Abstract: A functionalized macromolecule includes a hydrogenated interpolymer portion, a non-hydrogenated polymer portion, and the radical of a functional coupling agent covalently bonded to and linking those portions. The functional group of the coupling agent exhibits interactivity with silica. The interpolymer can include vinyl aromatic mer and conjugated diene mer, with at least some of the latter, typically at least 50 mole percent, having been hydrogenated.

Abstract: A functionalized macromolecule includes a hydrogenated interpolymer portion, a non-hydrogenated polymer portion, and the radical of a functional coupling agent covalently bonded to and linking those portions. The functional group of the coupling agent exhibits interactivity with silica. The interpolymer can include vinyl aromatic mer and conjugated diene mer, with at least some of the latter, typically at least 50 mole percent, having been hydrogenated.

Abstract: A method for preparing cis-1,4-polydienes, the method comprising the steps of preparing a preformed, active lanthanide-based catalyst, aging the active lanthanide-based catalyst for more than 5 days to thereby formed an aged catalyst, and introducing the aged catalyst and conjugated diene monomer to be polymerized to thereby form an active polymerization mixture in which the conjugated diene monomer is polymerized to form a polydiene having a reactive chain end.

Abstract: Disclosed herein area process for preparing a modified high-cis polybutadiene polymer, a modified high-cis polybutadiene polymer, and tires having a component made using the modified high-cis polybutadiene polymer. The processes make use of a functionalizing compound of formula (I) to prepare the modified high-cis polybutadiene from a quantity of 1,3-butadiene monomer using a specified catalyst system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to functionalized copolymers produced by copolymerization of at least one conjugated diolefin monomer and at least one vinyl monomer, the functionalized copolymer including at least one functional group having silica reactive moieties, wherein the functionalized copolymer has a degree of hydrogenation of 75% to 98 mol % as measured using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR). In one or more embodiments, the silane modifier may include an oxygen-containing moiety, wherein the oxygen atom of the oxygen-containing moiety may not be directly bonded with the silicon atom.

Abstract: A method for preparing cis-1,4-polydienes, the method comprising the steps of preparing a preformed, active lanthanide-based catalyst, aging the active lanthanide-based catalyst for more than 5 days to thereby formed an aged catalyst, and introducing the aged catalyst and conjugated diene monomer to be polymerized to thereby form an active polymerization mixture in which the conjugated diene monomer is polymerized to form a polydiene having a reactive chain end.

Abstract: A method for preparing cis-1,4-polydienes, the method comprising the steps of preparing a preformed, active lanthanide-based catalyst, aging the active lanthanide-based catalyst for more than 5 days to thereby formed an aged catalyst, and introducing the aged catalyst and conjugated diene monomer to be polymerized to thereby form an active polymerization mixture in which the conjugated diene monomer is polymerized to form a polydiene having a reactive chain end.

Abstract: A functionalized polyamide is prepared by reacting a thio acid with an amide monomer or a mixture of a diamine and a dicarboxylic acid. In the reaction, the amide monomer is preferably a lactam compound, the thio acid has a formula of HOOC-A-SH wherein A represents an alkylene group containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, the diamine is an aliphatic diamine and the dicarboxylic acid is a aliphatic dicarboxylic acid. The functionalized polyamide can be vulcanized directly with rubber, which results in the use of less dip for adhering the tire cord to the rubber.

Abstract: A functionalized polyamide is prepared by reacting a thio acid with an amide monomer or a mixture of a diamine and a dicarboxylic acid. In the reaction, the amide monomer is preferably a lactam compound, the thio acid has a formula of HOOC-A-SH wherein A represents an alkylene group containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, the diamine is an aliphatic diamine and the dicarboxylic acid is a aliphatic dicarboxylic acid. The functionalized polyamide can be vulcanized directly with rubber, which results in the use of less dip for adhering the tire cord to the rubber.

Abstract: A functionalized polyamide is prepared by reacting a multifunctional organic compound with an amide monomer in an aqueous liquid at elevated temperature. In the reaction, the multifunctional organic compound is a multifunctional acid compound or a multifunctional amine compound. The amide monomer is preferably a lactam compound. The functionalized polyamide, such as nylon, includes a multifunctional acid or multifunctional amine terminal end that results in increased crystallinity above 30% and an enthalpy of at least 60 J/g.

Abstract: A method for preparing cis-1,4-polydienes, the method comprising the steps of preparing a preformed, active lanthanide-based catalyst, aging the active lanthanide-based catalyst for more than 5 days to thereby formed an aged catalyst, and introducing the aged catalyst and conjugated diene monomer to be polymerized to thereby form an active polymerization mixture in which the conjugated diene monomer is polymerized to form a polydiene having a reactive chain end.