Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of N-(hydroxyphenyl)maleamic acid and various dimers and oligomers thereof. The process is characterized by heating, in the absence of any solvent, N-(hydroxyphenyl)maleamic acid at a temperature ranging from about 150.degree. to about 250.degree. C. in the presence of an acid catalyst. This unique process avoids the need to recover expensive highly polar solvents. The present invention also relates to use of these maleimide containing compounds in rubber. The use of the blend of hydroxyphenyl maleimide and the various dimers and low molecular weight oligomers impart superior properties to rubber when compared to the use of hydroxyphenyl maleimide alone in rubber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of N-(hydroxyphenyl)maleamic acid and various dimers and oligomers thereof. The process is characterized by heating, in the absence of any solvent, N-(hydroxyphenyl)maleamic acid at a temperature ranging from about 150.degree. to about 250.degree. C. in the presence of an acid catalyst. This unique process avoids the need to recover expensive highly polar solvents. The present invention also relates to use of these maleimide containing compounds in rubber. The use of the blend of hydroxyphenyl maleimide and the various dimers and low molecular weight oligomers impart superior properties to rubber when compared to the use of hydroxyphenyl maleimide alone in rubber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rubber compounds containing alkyl (C.sub.12 -C.sub.22) esters of a mixture of fatty acids which are useful as a total or partial replacement for extender or processing oil in rubber formulations. The alkyl (C.sub.12 -C.sub.22) esters of a mixture of fatty acids are also useful as a total or partial replacement for waxes in rubber formulations. Addition of the alkyl (C.sub.12 -C.sub.22) esters of a mixture of fatty acids improve the ozone resistance of the vulcanizate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dicyclopentadiene alcohol resin acid derivatives which are useful as a rubber additive. In one embodiment, the ester linked rosin acid derivative may serve as a total or partial replacement for oil and/or wax. The dicyclopentadiene alcohol rosin acid derivatives are prepared by reacting abietic acid and/or dehydroabietic acid with dicyclopentadiene alcohol under esterification conditions.

Abstract: The present invenion relates to rubber compositions containing a hydroxy-aryl substituted maleamic acid. The rubbers modified with the hydroxy-aryl substituted maleamic acid exhibit improved rubber/filler interaction. The hydroxy-aryl substituted maleamic acid may also be used as a replacement for resorcinol in rubber compositions and function as a methylene acceptor for reaction with conventional methylene donors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to poly(oxydiphenylamines) of the formula: ##STR1## wherein n is an integer ranging from about 1 to 100. The poly(oxydiphenylamines) are useful as a rubber additive and have shown improvement in the tear strength of the rubber as measured by increased peel adhesion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of the p-hydroxydiphenylamine ester of rosin acid. The process involves first reacting hydroquinone and aniline in the presence of a bentonite catalyst to form a reaction mixture containing p-hydroxydiphenylamine. To this reaction mixture is added rosin acid under esterification conditions to form the p-hydroxydiphenylamine ester.