Abstract: The present invention relates to silica-filled halogenated butyl elastomers, such as bromobutyl elastomers (BIIR). Further, the present invention also relates to bromobutyl elastomers with improved scorch safety.

Abstract: A cationic polymerization process for isoolefins using a zinc halide initiator. The zinc halide initiator is added to a solution of the isoolefin in a suitable solvent, preferably a halocarbon solvent. Polymerization reactions are normally conducted at temperatures high enough to allow the zinc halide initiator to dissolve in the solution. An alkyl halide activator may optionally be used and is preferably added to the solution prior to the zinc halide initiator. A multiolefin may optionally be present in the solution. The process is particularly useful in the formation of isoolefin homopolymers and co-polymers of isoolefins and multiolefins, such as butyl rubber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising at least one halobutyl elastomer, at least one mineral filler and at least one protected thiol modifier. In another aspect the present invention provides a process which comprises mixing a halobutyl elastomer with at least one mineral filler, in the presence of at least one protected thiol modifier, and curing the resulting filled halobutyl elastomer.

Abstract: Rubber compounds containing a halobutyl elastomer, at least one additional elastomer, a mineral filler and at least a three component mixed modifier system comprising a silane compound, a phosphine compound and an additive containing at least one hydroxyl group and a functional group containing a basic amine. A process for preparing the compounds is also disclosed. The compounds are particularly useful in tire treads and exhibit improved processability, traction, rolling resistance and wear properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to arborescent polymers and to a process for making same. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to arborescent polymers formed from at least one inimer and at least one isoolefin that have been end-functionalized with a polymer or copolymer having a low glass transition temperature (Tg), and to a process for making such arborescent polymers. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to arborescent polymers formed from at least one inimer and at least one isoolefin that have been end-functionalized with less than about 5 weight percent end blocks derived from a polymer or copolymer having a high glass transition temperature (Tg), and to a process for making such arborescent polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to block polymers, for example, arborescent copolymer compounds, and to methods of making and purifying such compounds. In one embodiment, the invention relates to arborescent polymer compounds that contain one or more styrene polymeric blocks in combination with one or more isobutylene polymeric blocks. In another embodiment, the invention relates to methods for purifying arborescent polymer compounds that contain at least one styrene polymeric block in combination with at least one isobutylene polymeric block.

Abstract: The present invention relates to arborescent polymers and to a process for making same. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to arborescent polymers formed from at least one inimer and at least one isoolefin that have been end-functionalized with a polymer or copolymer having a low glass transition temperature (Tg), and to a process for making such arborescent polymers. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to arborescent polymers formed from at least one inimer and at least one isoolefin that have been end-functionalized with less than about 5 weight percent end blocks derived from a polymer or copolymer having a high glass transition temperature (Tg), and to a process for making such arborescent polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the selective hydrogenation of the carbon-carbon double bonds in a diene-based polymer latex using a water-soluble catalyst and simultaneously a water-insoluble co-catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the hydrogenation of the carbon-carbon double bonds in a diene-based polymer latex in the absence of any organic solvent by a catalytically active system prepared in-situ based on a first main catalyst component and a secondary water-insoluble catalyst component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogenated nitrite rubber polymers having lower molecular weights and narrower molecular weight distributions than those known in the art. The present invention is also related to shaped articles containing hydrogenated nitrile rubber polymers having lower molecular weights and narrower molecular weight distributions than those known in the art.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nitrile rubber polymers having lower molecular weights and narrower molecular weight distributions than those known in the art. The present invention also relates to a process for the manufacture of said nitrile rubber and the use of said nitrile rubber for the manufacture of shaped articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elastomer rubber composition containing a carboxylated rubber polymer and a fluorinated additive. The present invention is also directed to an elastomer composition containing a hydrogenated carboxylated nitrile rubber and a fluorinated additive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to silica-filled halogenated butyl elastomers, such as bromobutyl elastomers (BIIR). Further, the present invention also relates to bromobutyl elastomers with improved scorch safety.

