Abstract: A method is provided for protecting a virgin surface of a tire innerliner from contamination by a release agent during curing. A pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA)-coated thermoformable film is pressed onto an exposed virgin surface of a green tire innerliner to adhere the PSA to the virgin surface and thereby form a protected green innerliner. The PSA is based on a rubber that is compatible with the rubber of the tire innerliner. The protected green innerliner is then exposed to the release agent, and cured. By virtue of the PSA, the film stays reliably in position. The thermoformable film is then removed to reveal the cured virgin surface substantially free of the release agent.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprising a black colored tread with at least one colored groove wherein the top surface of the tread designed to be ground-contacting is essentially free of non-black color. A non-black component is placed over the tread strip and covered with a thermoformable film prior to forming the groove pattern. After vulcanization, the film is removed, and the tread lugs buffed free of color, if necessary, thereby forming a tire having color localized in the tread grooves.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprising a black colored tread with at least one colored groove wherein the top surface of the tread designed to be ground-contacting is essentially free of non-black color. A non-black component is placed over the tread strip and covered with a thermoformable film prior to forming the groove pattern. After vulcanization, the film is removed, and the tread lugs buffed free of color, if necessary, thereby forming a tire having color localized in the tread grooves.

Abstract: An elastomeric adhesive composition or cushion which binds various elastomeric layers together is solventless and comprises a blend of a bis-imide compound, one or more elastomers, and a tackifier. The elastomeric adhesive has strong blowout protection and can be utilized to form a laminate of a buffed cured tire carcass carcass to a cured or uncured tire tread.

Abstract: Reinforcing material which does not have a melting point which is compatible with the processing temperature of an elastomer can be incorporated into the elastomer in the form of melt blown fibers. In the method of the invention, melt blown fibers are made by melting a reinforcing material in an extruder, and extruding the reinforcing material through a die comprising many small holes, while simultaneously blowing air or nitrogen, under high pressure, through the die holes, and collecting the resulting material on rotating rolls. The fibers thus formed are mixed into an elastomer using conventional mixing means. A composite made by the method is also provided.

Abstract: A composition and process for making an alternating copolymerization of acceptor monomers such as acrylic acid and derivatives thereof and donor monomers containing free amine groups therein such as an aminostyrene compound. The free amine groups are initially protected by conversion to an imide derivative such as phthalimide, or the like, and then reacted with the acceptor monomers. After copolymerization, the free amine is regenerated. The alternating copolymerization reaction is usually carried out in the presence of Lewis acids which act as complexing agents. The alternating copolymers of the present invention are useful as antistatic agents or as thickening agents as in oil recovery.