Abstract: A composition includes a polymer matrix, a multiple-acid-derived metal soap, wherein the metal has an oxidation state of +3 or +4. An associated method for making a rubber composition includes the steps of: combining a solvent and a multiple carboxylic, phosphonic, phosphoric, sulfuric, or sulfonic acid, or mixtures thereof, and mixing to form solution A; adding a source of metal ions to solution A and mixing to form a product A, the metal being selected from the metals having an oxidation state of +3 or +4, whereby product A includes a multiple-acid-derived metal soap; and combining the multiple-acid-derived metal soap with a diene rubber.

Abstract: Alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane compounds are described. The alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane compounds contain an alkoxysilane group that participates in an alkoxysilane-silica reaction as a silica dispersing agent in rubber, with the release of zero to about 0.1% by weight of the rubber of volatile organic compounds (VOC), especially alcohol, during compounding and further processing. Further described are methods for making alkoxy-modified silsesquioxanes, methods for making vulcanizable rubber compounds containing alkoxy-modified silsesquioxanes, vulcanizable rubber compounds containing alkoxy-modified silsesquioxanes, and pneumatic tires comprising a component that contains alkoxy-modified silsesquioxanes.

Abstract: A method to improve the cure properties of clay/rubber system. Clay has been exfoliated by ionic liquid surfactant and then added to rubber. The ionic liquid surfactant compatiblizes the clay and rubber and reduces gas permeability, without significantly impairing the rubber cure characteristics.

Abstract: It has been discovered that the use of a plasticizer, an ester of a cyclohexanepolycarboxylic acid, especially a 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid ester, that is environmentally non-toxic, can replace environmentally unfriendly phthalate plasticizers, such as dioctyl phthalates used in vulcanizable rubber compositions, especially for tires, on a one to one weight basis (phr) without sacrificing beneficial rubber properties.

Abstract: Rubber composition for golf balls which includes: (A) a base rubber containing a polybutadiene having a cis-1,4 bond content of at least 60 wt %; (B) an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof; (C) an anthranilic acid derivative of the general formula wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group of 1 to 20 carbons, m is an integer from 1 to 4, and n is an integer from 1 to 3, with the proviso that if m and/or n is 2 or more, each occurrence of R1 and R2 may be the same or different; and (D) an organic peroxide having a one-minute half-life temperature which is at least 158° C. and less than 175° C. The rubber composition for golf balls of the invention enables a high-quality molded and crosslinked product having a suitable hardness and a high resilience to be obtained.

Abstract: A composition includes a diene rubber and a metal phosphate ester of the formula: M being a metal with an oxidation state of +3 or +4, and R1 and R2 are independently selected from any organic moiety including hydrogen, except R1 and R2 cannot both be hydrogen. In addition, a method of making a rubber composition includes combining a solvent and a phosphate ester and mixing these to foam a solution. A source of metal ions is then added to the solution. The metal in the source of metal ions is selected from the group consisting of metals with an oxidation state of +3 or +4. The product is then is combined with a diene rubber composition to form a useful article, such as the tread of a tire.

Abstract: The invention provides a rubber composition for golf balls which includes: (A) a base rubber containing a polybutadiene having a cis-1,4 bond content of at least 60 wt %; (B) an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof; (C) an anthranilic acid derivative of the general formula wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group of 1 to 20 carbons, m is an integer from 1 to 4, and n is an integer from 1 to 3, with the proviso that if m and/or n is 2 or more, each occurrence of R1 and R2 may be the same or different; and (D) sulfur. The rubber composition for golf balls of the invention enables a high-quality molded and crosslinked product having a suitable hardness and a high resilience to be obtained.

Abstract: A method includes: mixing a polymer cement and a filler to form a solution masterbatch; optionally drying the solution masterbatch to form a crumb polymer composition; mixing a low viscosity polymeric or oligomeric liquid into the solution masterbatch or crumb polymer composition; and intermeshing mixing the solution masterbatch or crumb polymer composition.

Abstract: In general the present invention provides a process for forming conjugated diene polymer, the process comprising the step of polymerizing conjugated diene monomer in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst composition formed by combining (a) a nickel-containing compound, (b) an alkylating agent, (c) a fluorine-containing compound, (d) a carboxylic acid, and (e) an alcohol.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for preparing rubber compositions where those rubber compositions comprise at least one telechelic polymer and at least one filler. The methods make use of a mixer that includes a mixing chamber and at least one rotor with wings of specified configuration. Use of the disclosed methods yields a rubber composition with improved properties including an improved dispersion index after master batch mixing as compared to the same rubber composition mixed using standard 4 wing mixers.

Abstract: A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of (a) polymerizing monomer in the presence of a coordination catalyst to form a polymer, (b) inhibiting said step of polymerizing with a Lewis base, and (c) reacting the polymer with a functionalizing agent.

Abstract: A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of polymerizing monomer with a coordination catalyst to form a reactive polymer and reacting the reactive polymer with a nitrile compound containing a protected amino group.

Abstract: A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of preparing a reactive polymer and reacting the reactive polymer with a heterocyclic nitrile compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radial tire for a heavy load comprising a bead core, a carcass ply layer, an inner liner A layer, a belt and a tread, wherein the following relational equation (I): P/G?1.00??(I) and relational equation (II): D?6.0??(II) are satisfied at the same time, and the radial tire for a heavy load which is improved in a low fuel consumption and in which a tire durability is consistent with a reduction in a weigh can be provided.