Abstract: An aqueous coating composition which can be applied to a cured rubber surface, such as the white sidewall, colored sidewall, raised white lettering or raised colored lettering of a tire, to provide a protective coating against staining and scuffing. The composition includes (a) polyvinyl alcohol, (b) ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and (c) one or both of (i) a silicon emulsion in an amount sufficient to provide increased scuff resistance to a coating prepared from the composition, and (ii) a thickening agent of a type and in an amount effective to render the composition shear-thinning.

Abstract: Fatty acids commonly found in bulk elastomers such as natural rubber and certain synthetic polymers are deactivated by adding a metal oxide to the masterbatch stage where the metal oxide is selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide, calcium oxide or mixtures thereof. Amounts range from about 0.1 phr to about 5 phr of calcium oxide, about 0.1 to about 7 phr of aluminum oxide, or about 0.5 to about 5 phr of aluminum oxide plus about 0.05 to 1 phr of calcium oxide. Deactivation of fatty acids improves tack and cure properties.

Abstract: Vulcanizable rubber composition containing a polyfluoroethylene (PFE) and/or a polyfluoroethylene compatibilizer agent is added to a standard sidewall recipe. The PFE and/or PFE compatibilizers improve ozone resistance, improve flex fatigue properties and decrease the onset of vulcanization by increasing the rate of vulcanization. The new formula also represents a fast curing sidewall formulation.

Abstract: A water based coating composition for unvulcanized rubber articles that comprises (1) a polymeric antidegradant latex, (2) an additional emulsifier, (3) a thickening agent, and (4) a filler/mold release/lubricating agent. The water based coating composition is placed on an uncured rubber article prior to vulcanization and results in improved molding of the rubber article and provides a final rubber vulcanizate that possesses superior antidegradative properties.

Abstract: Superior vulcanization agents for rubber are prepared by reacting sulfur with at least one olefin at 120.degree.-200.degree. C. in an aqueous reaction media with agitation. In one embodiment, the vulcanization agent comprises a sulfur/olefin adduct having from about 39% to about 46% by weight of free elemental sulfur level.