Abstract: This invention relates to preparation and use of nanocomposites formed in situ within an elastomer host wherein the nanocomposite is comprised of an elastomer matrix and a dispersion therein of at least partially exfoliated clay platelets. Rubber composites can be prepared by blending such nanocomposite with additional elastomer(s), additional reinforcing filler(s) and/or a coupling agent. The invention further relates to the preparation of articles of manufacture, including tires, having at least one component comprised of said nanocomposite or said rubber composite. Such a tire component may be selected from, for example, tire tread and tire innerliner.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rubber composition which contains intercalated and at least partially exfoliated organophillic clay reinforcement formed in situ within the elastomer host from a hydrophilic clay. The invention particularly relates to an in situ modification of a hydrophilic clay to compatibilize the clay with a diene-based elastomer. The clay is converted from being hydrophilic in nature to being more hydrophobic in nature and therefore more compatible with the elastomer by bulk blending the elastomer host with a smectite clay, preferably a montmorillonite or hectorite clay, and a hydrocarbyl onium salt, such as for example a quaternary ammonium salt, and particularly in the absence of water addition to the elastomer host.

Abstract: This invention relates to preparation and use of nanocomposites comprised of an elastomer matrix which contains a dispersion therein of at least partially exfoliated platelets of an intercalated, multilayered, water swellable clay (e.g. montmorillonite clay). The exfoliated platelets are derived from such intercalated clay formed by an in situ cation exchange phenomenon between cationically exchangeable ions within the galleries between the layers of the multilayered clay with a preformed latex of cationic (positively charged) elastomer particles.

Abstract: A tire with at least one component of a rubber composition which contains oriented exfoliated platelets derived from an intercalated clay. Such tire component may be, for example, a rubber/cord laminate and, optionally, a sidewall insert and, optionally, an apex.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rubber composition which contains intercalated and at least partially exfoliated organophillic clay reinforcement formed in situ within the elastomer host from a hydrophilic clay. The invention particularly relates to an in situ modification of a hydrophilic clay to compatibilize the clay with a diene-based elastomer. The clay is converted from being hydrophilic in nature to being more hydrophobic in nature and therefore more compatible with the elastomer by bulk blending the elastomer host with a smectite clay, preferably a montmorillonite or hectorite clay, and a hydrocarbyl onium salt, such as for example a quaternary ammonium salt, and particularly in the absence of water addition to the elastomer host.

Abstract: An electrically-conductive rubber composition and article of manufacture having a component thereof. In one aspect, such article of manufacture is a pneumatic rubber tire of a toroidal shape having a cavity designed to be substantially enclosed by the toroidal shape of the tire and its closure completed by a rigid rim onto which the tire is designed to be mounted. In another aspect, such pneumatic tire contains such rubber composition positioned on or within a rubber innerliner of the tire; wherein the innerliner is a surface of said cavity. In a further aspect, said rubber composition is an annular strip of an electrically-conductive rubber composition on or within such tire innerliner. The said annular strip is intended to be an antenna for having a capability of receiving electromagnetic waves from outside the tire and of transmitting electromagnetic waves from the inside of the tire to the outside of the tire.