Abstract: A counter tapered diblock copolymer composition comprises a monovinyl aromatic monomer A polymerized with a conjugated diene monomer B to form the structure A-[A/B], where the [A/B] block is a copolymer of the A and B monomers that is counter tapered, which means the ratio of B to A is lower proximal to the A block relative to the ratio of B to A distal to the A block. The [A/B] block preferably has a vinyl content that is higher proximal to the A block relative to the vinyl content distal to the A block. The diblock copolymer is preferably partially coupled or formed with a multifunctional initiator to provide a mixture of the diblock copolymer composition and a linear (A-[A/B])-X-([B/A]-A) structure and/or a coupled radial and/or multiarm structure (A-[A/B])n-X, where X is the residue of a coupling agent or an initiator. Asphalt and adhesive compositions are made with the diblock copolymer composition and with the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified diene copolymer composition having a modified A-B-C or C-B-A copolymer comprising at least one conjugated diene monomer and at least one unsubstituted vinyl aromatic monomer and at least one substituted vinyl aromatic monomer, wherein each block or segment in the modified A-B-C or C-B-A copolymer is either a homopolymer or a copolymer comprising at least one conjugated diene monomer and/or at least one unsubstituted vinyl aromatic monomer and/or at least one substituted vinyl aromatic monomer, wherein any of the copolymers have a distribution configuration that is tapered, counter tapered, random or controlled, and wherein any of the homopolymers or the copolymers comprising at least one conjugated diene monomer and/or at least one unsubstituted vinyl aromatic monomer may be in-chain and/or chain-end modified with at least one unit of at least one substituted vinyl aromatic monomer; optionally having a block copolymer made from the modified A-B-C or C-B-A copolymer, w

Abstract: A counter tapered thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising: (a) a counter tapered diblock A-[A/B] copolymer with a peak molecular weight from 20,000 to 250,000, which includes a monovinyl aromatic homopolymer block A with a peak molecular weight of at least 8,000 and a counter tapered copolymer block [A/B] with a vinyl content of at least 15 weight percent based on the amount of conjugated diene units in the diblock copolymer; and (b) a block copolymer selected from the group consisting of linear triblock copolymers having a peak molecular weight that is at least about 1.5 times the peak molecular weight of the counter tapered diblock A-[A/B] copolymer described in (a), multiarm coupled block copolymers having a peak molecular weight that is at least about 2.

Abstract: Dual composition block copolymers made from conjugated diene and monovinyl aromatic monomers in batch organolithium initiated polymerization show advantageous performance in the production of crosslinked microcellular rubber compounds and pressure sensitive hot melt adhesives. The dual composition block copolymers are partially coupled with a coupling agent linking inner monovinyl aromatic blocks. Their un-coupled low molecular weight fraction has greater monovinyl aromatic repeating unit content than their coupled high molecular weight fraction. Crosslinked microcellular rubber articles made from the dual composition block copolymers exhibit lower density, smaller and more homogeneous cell size, higher softness and higher resiliency than prior art block copolymers. Rubber compounding of formulations comprising the dual composition block copolymers proceed at slightly lower torque and slightly lower temperature than with prior art block copolymers.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a silica masterbatch, that contains silica and solution-made rubber. The silica masterbatch has physical properties similar to those found in a comparable dry-mixed composition, but the silica masterbatch can be incorporated more easily and less expensively into tires and other rubber products than the dry-mixed composition. A process is also provided for making a masterbatch of silica, a solution-made rubber and an emulsion-made rubber.

