Abstract: Branched polymers including multi-branched polymers, functionalized branched polymers, star-branched polymers, and dendigraft polymers. Methods for the synthesis of branched polymers and method for the use of branched polymers in tire components are also included.

Abstract: Branched polymers including multi-branched polymers, functionalized branched polymers, star-branched polymers, and dendigraft polymers. Methods for the synthesis of branched polymers and method for the use of branched polymers in tire components are also included.

Abstract: A method for forming a vulcanizable composition of matter, the method comprising providing a polymer cement or latex comprising at least one rubber, adding at least one processing aid to the cement or latex to form a modified rubber cement or latex, isolating the rubber and at least one processing aid to form a premix, and mixing the premix with carbon black.

Abstract: A multi-functional polymer defined by the formula (Q-R¦n—Z—P2—Y where (Q-R)n is a functionality cluster, Q is a functional group, R is a multi-valent organic group, P2 is a long-chain polymer, n is an integer from about 2 to about 10, Y is a proton, a weak functional group, or a selective functional group, and Z is a branch point where the functionality clusters join the long-chain polymer.

Abstract: A polymer nanoparticle is provided. The nanoparticle includes an inner layer having alkenylbenzene monomer units. The nanoparticle further includes an outer layer having monomer units selected from conjugated dienes, alkylenes, alkenylbenzenes, and mixtures thereof. The nanoparticle has at least one functional group associated with the outer layer. Applications of use as additives for rubber, including the rubber compositions, are also provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making solution masterbatches containing a diene elastomer in an organic solvent and a silica filler, having a first average particle size, that is ground in an organic solvent to form a silica having a reduced second average particle size. Grinding of the silica in the organic solvent, with or without other ingredients including the elastomer, produces a solution masterbatch in which the silica is mixed with and well dispersed in the elastomer. The use of such desolventized solution masterbatches in vulcanizable rubber compounds results in excellent processing characteristics allowing for the reduced use of processing aids such as oil. The compound also demonstrates improved properties, including reduced hysteresis.

Abstract: Branched polymers including multi-branched polymers, functionalized branched polymers, star-branched polymers, and dendigraft polymers. Methods for the synthesis of branched polymers and method for the use of branched polymers in tire components are also included.

Abstract: A polymer nano-particle composition is provided, wherein the nano-particle includes a poly(alkenylbenzene) core and a surface layer including poly(conjugated diene). A method for self-assembly of the nano-particles is also provided. The polymer nano-particles are preferably less than about 100 nm in diameter.

Abstract: A polymer nanoparticle is provided. The nanoparticle includes an inner layer having alkenylbenzene monomer units. The nanoparticle further includes an outer layer having monomer units selected from conjugated dienes, alkylenes, alkenylbenzenes, and mixtures thereof. The nanoparticle has at least one functional group associated with the outer layer. Applications of use as additives for rubber, including the rubber compositions, are also provided.

Abstract: A polymer nanoparticle is provided. The nanoparticle includes an inner layer having alkenylbenzene monomer units. The nanoparticle further includes an outer layer having monomer units selected from conjugated dienes, alkylenes, alkenylbenzenes, and mixtures thereof. The nanoparticle has at least one functional group associated with the outer layer. Applications of use as additives for rubber, including the rubber compositions, are also provided.

Abstract: A polymer composition of low gas permeability. The composition includes an exfoliated organically-modified clay, butyl rubber, and a polymeric exfoliant. A method for producing the butyl composition by dry mixing the butyl rubber with the exfoliated clay is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are enophile functionalized polymer particles, nano-sized inorganic metal particles such as Al(OH)3 particles, and preparations thereof. Also provided is a method of improving the properties of a rubber composition, such as a tire, by formulating the rubber to incorporate nano-sized inorganic metal particles such as Al(OH)3. The composition exhibits improved properties including bonding rubber, tensile strength, tear strength, and wet traction, among others. A novel rubber composition comprising nano-sized inorganic metal particles is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tire component including a tire tread that comprises a vulcanized rubber, a rubber filler, and a modified rubber, where the modified rubber i) contains pendent or functional groups that contain carboxylic acid or anhydride groups, ii) has pendently grafted thereto a polymerized metal salt of an unsaturated carboxylic acid, or iii) contains both i and ii. The use of such modified rubbers in tire components advantageously increases the G? of such components.

Abstract: A multi-functional polymer defined by the formula (Q—RnZ—P2—Y where (Q—R)n is a functionality cluster, Q is a functional group, R is a multi-valent organic group, P2 is a long-chain polymer, n is an integer from about 2 to about 10, Y is a proton, a weak functional group, or a selective functional group, and Z is a branch point where the functionality clusters join the long-chain polymer.

