Abstract: Methods of post-polymerization modification of a polymer are provided herein. The present methods comprise the step of reacting a polymer with at least one nucleophile in a nucleophilic substitution reaction performed without a solvent to produce a functionalized polymer. The nucleophile can be selected from the group consisting of thioacetate, phenoxide, alkoxide, carboxylate, thiolate, thiocarboxylate, dithiocarboxylate, thiourea, thiocarbamate, dithiocarbamate, xanthate, thiocyanate. Nucleophilic substitution reaction can be performed in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst. Nucleophilic substitution reaction can also be performed via a two-step in-situ reactive mixing process with the initial formation of the polymer-amine ionomer (polymer-NR3+Br) which catalyzes the subsequent nucleophilic substitution with a second nucleophile to form a bi-functional polymer.

Abstract: Provided herein are thioacetate isobutylene-based polymer compositions comprising thioalkylated functionalized polymer, and a sulfur donor and/or accelerator cure system. The thioalkylated functionalized polymer is produced via nucleophilic substitution reaction in solution. The present thioacetate functionalized isobutylene-based polymer compositions together with various accelerators and sulfur donors can form thermosets useful for pharmaceutical and tire applications without the use of zinc or a zinc oxide activator.

Abstract: Provided herein are isobutylene-based polymer compositions comprising functionalized isobutylene-based polymer with olefinic side chain substituents, and a sulfur donor and/or accelerator cure system. The functionalized polymer is produced via nucleophilic substitution reaction in solution. The present functionalized isobutylene-based polymer compositions together with various accelerators and sulfur donors can form thermosets useful for pharmaceutical and tire applications without the use of zinc or a zinc oxide activator.

Abstract: Methods of post-polymerization modification of a polymer are provided herein. The present methods comprise the step of reacting a polymer with at least one nucleophile in a nucleophilic substitution reaction performed without a solvent to produce a functionalized polymer. The nucleophile can be selected from the group consisting of thioacetate, phenoxide, alkoxide, carboxylate, thiolate, thiocarboxylate, dithiocarboxylate, thiourea, thiocarbamate, dithiocarbamate, xanthate, thiocyanate. Nucleophilic substitution reaction can be performed in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst. Nucleophilic substitution reaction can also be performed via a two-step in-situ reactive mixing process with the initial formation of the polymer-amine ionomer (polymer-NR3+Br) which catalyzes the subsequent nucleophilic substitution with a second nucleophile to form a bi-functional polymer.