Abstract: An apparatus and technique for applying markings or decorations to the sidewall of a cured tire. A thin polyester carrier sheet has a thermoplastic transfer stock thereon. A heated die is provided having thereon the geometric configuration of the desired marking or decoration. The heated die is urged against the transfer laminate to impinge the transfer stock against the sidewall of the cured tire. The heat of the die effects a release of the transfer stock from the carrier sheet in areas congruent with the indicia carrier by the die. The affinity of the transfer stock for the tire is greater than its affinity for the carrier sheet and the transfer is thus made.

Abstract: Improved low temperature properties of polyureaurethane are obtained, such as low glass transition temperatures and reduced bending moduli at -400.degree. C., by the use of relatively high moleuclar weight polyether polyol intermediates. The polyureaurethane is made by reacting the polyether polyol intermediate with a diisocyanate and subsequent cure with a metal halide salt complex of methylenedianiline.

Abstract: Increased reactivity of isocyanate terminated polyether prepolymers with metal halide salt complexes of methylenedianiline is obtained when the polyether intermediates are modified to contain an effective amount of ethylene oxide. A desired intermediate is poly(oxypropylene) diol or triol which are modified to contain ethylene oxide units therein and subsequently reacted with a polyisocyanate such as MDI, that is 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, or TDI, that is, toluene diisocyanate. A desired metal halide salt complex of methylenedianiline is the sodium chloride salt complex (MDA.sub.3 -NaCl), dispersed in dioctylphthalate (50/50 wt/wt).

Abstract: Improved crack growth resistance is obtained when glycerine is added to a non-cured urethane prepolymer system containing free NCO groups therein and cured with a metal halide salt complex of methylenedianiline. The prepolymer is made from a blend of a polyether polyol and a polyether intermediate having ethylene oxide end blocks thereon.

Abstract: Paint compositions suitable for forming decals which can be applied to vehicle tire sidewalls. The compositions comprise a saturated elastomer having a glass transition temperature not higher than -40 degrees C., a pigment which is preferably titanium dioxide in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 10 times the weight of elastomer, and a solvent. Compositions of this invention are resistant to ultraviolet light and ozone, maintain color and integrity during outdoor aging, and have a long fatigue life.