Abstract: A composition suitable for forming a sidewall for a tire includes a rubber composition which includes at least one rubber, an ethylene/propylene/diene terpolymer, and a polyalkylene copolymer. The rubber may include one or more natural or synthetic rubbers, such as butadiene rubbers and isoprene rubbers. The ethylene/propylene/diene terpolymer preferably has an ethylene content of at least 60%. The polyalkylene copolymer may be a copolymer of a polyalkylene and an ?-olefin, which is formed in a polymerization reaction involving a single site catalyst. The polyalkylene copolymer preferably has a high degree of crystallinity, being preferably at least about 90% by weight ethylene, with a melting point in the range of 80° C.–120° C. The presence of such a copolymer in the rubber composition markedly increases the resistance to crack growth and formation of cracks in the tire sidewall.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a baleable lithium carboxylate polymer. The process includes polymerizing at least one conjudated diene in the presence of an organolithium initiator to a substantial completion. Thereafter, the polymerization process is terminated by the addition of carbon dioxide.

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.

Abstract: A continuous process for manufacture of a polymer including branched and linear components comprising first polymerizing conjugated diene(s) in the presence of an organometallic initiator to a conversion that is at least 90% complete. A coupling agent is added to obtain a polymer including branched and linear components. The coupling agent is added at a ratio of about 0.3 to about 0.6 coupling equivalents to initiator equivalents.

Abstract: A multi-layer nano-particle composition including a polymer core and at least two additional layers is provided. The nano-particles have a mean average diameter less than about 100 nm. The nano-particles can be modified via, for example, hydrogenation or functionalization. The nano-particles can be advantageously incorporated into rubbers, elastomers, and thermoplastics.

Abstract: A roofing membrane includes a substrate sheet formed of a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) and a film layer of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) adhered to at least one surface of the substrate sheet. The TPV preferably includes a copolymer of ethylene and a carbonyl containing monomer dynamically vulcanized in a polyolefin thermoplastic, preferably metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene. A scrim reinforcement layer is optionally embedded in the TPV layer. When installed on a roof substrate, the membrane can be sealed by heat welding the seams of the membrane sheets.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a polymer composition having quaternary alkane units and aromatic hydrocarbon units. The aromatic hydrocarbon units have substituents of the general formula R1SiR2R3R4, wherein R1 is optional and is a hydrocarbon or ether linking the silicon and the aromatic hydrocarbon, and R2, R3, and R4 are one or more of hydrogen, alkyl, and alkoxy, with the provision that no more than two may be hydrogen or alkyl.

Abstract: A curable sealant composition is provided. The composition includes a polymer including at least conjugated diene contributed monomer units in a backbone of the polymer and terminal groups including silicon. The composition also includes additional sealant ingredients selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, filler, reinforcing agents, modifiers, curing catalysts/hardeners, stabilizers, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for forming a high-cis polydiene. The process includes catalyzing a diene polymerization, and terminating the polymerization with a termination mixture comprising an inorganic base and at least one of an amine and a carboxylic acid. The catalyst system is a mixture of (a) organoaluminum compounds; (b) organonickel compounds; and (c) fluorine-containing compounds. The use of an inorganic base reduces the amount of more expensive amine necessary to effectively terminate the polymerization as well as reducing the corrosion in the reaction container. The use of an inorganic base with a carboxylic acid results in a very low gel content as well as reducing the corrosion in the process systems.

Abstract: A conductive polymer gel composition including a copolymer with alkenyl monomer units and maleimide monomer units, a crosslinking agent, and an electrolyte solution. The conductive polymer has a current resistance less than or equal to 10−4 ohms and can be used to provide electrolyte cells.

Abstract: A method of inflating a tire comprising separating N2 gas from air using a membrane; providing the N2 gas to a storage tank having capacity for at least 40 cubic feet of N2 gas at 18° Centigrade, providing the N2 gas from the storage tank to a hose, the hose including a stop valve and a fitting suited to mate with a tire inflation stem; securing the fitting to a tire inflation valve, and opening a stop valve to initiate the introduction of N2 gas into the tire.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to poly(maleimide-co-alkenyl benzene) centipede polymer and a method for producing the polymer by reacting a poly(alkenyl benzene-co-maleic anhydride) in the presence of a primary amine in a substantially dry state. The invention is further directed to a process for blending the poly(maleimide-co-alkenyl benzene) centipede polymer with elastomeric polymers, in combination with, or in substitution of, conventional extender oils, to produce extended polymers having improved properties such as tensile strength, maximum elongation, tear strength, damping properties, and the like.

Abstract: A high damping polymer gel composition suitable for at least vibration damping application, including a copolymer with at least alkenyl monomer units and maleimide monomer units, a maleated polyalkylene, a crosslinking agent, and a dendrimer is provided. The polymer gel composition may further include an extender.

Abstract: A polymer gel composition useful in the fabrication of a vibration damping material comprises a maleated polyalkylene grafted via a grafting agent such as a diamine to a poly(alkenyl-co-maleimide), an epoxy polymer and, optionally, an extender such as a phthalate oil.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method for enabling the formation of a high damping compound. The method includes: reacting a poly(disubstituted ethylene-co-maleic acid anhydride) polymer with a primary amine under substantially dry conditions sufficient to form a poly(disubstituted ethylene-co-maleimide) polymer plasticizer, and, dispersing the poly(disubstituted ethylene-co-maleimide) polymer plasticizer within a rubber formulation to form a relatively high damping compound.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising at least two end segments that make up less than 15% of the total polymer composition. Each end segment has a vinyl content greater than about 45%. However, the vinyl content is less than about 35% throughout the remainder of the polymer composition.

Abstract: A polymeric gel composition comprising a polymer including an anhydride unit and an alkenyl unit, a crosslinking agent, a maleated polyalkylene, an extender, and an organic fatty acid is provided. The polymeric gel composition has superior high-temperature stability, mechanical strength, and moldability.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a sealant composition by mixing an elastomer in the substantial absence of an organic solvent and separately dispersing a quinoid curing agent in a polymer having a molecular weight below about 5,000 to form a curing agent concentrate. Thereafter, combining the curing agent concentrate with the elastomer to form the sealant composition. The composition is a rubber masterbatch having many applications and is advantageously, substantially free from organic solvents.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to poly(maleimide-co-alkenyl benzene) centipede polymer and a method for producing the polymer by reacting a poly(alkenyl benzene-co-maleic anhydride) in the presence of a primary amine in a substantially dry state. The invention is further directed to a process for blending the poly(maleimide-co-alkenyl benzene) centipede polymer with elastomeric polymers, in combination with, or in substitution of, conventional extender oils, to produce extended polymers having improved properties such as tensile strength, maximum elongation, tear strength, damping properties, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method for enabling the formation of a high damping, soft polymer gel. The method includes: reacting a poly(alkenyl benzene-co-maleimide) polymer with a maleated polyalkylene and an alkyl diamine under substantially dry conditions sufficient to form a polyalkylene grafted poly(alkenyl benzene-co-maleimide) polymer product; and, dispersing the polyalkylene grafted poly(alkenyl benzene-co-maleimide) polymer product with an extender oil sufficient to form the gel. The present invention also contemplates a polymer gel composition, a polymer composition and an article manufactured from the polymer gel composition.