Abstract: Micro-sized particles having a polymeric structure of cells are provided. Also provided is a method of producing micro-sized particles having a polymeric structure comprising: (1) forming a homogenous solution by heating a mixture of a high molecular weight polymer and a low molecular weight material, wherein said low molecular weight material makes up at least about 50% by weight of the homogenous solution, (2) forming a dispersed solution by dispersing the homogenous solution formed in step (1) into an inert material, (3) cooling the dispersed solution to cause the high molecular weight polymer to phase separate from the low molecular weight material, (4) forming solid particles comprised of said low molecular weight material trapped inside a structure of cells of said high molecular weight polymer, and (5) removing the solid particles from the dispersed solution.

Abstract: Provided is a composition comprising at least one polymer having a degree of unsaturation of no more than about 50 mol %; a filler selected from the group consisting of carbon black, silica, and mixtures thereof; and a polymeric additive comprising a functional end group reactive with said filler, wherein said polymeric additive has a degree of unsaturation of no more than about 50 mol % and a number average molecular weight between about 1,000 and about 25,000. The composition may optionally contain one or more polymers having a degree of unsaturation of more than 50 mol %. The composition may be particularly useful as a component for a tire.

Abstract: The invention provides a hollow nano-particle comprising a crosslinked shell and a void core; and a preparation method thereof. The hollow nano-particle may be used in rubber composition, tire product, and pharmaceutical delivery system etc.

Abstract: A nanoporous material is provided. The pores of the nanoporous material are formed between nanoparticles that have a polymeric surface layer. The nanoporous material is produced by (a) suspending the nanoparticles in a medium material, wherein the nanoparticles are phase separated from the medium material, (b) heating the suspension to a temperature above the melting point of the nanoparticle surface layer, and (c) cooling the suspension. Alternatively, the nanoporous material may be produced by dissolving nanoparticles having a polymeric surface layer in a solvent, and then adding a medium material that causes the nanoparticles to phase separate from the solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymeric nanoparticles comprising triblock and optionally diblock copolymer chains. The architecture of the polymeric nanoparticles may be controlled, resulting in nanoparticles having non-spherical shapes. The present invention also provides a method of preparing the polymeric nanoparticles and a rubber article such as a tire manufactured from a formulation comprising the polymer nanoparticles.

Abstract: Temperature sensitive, water soluble polymers are disclosed, together with a method for control the LCST of the polymer. The polymers include hydrophillic components and hydrophobic components joined by linking groups such as ester or amide groups wherein the hydrophilic components includes m ethylene oxide groups, the hydrophobic components consist of aliphatic groups such as n ethylenes and/or n cycloaliphatic groups, and where 1?m?30 and 1?n?30. Substrates bearing the grafted temperature responsive polymers also are disclosed. Microfluidic devices which include the temperature responsive polymers also are disclosed.

Abstract: Temperature sensitive, water soluble polymers are disclosed, together with a method for control the LCST of the polymer. The polymers include hydrophillic components and hydrophobic components joined by linking groups such as ester or amide groups wherein the hydrophilic components includes m ethylene oxide groups, the hydrophobic components consist of aliphatic groups such as n ethylenes and/or n cycloaliphatic groups, and where 1?m?30 and 1?n?30. Substrates bearing the grafted temperature responsive polymers also are disclosed. Microfluidic devices which include the temperature responsive polymers also are disclosed.

Abstract: Temperature sensitive, water soluble polymers are disclosed, together with a method for control the LCST of the polymer. The polymers include hydrophillic components and hydrophobic components joined by linking groups such as ester or amide groups wherein the hydrophilic components includes m ethylene oxide groups, the hydrophobic components consist of aliphatic groups such as n ethylenes and/or n cycloaliphatic groups, and where 1≦m≦30 and 1≦n≦30. Substrates bearing the grafted temperature responsive polymers also are disclosed. Microfluidic devices which include the temperature responsive polymers also are disclosed.

Abstract: Temperature sensitive, water soluble polymers are disclosed, together with a method for control the LCST of the polymer. The polymers include hydrophillic components and hydrophobic components joined by linking groups such as ester or amide groups wherein the hydrophilic components includes m ethylene oxide groups, the hydrophobic components consist of aliphatic groups such as n ethylenes and/or n cycloaliphatic groups, and where 1≦m≦30 and 1≦n≦30. Substrates bearing the grafted temperature responsive polymers also are disclosed. Microfluidic devices which include the temperature responsive polymers also are disclosed.