Abstract: A method of producing an engineered plastic selected from the group consisting of high impact polystyrene, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, methylmethacrylate-butadiene-styrene copolymer, transparent impact polystyrene, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) adding a polymer containing at least one high vinyl segment having a 1,2-vinyl bond content of greater than 45% to a solvent comprising at least one vinyl monomer; (b) optionally adding at least one additional inert solvent; (c) optionally adding additives selected from the group consisting of extender oils, modifiers, and antioxidants; and (d) initiating polymerization of the at least one vinyl monomer by the use of an initiator and/or heat, wherein the presence of the at least one high vinyl segment in the polymer allows direction of the grafting site during preparation of the engineered plastic.

Abstract: A vulcanizable rubber composition having improved adhesion and adhesion retention properties with steel reinforcement includes up about 10 pbw of a compound selected from aminosilanes and/or mercaptosilanes per 100 parts of the rubber component in the rubber composition. The silane component can be incorporated into the rubber composition prior to curing. Composite structures and methods for providing the rubber composition also are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a sulfur vulcanizable silica-reinforced elastomeric compound having improved tensile mechanical and dynamic viscoelastic properties. The compounds are formed by mixing an elastomer optionally having an alkoxysilane terminal group, with silica in the presence of an alkyl alkoxysilane and a blocked mercaptosilane. In particular, the mercaptosilane moiety of the blocked mercaptosilane and the alkyl alkoxysilane are present in a weight ratio of about 0.001:1 to about 0.20:1. Preferably, the blocked mercaptosilane and the alkyl alkoxysilane are compounded with the elastomer and the silica at high temperature to facilitate the silica-silane reaction. A deblocking agent is added at any desired mixing stage, optionally with the cure package, to allow binding of the mercaptosilane to the polymer.

Abstract: A multi-functional polymer defined by the formula (Q—RnZ—P2—Y where (Q—R)n is a functionality cluster, Q is a functional group, R is a multi-valent organic group, P2 is a long-chain polymer, n is an integer from about 2 to about 10, Y is a proton, a weak functional group, or a selective functional group, and Z is a branch point where the functionality clusters join the long-chain polymer.

Abstract: A reaction product is prepared by reacting a first polymer having pendant or terminal carboxyl or anhydride groups with a second polymer (e.g. elastomer) having an amine containing terminal group. The second polymer is anionically polymerized. The second polymer is functionalized by reacting the growing anionic chain end with an imine. Then a protic terminating agent terminates the growing chain end. The first and second polymers are reacted by mixing (desirably above their softening temperatures) and forming a blend with improved physical properties over a blend of similar polymers lacking a reactive amine group.

Abstract: A flower-like nano-particle composition including a poly (alkenylbenzene) core and a poly (conjugated diene) or a poly(alkylene) surface layer is provided. The nano-particles have a mean average diameter less than about 100 nm and are substantially free of chain ends. The nano-particles can be modified via, for example, hydrogenation. The nano-particles can advantageously be incorporated into rubbers, elastomers, and thermoplastics.

Abstract: A polymer nano-string composition is provided. The polymer nano-strings can include a poly(alkenylbenzene) core, and a surface layer comprising poly(conjugated diene). The nano-strings have a mean average diameter of less than about 100 nm and a length of greater than about 1 ?m.