Abstract: A method for producing a masterbatch includes feeding (e.g., continuously feeding) a first composition containing an elastomeric latex (e.g., a natural rubber latex) to a coagulation chamber; and feeding (e.g., continuously feeding) a second composition containing a particulate filler (e.g., carbon black) to the coagulation chamber. The carbon black is fed directly from a sonication chamber to the coagulation chamber and/or a sonication device facilitates ultrasonic mixing within the coagulation chamber. The first composition and the second composition are mixed in the coagulation chamber to form the masterbatch. The second composition may be fed to the coagulation chamber at a pressure of at least about 300 psig and/or a velocity of at least about 100 feet per second. The masterbatch may be dry mixed with an additional elastomer to form an elastomeric composite blend.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator of formula (1) where the substituent structures are further defined.

Abstract: The compatibility between silica fillers and synthetic rubbers which are synthesized utilizing lanthanide-based catalyst systems, such as neodymium catalyst systems can be improved by terminating the polymerization with a vinyl silane terminating agent. In doing so the vinyl silane is allowed to react with the polymer chain ends of the neodymium rubber to functionalize the chain ends of the polymer chains with silicon containing groups. This results in the rubber having better characteristics for utilization in tire rubber formulations, such a tire tread formulations, that exhibit improved wear characteristics and lower rolling resistance. The process for the synthesis of such functionalized polydiene rubber comprises (1) polymerizing a diene monomer in the presence of a lanthanide-based catalyst system, and (2) terminating the polymerization with a vinyl silane terminator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator of formula I where n is an integer from 1 to 3; X is a tetravalent organic group selected from a hydrocarbyl group of formula CmH2m-2 where m is an integer from 1 to 10, a group of formula II where R3 is C1 to C10 alkane diyl, and the group of phenyl diyl; R1 and R2 are independently selected from C1 to C10 alkyl, and a group of formula III where R4, R5 are independently C1 to C10 alkyl, and R6 is C1 to C10 alkanediyl; or R1 and R2 taken together with their common Si atom form a five-membered heterocyclic ring selected from formulas IV and V where R7 is from C1 to C10 alkyl.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator of formula (1) where the substituent structures are further defined.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator comprising the reaction product of a polyol of formula I with an alkoxysilane of formula II where R1 and R2 are independently C1 to C10 alkyl; k is an integer from 2 to 4; n is an integer from 2 to 3, and n+m=4; with the proviso that when k=2 or 3, n=2 and when k=4, n=2 or 3.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator of formula I wherein R1 is C1 to C4 linear alkyl, or C1 to C4 branched alkanediyl; X1, X2, X3 are independently O, S, or a group of formula (II) or (III) where R2 is C1 to C18 linear or branched alkyl; and Z is —R3—CH?CH—R4, where R3 is a covalent bond or C1 to C18 linear or branched alkanediyl, and R4 is a hydrogen or C1 to C18 linear or branched alkyl.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator of formula I wherein R1 is C1 to C4 linear alkyl, or C1 to C4 branched alkanediyl; X1, X2, X3 are independently O, S, or a group of formula (II) or (III) where R2 is C1 to C18 linear or branched alkyl; and Z is —R3—CH?CH—R4, where R3 is a covalent bond or C1 to C18 linear or branched alkanediyl, and R4 is a hydrogen or C1 to C18 linear or branched alkyl.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator of formula I where m is an integer from 1 to 10, n is an integer from 1 to 10 and x is an integer from 1 to 2; R1, R2, R3, R4 are independently C1 to C18 alkyl, aryl, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator of formula I where n is an integer from 1 to 3; X is a tetravalent organic group selected from a hydrocarbyl group of formula CmH2m-2 where m is an integer from 1 to 10, a group of formula II where R3 is C1 to C10 alkane diyl, and the group of phenyl diyl; R1 and R2 are independently selected from C1 to C10 alkyl, and a group of formula III where R4, R5 are independently C1 to C10 alkyl, and R6 is C1 to C10 alkanediyl; or R1 and R2 taken together with their common Si atom form a five-membered heterocyclic ring selected from formulas IV and V where R7 is from C1 to C10 alkyl.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator comprising the reaction product of a polyol of formula I with an alkoxysilane of formula II where R1 and R2 are independently C1 to C10 alkyl; k is an integer from 2 to 4; n is an integer from 2 to 3, and n+m=4; with the proviso that when k=2 or 3, n=2 and when k=4, n=2 or 3.

