beneath a laser system such that a laser beam is cast upon the tire sidewall or applied work piece. A microprocessor controls the directing of the laser beam and the position of the tire with respect thereto such that various informational and/or decorative designs and configurations may be ablated into the surface impinged by the laser beam. The dwell time of the laser beam upon the surface and other factors control the depth of ablation. In certain embodiments of the invention, a multi layered work piece is employed such that the depth of ablation will correlate to contrasting or complimentary colors or will effect a desired relief appearance.

Abstract: A product and process for imparting decorative appliques to the sidewalls of tires during the curing operation are presented. A spool of applique composite material is maintained for feeding into a tire mold or onto a transfer device, thereby defining a ring for vulcanization to a tire. The applique consists of a laminate received upon a carrier, the laminate having a first barrier layer and a congruent second decorative layer. The laminate is received by a tire sidewall between two grooves which serve to isolate the decorative layer from the tire itself.

Abstract: A sulfur-vulcanizable rubber compound, being devoid of peroxide components, having high modulus and low hysteresis properties subsequent to vulcanization. Such compounds comprise from about 25 to 55 parts by weight of polyisoprene; and from about 75 to 45 parts by weight of a diene polymer selected from the group consisting of homopolymers of conjugated diene monomers and copolymers thereof with monoolefin monomers and EPDM terpolymers to total 100 parts by weight of rubber polymer; from about 50 to 70 parts by weight of a reinforcing filler, per 100 parts by weight wherein at least a portion of at least one of the rubber polymers is grafted with a polymeric metal salt of an .alpha., .beta.-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid to form an uncured graft rubber copolymer and at least about 4 parts by weight of a curative selected from the group consisting of sulfur and sulfur donors, per 100 parts by weight of rubber.

Abstract: A vulcanizable elastomeric compound and products such as pneumatic tires and the like, are formed from a functionalized polymer having a functional group derived from an anionic polymerization initiator. The anionic polymerization initiator comprises the general formula ##STR1## where R.sup.1 -R.sup.5 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; alkyls having from alkyls having from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms; aralkyls having from 7 to about 20 carbon atoms; dialkylaminos having from 2 to about 20 carbon atoms; and, dialkylaminoalkyls having from 3 to about 20 carbon atoms. At least one of R.sup.1 -R.sup.5 is selected from the group consisting of the dialkylaminos and the dialkylaminoalkyls. Methods of the present invention include preparing functionalized polymers and reducing the hysteresis of vulcanizable elastomeric compounds.

Abstract: A vulcanizable elastomeric compound and products such as pneumatic tires and the like, are formed from a functionalized polymer having a functional group derived from an anionic polymerization initiator. The anionic polymerization initiator comprises the general formula ##STR1## where R.sup.1 -R.sup.5 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; alkyls having from alkyls having from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms; aralkyls having from 7 to about 20 carbon atoms; dialkylaminos having from 2 to about 20 carbon atoms; and, dialkylaminoalkyls having from 3 to about 20 carbon atoms. At least one of R.sup.1 -R.sup.5 is selected from the group consisting of the dialkylaminos and the dialkylaminoalkyls. Methods of the present invention include preparing functionalized polymers and reducing the hysteresis of vulcanizable elastomeric compounds.

Abstract: A product and process for imparting decorative appliques to the sidewalls of tires during the curing operation are presented. In one embodiment, a spool of applique composite material is maintained for feeding into a tire mold or onto a transfer device, thereby defining a ring for vulcanization to a tire. The applique consists of a laminate received upon a carrier, the laminate having a first barrier layer and a congruent second decorative layer. The laminate is received by a tire sidewall between two grooves which serve to isolate the decorative layer from the tire itself. In another embodiment a laminate of white and barrier rubber stock is formed and then configured into a cylinder. A plurality of bands are cut from the cylinder then transferred to a fixture by reorienting the bands to conform to the angle of the sidewall of the tire at the point with which the band is to be adhered.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward artionic polymerization employing lithio amines mixed with an organic alkali metal compound and optionally, a chelating reagent. The lithio amines have the general formula (A)Li(SOL)y, where SOL is a solubilizing component, A is an alkyl, dialkyl, cycloalkyl or dicycloalkyl amine radical or a cyclic amine, and y is 0 or is from about 0.5 to about 3. The invention is also directed toward polymers and other products made using the initiator, and methods therefor. Further, the invention contemplates a polymer, a polymer composition and products therefrom, which include a functional group from the reaction product of an amine and an organolithium compound. The resulting polymers may be terminated with a terminating, coupling or linking agent, which may provide the polymer with a multifunctionality.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon polymers with grafts of polyethers, polylactones, or polyesters from the reaction of phosgene with glycols having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms are disclosed as having good release properties or low adhesion to hydrocarbon rubber materials. The hydrocarbon backbone polymers include EPDM, hydrogenated polybutadiene, and hydrogenated poly(styrene-butadiene) all said polymers having pendant succinic anhydride groups or brominated p-methylstyrene-isobutylene copolymers. The above-referenced graft copolymers along with butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber or epichlorohydrin polymers or copolymers are described as useful polymers to make self-release curing bladders or sleeves for use in making molded articles such as pneumatic tires.