Abstract: Dual composition block copolymers made from conjugated diene and monovinyl aromatic monomers in batch organolithium initiated polymerization show advantageous performance in the production of crosslinked microcellular rubber compounds and pressure sensitive hot melt adhesives. The block copolymers are partially coupled molecules with a coupling agent linking inner monovinyl aromatic blocks. An un-coupled low molecular weight fraction has greater monovinyl aromatic repeat unit content than a coupled high molecular weight fraction. Crosslinked microcellular rubber articles made from the block copolymers exhibit lower density, smaller and more homogeneous cell size, higher softness and higher resiliency than prior art block copolymers. Rubber compounding of formulations comprising the block copolymers proceed at slightly lower torque and slightly lower temperature than with prior art block copolymers.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a silica masterbatch, that contains silica and solution-made rubber. The silica masterbatch has physical properties similar to those found in a comparable dry-mixed composition, but the silica masterbatch can be incorporated more easily and less expensively into tires and other rubber products than the dry-mixed composition. A process is also provided for making a masterbatch of silica, a solution-made rubber and an emulsion-made rubber.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions of cement and concrete having properties of resistance, modulus and expansion which are significantly improved, using an additive for cement based on thermoplastic styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymer in cationic latex, when compared with non-modified cement and concrete references.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions of cement and concrete having properties of resistance, modulus and expansion which are significantly improved, using an additive for cement based on thermoplastic styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymer in cationic latex, when compared with non-modified cement and concrete references.

Abstract: A counter tapered thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising: (a) a counter tapered diblock A-[A/B] copolymer with a peak molecular weight from 20,000 to 250,000, which includes a monovinyl aromatic homopolymer block A with a peak molecular weight of at least 8,000 and a counter tapered copolymer block [A/B] with a vinyl content of at least 15 weight percent based on the amount of conjugated diene units in the diblock copolymer; and (b) a block copolymer selected from the group consisting of linear triblock copolymers having a peak molecular weight that is at least about 1.5 times the peak molecular weight of the counter tapered diblock A-[A/B] copolymer described In (a), multiarm coupled block copolymers having a peak molecular weight that is at least about 2.

Abstract: A raw elastomeric composition in free-flowing pellet form is described, which comprises a raw elastomer with molecular weight from 50,000 to 400,000 Da, and an anti-block agent comprising inorganic fillers, capable of forming emulsions in water. Likewise, a process for obtaining said raw elastomeric compositions in free-flowing pellet form, comprising the steps of: a) polymerizing at least one monomer through solution polymerization in order to obtain elastomer crumb; b) forming an aqueous suspension of the elastomer crumbs; c) dewatering the aqueous suspension; d) adding an anti-block agent comprising inorganic fillers capable of forming emulsions in water; e) drying the dewatered suspension; and f) pelletizing the elastomer to form a raw elastomeric composition in free-flowing pellets form. The raw elastomeric composition in free-flowing pellets form thus obtained can be used as an adhesive composition, in asphalt modification and in asphalt emulsions.

Abstract: A raw elastomeric composition in free-flowing pellet form is described, which comprises a raw elastomer with molecular weight from 50,000 to 400,000 Da, and an anti-block agent comprising inorganic fillers, capable of forming emulsions in water. Likewise, a process for obtaining said raw elastomeric compositions in free-flowing pellet form, comprising the steps of: a) polymerizing at least one monomer through solution polymerization in order to obtain elastomer crumb; b) forming an aqueous suspension of the elastomer crumbs; c) dewatering the aqueous suspension; d) adding an anti-block agent comprising inorganic fillers capable of forming emulsions in water; e) drying the dewatered suspension; and f) pelletizing the elastomer to form a raw elastomeric composition in free-flowing pellets form. The raw elastomeric composition in free-flowing pellets form thus obtained can be used as an adhesive composition, in asphalt modification and in asphalt emulsions.

Abstract: A raw elastomeric composition in free-flowing pellet form is described, which comprises a raw elastomer with molecular weight from 50,000 to 400,000 Da, and an anti-block agent comprising inorganic fillers, capable of forming emulsions in water. Likewise, a process for obtaining said raw elastomeric compositions in free-flowing pellet form, comprising the steps of: a) polymerizing at least one monomer through solution polymerization in order to obtain elastomer crumb; b) forming an aqueous suspension of the elastomer crumbs; c) dewatering the aqueous suspension; d) adding an anti-block agent comprising inorganic fillers capable of forming emulsions in water; e) drying the dewatered suspension; and f) pelletizing the elastomer to form a raw elastomeric composition in free-flowing pellets form. The raw elastomeric composition in free-flowing pellets form thus obtained can be used as an adhesive composition, in asphalt modification and in asphalt emulsions.