Abstract: A polymer nanoparticle is provided. The nanoparticle includes an inner layer having alkenylbenzene monomer units. The nanoparticle further includes an outer layer having monomer units selected from conjugated dienes, alkylenes, alkenylbenzenes, and mixtures thereof. The nanoparticle has at least one functional group associated with the outer layer. The nanoparticle further has at least one metal complexed with said functional group. The nanoparticles can be used as a templates for preparation of nano-sized metal crystals and polymer-metal nanocomposite.

Abstract: Novel solid supported anionic polymerization initiators that are multiply metalated with Group IA alkali metal atoms are provided and employed to produce extremely high molecular weight branched diene polymers. The initiators are prepared by metalating a particle comprising a thermoplastic polymer or a cured elastomer in the presence of a polar coordinator. The polymers obtained by anionic polymerization employing the initiators are multiply branched, with a polymer chain covalently attached to the particle at virtually every metalation site. The macro-branched polymers exhibit desirable properties, such as an extremely high molecular weight, a controlled molecular weight distribution, Tg and vinyl content, and the ability to readily absorb hydrocarbon solvents and oils. The polymers are easily compounded to form vulcanizable elastomeric compounds and articles that have excellent resistance to wear and tear and exhibit reduced hysteresis properties.

Abstract: The invention provides solid supported anionic catalysts, suitable for gas phase anionic polymerization of conjugated diene monomers, that are useful for anionically producing very high molecular weight branched diene polymers, such as styrene butadiene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, and the like. The catalysts comprise a metalatable particle, such as a bound rubber, a thermoplastic polymer or a cured elastomer, that is multiply metalated with Group IA alkali metal atoms. The multi-branched diene polymers obtained by gas phase anionic polymerization employing the catalysts exhibit desirable properties, such as an extremely high molecular weight, a controlled molecular weight distribution, Tg and vinyl content, and the ability to readily absorb hydrocarbon solvents and oils. The polymers are easily compounded to form vulcanizable elastomeric compounds and articles, such as tires, that have excellent resistance to wear and tear and exhibit reduced hysteresis properties.

Abstract: Novel solid supported anionic polymerization initiators that are multiply metalated with Group IA alkali metal atoms are provided and employed to produce extremely high molecular weight branched diene polymers. The initiators are prepared by metalating a particle comprising a thermoplastic polymer or a cured elastomer in the presence of a polar coordinator. The polymers obtained by anionic polymerization employing the initiators are multiply branched, with a polymer chain covalently attached to the particle at virtually every metalation site. The macro-branched polymers exhibit desirable properties, such as an extremely high molecular weight, a controlled molecular weight distribution, Tg and vinyl content, and the ability to readily absorb hydrocarbon solvents and oils. The polymers are easily compounded to form vulcanizable elastomeric compounds and articles that have excellent resistance to wear and tear and exhibit reduced hysteresis properties.

Abstract: The invention provides solid supported anionic catalysts, suitable for gas phase anionic polymerization of conjugated diene monomers, that are useful for anionically producing very high molecular weight branched diene polymers, such as styrene butadiene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, and the like. The catalysts comprise a metalatable particle, such as a bound rubber, a thermoplastic polymer or a cured elastomer, that is multiply metalated with Group IA alkali metal atoms. The multi-branched diene polymers obtained by gas phase anionic polymerization employing the catalysts exhibit desirable properties, such as an extremely high molecular weight, a controlled molecular weight distribution, Tg and vinyl content, and the ability to readily absorb hydrocarbon solvents and oils. The polymers are easily compounded to form vulcanizable elastomeric compounds and articles, such as tires, that have excellent resistance to wear and tear and exhibit reduced hysteresis properties.

Abstract: The invention provides solid supported anionic catalysts, suitable for gas phase anionic polymerization of conjugated diene monomers, that are useful for anionically producing very high molecular weight branched diene polymers, such as styrene butadiene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, and the like. The catalysts comprise a metalatable particle, such as a bound rubber, a thermoplastic polymer or a cured elastomer, that is multiply metalated with Group IA alkali metal atoms. The multi-branched diene polymers obtained by gas phase anionic polymerization employing the catalysts exhibit desirable properties, such as an extremely high molecular weight, a controlled molecular weight distribution, Tg and vinyl content, and the ability to readily absorb hydrocarbon solvents and oils. The polymers are easily compounded to form vulcanizable elastomeric compounds and articles, such as tires, that have excellent resistance to wear and tear and exhibit reduced hysteresis properties.