Abstract: A quick change assembly for a tire cord fabric loom utilizes a pattern of warp ends which are threaded through suitable harnesses. The pattern in the harnesses is placed in the loom and the individual warp ends are pulled back to a plurality of creel combs which are secured to the creel and which each receive and guide a group of warp strands from the creel. These warp strands are directed to the loom and are formed into the tire cord fabric having the desired pattern.

Abstract: A sulfur-vulcanizable rubber compound having high modulus and low hysteresis properties. Such compounds comprise from about 0 to 65 parts by weight of polyisoprene; from about 25 to 35 parts by weight of a high styrene resin, SBR masterbatch and from about 0 to 65 parts by weight of polybutadiene to total 100 parts by weight; from about 50 to 60 parts by weight of a reinforcing filler, per 100 parts by weight of rubber and at least 5 parts by weight of sulfur, per 100 parts by weight of rubber. Pneumatic tires and components therefor are manufactured from rubber compounds having high modulus and low hysteresis and provide run flat operation.

Abstract: Spin finish composition for conventional speed spinning of polyester yarns providing yarn of superior quality, low emissions and no significant deposits on processing equipment, is a non-aqueous composition consisting essentially of from 10 to 70% by weight of a trimethylol or tetramethylol C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkane ester wherein all the methylol groups are esterified with C.sub.8 -C.sub.10 saturated carboxylic acid, preferably trimethylol propane tripelargonate, from 10 to 70% by weight of tetraethylene glycol diester of C.sub.8 -C.sub.10 saturated carboxylic acid, preferably tetraethylene glycol diester of decanoic and octanoic acid, from 5 to 50% by weight of low volatility, light viscosity, 15 low surface tension, substantially aromatic-free light mineral oil, preferably consisting essentially of C.sub.12 -C.sub.15 isoparaffic hydrocarbon, and from 2 to 20% by weight of 1H-imidazolium, 1-ethyl-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-(8-heptadecenyl)-, ethyl sulfate.

Abstract: An anionic polymerization initiator comprising the reaction product of a functionalizing agent selected from the group consisting of substituted aldimines, ketimines and secondary amines and, an organolithium compound. Elastomeric polymers prepared with these initiators have functional sites incorporated at the initiator end of the polymer chain and provide vulcanizable rubber compounds exhibiting reduced hysteresis. Articles such as tires, produced with low hysteresis elastomeric polymers have lower rolling resistance. Methods are also provided for preparing the initiators, functionalized polymers and vulcanizable elastomeric compounds having reduced hysteresis.

Abstract: A tire treadstock elastomer having reduced hysteresis is prepared by (1) preparing a living polymer by anionic polymerization of a conjugated diene or copolymerization of a conjugated diene with a monovinyl aromatic hydrocarbon, (2) endcapping the living polymer with at least 2.2 equivalents, preferably 3 to 15 equivalents, of a vinyl substituted bicyclic or tricyclic (preferably bicyclic) hydrocarbon, (3) quenching and recovering the endcapped polymer and (4) curing the endcapped polymer using a conventional rubber curing recipe to form an elastomer having reduced hysteresis. This elastomer either alone or blended with a conventional treadstock rubber may form a tire treadstock. The preferred endcapping agent is 2-vinylnaphthalene.

Abstract: A tire treadstock elastomer having reduced hysteresis is prepared by (1) preparing a living polymer by anionic polymerization of a conjugated diene or copolymerization of a conjugated diene with a monovinyl aromatic hydrocarbon, (2) endcapping the living polymer with at least one equivalent, preferably 3 to 15 equivalents, of a 1-vinylimidazole or 1-vinylbenzimidazole, preferably 1-vinylimidazole; (3) quenching and recovering the endcapped polymer and (4) curing the endcapped polymer using a conventional rubber curing recipe to form an elastomer having reduced hysteresis. This elastomer either alone or blended with a conventional treadstock rubber may form a tire treadstock.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward anionic polymerization initiators which are soluble in acyclic alkane solvents. The initiators include a solubilized lithio amine having the general formula (A)Li(SOL).sub.y. SOL is a solubilizing component and A is an alkyl, dialkyl or cycloalkyl amine radical or a cyclic amine and y is from about 1 to 4. The invention is also directed toward polymers and other products made using the initiator, and methods therefore. Further, the invention contemplates a polymer, a polymer composition and products therefrom, which include a functional group from the reaction product of an amine and an organolithium compound. The resulting polymers may be terminated with a terminating, coupling or linking agent, which may provide the polymer with a multifunctionality.

Abstract: Elastomer compositions comprising (A) ultra high molecular weight copolymer compositions of 1,3-conjugated dienes and aromatic vinyl compounds having a weight average molecular weight of greater than about 1,000,000 and (B) oil are described. The ultra high molecular weight copolymer compositions which are also characterized as having an intrinsic viscosity in tetrahydrofuran of at least about 4.0 may be obtained by a process which comprises polymerizing a 1,3-conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic compound in a hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of a trimetalated 1-alkyne catalyst which comprises the reaction product of a 1-alkyne containing at least 4 carbon atoms, an organo metallic compound R.degree.M and a 1,3-conjugated diene wherein R.degree. is a hydrocarbyl group, M is an alkali metal, the mole ratio of R.degree.M to 1-alkyne is about 3:1 and the mole ratio of conjugated diene to 1-alkyne is from about 2:1 to about 30:1.