Abstract: A raw elastomeric composition in free-flowing pellet form is described, which comprises a raw elastomer with molecular weight from 50,000 to 400,000 Da, and an anti-block agent comprising inorganic fillers, capable of forming emulsions in water. Likewise, a process for obtaining said raw elastomeric compositions in free-flowing pellet form, comprising the steps of: a) polymerizing at least one monomer through solution polymerization in order to obtain elastomer crumb; b) forming an aqueous suspension of the elastomer crumbs; c) dewatering the aqueous suspension; d) adding an anti-block agent comprising inorganic fillers capable of forming emulsions in water; e) drying the dewatered suspension; and f) pelletizing the elastomer to form a raw elastomeric composition in free-flowing pellets form. The raw elastomeric composition in free-flowing pellets form thus obtained can be used as an adhesive composition, in asphalt modification and in asphalt emulsions.

Abstract: A raw elastomeric composition in free-flowing pellet form is described, which comprises a raw elastomer with molecular weight from 50,000 to 400,000 Da, and an anti-block agent comprising inorganic fillers, capable of forming emulsions in water. Likewise, a process for obtaining said raw elastomeric compositions in free-flowing pellet form, comprising the steps of: a) polymerizing at least one monomer through solution polymerization in order to obtain elastomer crumb; b) forming an aqueous suspension of the elastomer crumbs; c) dewatering the aqueous suspension; d) adding an anti-block agent comprising inorganic fillers capable of forming emulsions in water; e) drying the dewatered suspension; and f) pelletizing the elastomer to form a raw elastomeric composition in free-flowing pellets form. The raw elastomeric composition in free-flowing pellets form thus obtained can be used as an adhesive composition, in asphalt modification and in asphalt emulsions.

Abstract: A tapered triblock copolymer having controlled vinyl distribution, enlarged middle block with intermediate composition and microstructure, increased compatibility between its adjacent blocks, good processing characteristics and a peak average molecular weight between 25,000 and 300,000 is made by anionically polymerizing conjugated diene and monovinyl aromatic monomers, polar modifier and initiator to make a first block rich in conjugated diene, forming a second block that is a copolymer of the conjugated diene and the monovinyl aromatic monomer and which is less rich in the conjugated diene than the first block, and forming a third block that is a homopolymer of the monovinyl aromatic monomer. The first, second and third blocks comprise 30 to 60, 20 to 50 wt % and 10 to 40 wt % of the tapered triblock copolymer, respectively. The tapered triblock copolymers may be used as asphalt modifiers, adhesives, sealants, compatibilizers, reinforcing agents and impact modifiers.

Abstract: A raw elastomeric composition in free-flowing pellet form is described, which comprises a raw elastomer with molecular weight from 50,000 to 400,000 Da, and an anti-block agent comprising inorganic fillers, capable of forming emulsions in water. Likewise, a process for obtaining said raw elastomeric compositions in free-flowing pellet form, comprising the steps of: a) polymerizing at least one monomer through solution polymerization in order to obtain elastomer crumb; b) forming an aqueous suspension of the elastomer crumbs; c) dewatering the aqueous suspension; d) adding an anti-block agent comprising inorganic fillers capable of forming emulsions in water; e) drying the dewatered suspension; and f) pelletizing the elastomer to form a raw elastomeric composition in free-flowing pellets form. The raw elastomeric composition in free-flowing pellets form thus obtained can be used as an adhesive composition, in asphalt modification and in asphalt emulsions.

Abstract: A tapered triblock copolymer having controlled vinyl distribution, enlarged middle block with intermediate composition and microstructure, increased compatibility between its adjacent blocks, good processing characteristics and a peak average molecular weight between 25,000 and 300,000 is made by anionically polymerizing conjugated diene and monovinyl aromatic monomers, polar modifier and initiator to make a first block rich in conjugated diene, forming a second block that is a copolymer of the conjugated diene and the monovinyl aromatic monomer and which is less rich in the conjugated diene than the first block, and forming a third block that is a homopolymer of the monovinyl aromatic monomer. The first, second and third blocks comprise 30 to 60, 20 to 50 wt % and 10 to 40 wt % of the tapered triblock copolymer, respectively. The tapered triblock copolymers may be used as asphalt modifiers, adhesives, sealants, compatibilizers, reinforcing agents and impact modifiers.