Abstract: Polar silane linkers are provided that attach to resins to form silane-functionalized resins. The functionalized resins can be bound to hydroxyl groups on the surface of silica particles to improve the dispersibility of the silica particles in rubber mixtures. Further disclosed are synthetic routes to provide the silane-functionalized resins, as well as various uses and end products that benefit from the unexpected properties of the silane-functionalized resins. Silane-functionalized resins impart remarkable properties on various rubber compositions, such as tires, belts, hoses, brakes, and the like. Automobile tires incorporating the silane-functionalized resins are shown to possess excellent results in balancing the properties of rolling resistance, tire wear, and wet braking performance.

Abstract: A tackifier composition comprising at least one thermoplastic hydrocarbon resin and an antioxidant composition is provided; wherein a portion of the volatile organic compounds in the thermoplastic hydrocarbon resin has been removed; wherein the antioxidant composition comprises at least one primary antioxidant and at least one secondary antioxidant; and wherein the levels of individual volatile organic compound monitored in the tackifier composition are less than about 0.5 ppm as measured by GC/MS headspace analysis. Processes for producing the tackifier composition are also provided as well as adhesives comprising the tackifier compositions.

Abstract: A tackifier composition comprising at least one thermoplastic hydrocarbon resin and an antioxidant composition is provided; wherein a portion of the volatile organic compounds in the thermoplastic hydrocarbon resin has been removed; wherein the antioxidant composition comprises at least one primary antioxidant and at least one secondary antioxidant; and wherein the levels of individual volatile organic compound monitored in the tackifier composition are less than about 0.5 ppm as measured by GC/MS headspace analysis. Processes for producing the tackifier composition are also provided as well as adhesives comprising the tackifier compositions.

Abstract: A tackifier composition comprising at least one thermoplastic hydrocarbon resin and an antioxidant composition is provided; wherein a portion of the volatile organic compounds in the thermoplastic hydrocarbon resin has been removed; wherein the antioxidant composition comprises at least one primary antioxidant and at least one secondary antioxidant; and wherein the levels of individual volatile organic compound monitored in the tackifier composition are less than about 0.5 ppm as measured by GC/MS headspace analysis. Processes for producing the tackifier composition are also provided as well as adhesives comprising the tackifier compositions.

Abstract: Modified thermoplastic hydrocarbon thermoplastic resins are provided, as well as methods of their manufacture and uses thereof in rubber compositions. The modified thermoplastic resins are modified by decreasing the relative quantity of the dimer, trimer, tetramer, and pentamer oligomers as compared to the corresponding unmodified thermoplastic resin polymers, resulting in a product that exhibits a greater shift in the glass transition temperature of the elastomer(s) used in tire formulations. This translates to better viscoelastic predictors of tire tread performance, such as wet grip and rolling resistance. The modified thermoplastic resins impart remarkable properties on various rubber compositions, such as tires, belts, hoses, brakes, and the like. Automobile tires incorporating the modified thermoplastic resins are shown to possess excellent results in balancing the properties of rolling resistance, tire wear, snow performance, and wet braking performance.

Abstract: A tackifier composition comprising at least one thermoplastic hydrocarbon resin and an antioxidant composition is provided; wherein a portion of the volatile organic compounds in the thermoplastic hydrocarbon resin has been removed; wherein the antioxidant composition comprises at least one primary antioxidant and at least one secondary antioxidant; and wherein the levels of individual volatile organic compound monitored in the tackifier composition are less than about 0.5 ppm as measured by GC/MS headspace analysis. Processes for producing the tackifier composition are also provided as well as adhesives comprising the tackifier compositions.

Abstract: A tackifier composition comprising at least one thermoplastic hydrocarbon resin and an antioxidant composition is provided; wherein a portion of the volatile organic compounds in the thermoplastic hydrocarbon resin has been removed; wherein the antioxidant composition comprises at least one primary antioxidant and at least one secondary antioxidant; and wherein the levels of individual volatile organic compound monitored in the tackifier composition are less than about 0.5 ppm as measured by GC/MS headspace analysis. Processes for producing the tackifier composition are also provided as well as adhesives comprising the tackifier compositions.

Abstract: A rubber composition includes: a rubber component; a filler in an amount of 40 to 125 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component; and a hydrogenated resin in an amount of 5 to 50 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component, the resin having a softening point of higher than 110° C. and a weight average molecular weight, as determined in terms of polystyrene, of 200 to 1200 g/mol. The rubber composition can be used to produce a tire having an excellent wet grip performance and a low rolling resistance, and a vulcanized rubber having excellent handling properties.

Abstract: Polar silane linkers are provided that attach to resins to form silane-functionalized resins. The functionalized resins can be bound to hydroxyl groups on the surface of silica particles to improve the dispersibility of the silica particles in rubber mixtures. Further disclosed are synthetic routes to provide the silane-functionalized resins, as well as various uses and end products that benefit from the unexpected properties of the silane-functionalized resins. Silane-functionalized resins impart remarkable properties on various rubber compositions, such as tires, belts, hoses, brakes, and the like. Automobile tires incorporating the silane-functionalized resins are shown to possess excellent results in balancing the properties of rolling resistance, tire wear, and wet braking performance.

Abstract: The invention provides (meth)acrylic oligomers prepared from C1-C20 alkyl and C5-C20 cycloalkyl (meth)acrylates, wherein said oligomers have a Mn of about 300 g/mole to about 3,000 g/mole; a Mw of about 700 g/mole to about 6,000 g/mole; a Mz of about 900 g/mole to about 10,000 g/mole. The oligomers may have a Yellowness Index, according to ASTM E313 of less than 2. The oligomers of the invention are useful as tackifiers in adhesive compositions, but also are believed to be useful also in general polymer modification as plasticizers, leveling agents, viscosity reducers (i.e., rheology modifiers), and for increasing solids content in solvent-borne applications of all types with little detrimental impact on viscosity. The invention also provides adhesive compositions and laminate articles coated on at least one side with the adhesive compositions of the invention.

Abstract: Modified thermoplastic hydrocarbon thermoplastic resins are provided, as well as methods of their manufacture and uses thereof in rubber compositions. The modified thermoplastic resins are modified by decreasing the relative quantity of the dimer, trimer, tetramer, and pentamer oligomers as compared to the corresponding unmodified thermoplastic resin polymers, resulting in a product that exhibits a greater shift in the glass transition temperature of the elastomer(s) used in tire formulations. This translates to better viscoelastic predictors of tire tread performance, such as wet grip and rolling resistance. The modified thermoplastic resins impart remarkable properties on various rubber compositions, such as tires, belts, hoses, brakes, and the like. Automobile tires incorporating the modified thermoplastic resins are shown to possess excellent results in balancing the properties of rolling resistance, tire wear, snow performance, and wet braking performance.

Abstract: Amorphous propylene-ethylene copolymers are described herein that can include high amounts of ethylene and exhibit desirable softening points and needle penetrations. The desirable combinations of softening points and needle penetrations in these propylene-ethylene copolymers allow them to have a broad operating window. Due their broad operating window, the propylene-ethylene copolymers can be utilized in a wide array of applications and products, including hot melt adhesives.