Abstract: Proposed is a process for the continuous hydrogenation of carbon-carbon double bonds in an unsaturated polymer based on a conjugated diolefin and at least one other copolymerizable monomer to produce a hydrogenated polymer, in the presence of a solvent and a homogeneous or heterogeneous catalyst, wherein said unsaturated polymer, said homogeneous or heterogeneous catalyst and hydrogen are passed through a reactor equipped with static internal elements.

Abstract: Proposed is a process for the continuous hydrogenation of carbon-carbon double bonds in an unsaturated polymer to produce a hydrogenated polymer, said unsaturated polymer being based on a conjugated diolefin and at least one other copolymerizable monomer, in the presence of a homogeneous or heterogeneous catalyst, wherein said unsaturated polymer, hydrogen and said homogeneous or heterogeneous catalyst is passed through a multistage agitated reactor, comprising a cylindrical, elongated shell having closed ends and separated by baffles into a multiplicity of discrete chambers with access from one chamber to another through concentric circular openings, axially centered with said baffles and a continuous rotatable shaft extending concentric with said baffles within said shell with at least one impeller attached thereto positioned in each chamber, said continuous rotatable shaft and said circular openings providing annular openings and said hydrogenated polymer being withdrawn at the opposite end of the multista

Abstract: The invention relates to block polymers, for example, arborescent copolymer compounds, and to methods of making and purifying such compounds. In one embodiment, the invention relates to arborescent polymer compounds that contain one or more styrene polymeric blocks in combination with one or more isobutylene polymeric blocks. In another embodiment, the invention relates to methods for purifying arborescent polymer compounds that contain at least one styrene polymeric block in combination with at least one isobutylene polymeric block.

Abstract: The present invention relates to arborescent polymers and to a process for making same. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to arborescent polymers formed from at least one inimer and at least one isoolefin that have been end-functionalized with a polymer or copolymer having a low glass transition temperature (Tg), and to a process for making such arborescent polymers. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to arborescent polymers formed from at least one inimer and at least one isoolefin that have been end-functionalized with less than about 5 weight percent end blocks derived from a polymer or copolymer having a high glass transition temperature (Tg), and to a process for making such arborescent polymers.

Abstract: In an isoolefin-diolefin rubber production process (e.g. a butyl rubber production process), the cold rubber slurry produced in the reaction vessel is transported from the reaction vessel to the flash tank during which time the cold slurry may be expressed to separate at least part of the cold liquid reaction medium from the isoolefin-diolefin rubber. The separated cold liquid reaction medium is transported off stream, for example by a mechanical filter, where it can be recycled back into the reaction vessel and/or where it can be used to cool a feed stream or streams of the reaction components. The isoolefin-diolefin rubber and the residual liquid reaction medium are transported to a flash tank for further processing. The ability to separate and recycle cold liquid reaction medium makes the process more economical.

Abstract: A butyl rubber ionomer having improved adhesion to substrates whose surfaces have polar functional groups. Examples of such substrate materials include stainless steel, glass, mylar or Teflon®. The adhesion of the butyl rubber ionomer to the substrate is at least 25% greater than the adhesion of a non-ionomeric butyl rubber to the same substrate surface and with certain substrates is more than 150% greater. The adhesion is improved with increasing levels of multiolefin content in the butyl rubber ionomer. The adhesion is greatest for butyl rubber ionomers having a high multiolefin content (at least 3.5 mol% of multiolefin monomers or at least 1.5 mol % of residual multiolefins). By taking advantage of these high adhesion levels, a composite article can be formed between the butyl rubber ionomer and the substrate.

Abstract: A polymerization process for preparing a silica-filled butyl rubber polymer. A quaternary onium ion substituted silaceous nanoclay is dispersed in the organic polymerization fluid prior to polymerization of an isoolefin monomer and a multiolefin monomer in the fluid. The resulting silica-filled polymer comprises butyl rubber intercalated with silica from the silaceous nanoclay. The rate of polymerization is substantially unaffected by addition of the nanoclay to the polymerization fluid. The resulting silica-filled polymers exhibit improved impermeability as compared with non-filled polymers.