Abstract: The invention relates to preparation of a precipitated silica reinforced rubber composition which contains styrene/butadiene elastomer modified with a combination of bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl) polysulfide silica coupler and mercaptoorganoalkoxysilane, a rubber composition thereof and a tire with a component of such rubber composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to preparation of a precipitated silica reinforced rubber composition which contains styrene/butadiene elastomer modified with a combination of bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl) polysulfide silica coupler and mercaptoorganoalkoxysilane, a rubber composition thereof and a tire with a component of such rubber composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator of formula I, wherein the functionalized elastomer comprises repeat units of a diene monomer and optionally a vinyl aromatic monomer, and the functionalized elastomer comprises at least 92 percent by weight of cis 1,4 microstructure content based on the weight of the polydiene content of the functionalized elastomer wherein R1 is C1 to C4 linear alkyl, or C1 to C4 branched alkanediyl; X1, X2, X3 are independently O, S, or a group of formula (II) or (III) where R2 is C1 to C18 linear or branched alkyl; Z is R3, —OR4, or —R5—X4; R3, R4 are independently C1 to C18 linear or branched alkyl; R5 is C1 to C18 alkanediyl or dialkyl ether diyl; X4 is halogen or a group of structure IV, V, VI, VII or VIII wherein R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10 are independently H or C1 to C8 alkyl; R11 is C2 to C8 alkanediyl; R12 and R13 are independen

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator of formula I wherein R1 is C1 to C4 linear alkyl, or C1 to C4 branched alkanediyl; X1, X2, X3 are independently O, S, or a group of formula (II) or (III) where R2 is C1 to C18 linear or branched alkyl; Z is R3, —OR4, or —R5—X4; R3, R4 are independently C1 to C18 linear or branched alkyl; R5 is C1 to C18 alkanediyl or dialkyl ether diyl; X4 is halogen or a group of structure IV, V, VI, VII or VIII wherein R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10 are independently H or C1 to C8 alkyl; R11 is C2 to C8 alkanediyl; R12 and R13 are independently H, aryl or C1 to C8 alkyl; Q is N or a group of structure IX wherein R14 is C1 to C8 alkyl.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer having the formula (P-Bn)q-X where P is a polydiene segment, B is a styrenic monomer residue, n is the number of styrenic monomer residues, and Bn is a polystyrenic segment; X is a multifunctional terminator residue, and q is the number of (P-Bn) chains coupled to X; wherein for q=1, the weight percent of the functionalized elastomer is at least 90 percent by weight.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer having the formula (P-Bn)q-X where P is a polydiene segment, B is a styrenic monomer residue, n is the number of styrenic monomer residues, and Bn is a polystyrenic segment; X is a multifunctional terminator residue, and q is the number of (P-Bn) chains coupled to X; wherein for q=1, the weight percent of the functionalized elastomer is at least 90 percent by weight.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer having the formula (P-Bn)q-X where P is a polydiene segment, B is a styrenic monomer residue, n is the number of styrenic monomer residues, and Bn is a polystyrenic segment; X is a multifunctional terminator residue, and q is the number of (P-Bn) chains coupled to X; wherein for q=1, the weight percent of the functionalized elastomer is at least 90 percent by weight.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer having the formula (P-Bn)q-X where P is a polydiene segment, B is a styrenic monomer residue, n is the number of styrenic monomer residues, and Bn is a polystyrenic segment; X is a multifunctional terminator residue, and q is the number of (P-Bn) chains coupled to X; wherein for q=1, the weight percent of the functionalized elastomer is at least 90 percent by weight.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polymer blend, the blend including a diene-based elastomer grafted with a substituted acrylamide polymer through a sulfur atom, and from 1 to 20 percent by weight of an additional polymer miscible with the substituted acrylamide polymer.