Abstract: A hose structure resistant to pressure and vacuum as well as kinking or collapsing which exhibits good recovery from crushing includes in its wall structure elastomer embedded reinforcing cords extending in opposite hand helical patterns about the hose axis and a filler layer of elastomeric material having a thickness from about one fifth to about one fifteenth of the mean radius of the filler layer from the hose axis. The filler layer elastomeric material is of high tensile modulus and hardness and preferably includes short length fibers dispersed throughout oriented predominantly generally in the circumferential direction of the hose.

Abstract: A method of preparing synthetic rubbers having improved green strength and improved processing characteristics wherein a portion of the monomer is contacted with a catalyst imparting a cis-1,4 configuration and subsequently contacting the remaining portion of the monomer with a catalyst capable of imparting a trans-1,4 configuration.