Abstract: A steel cord is disclosed, which has a core-sheath double layer structure having a 2+7 cord construction or a 2+8 cord construction. A twisting direction of the core is the same as that of the sheath, a forming rate Rc of filaments of the core is 103 to 120%, and a forming rate Rs of filaments of the sheath is 102 to 115%. A pneumatic radial tire using such steel cords in a belt layer is also disclosed.

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.