Abstract: Polar modifier systems based on a blend of DTHFP, ETE, TMEDA, DMTHFMA and/or functionally similar compounds with BDMAEE and SMT are used to make block copolymers having high levels of pendant vinyl double bond repeat units, which is through highly selective 1,2-bond butadiene addition, low vinylcyclopentane formation, unimodal narrow molecular weight distribution, and a low level of randomized co-monomer repeat units. The block copolymers have very high levels of 1,2-vinyl content and high 3,4-vinyl bond addition of the conjugated diene monomer and low vinylcyclopentane content. The polar modifier systems provide a fast polymerization rate, with a unimodal narrow molecular weight distribution. The polar modifier systems allow operation at a higher temperature than in prior art systems, which reduces cooling requirements.

Abstract: Polar modifier systems based on a blend of DTHFP, ETE, TMEDA, DMTHFMA and/or functionally similar compounds with BDMAEE and SMT are used to make block copolymers having high levels of pendant vinyl double bond repeat units, which is through highly selective 1,2-bond butadiene addition, low vinylcyclopentane formation, unimodal narrow molecular weight distribution, and a low level of randomized co-monomer repeat units. The block copolymers have very high levels of 1,2-vinyl content and high 3,4-vinyl bond addition of the conjugated diene monomer and low vinylcyclopentane content. The polar modifier systems provide a fast polymerization rate, with a unimodal narrow molecular weight distribution. The polar modifier systems allow operation at a higher temperature than in prior art systems, which reduces cooling requirements.

Abstract: A counter tapered diblock copolymer composition comprises a monovinyl aromatic monomer A polymerized with a conjugated diene monomer B to form the structure A-[A/B], where the [A/B] block is a copolymer of the A and B monomers that is counter tapered, which means the ratio of B to A is lower proximal to the A block relative to the ratio of B to A distal to the A block. The [A/B] block preferably has a vinyl content that is higher proximal to the A block relative to the vinyl content distal to the A block. The diblock copolymer is preferably partially coupled or formed with a multifunctional initiator to provide a mixture of the diblock copolymer composition and a linear (A-[A/B])-X-([B/A]-A) structure and/or a coupled radial and/or multiarm structure (A-[A/B])n-X, where X is the residue of a coupling agent or an initiator. Asphalt and adhesive compositions are made with the diblock copolymer composition and with the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified diene copolymer composition having a modified A-B-C or C-B-A copolymer comprising at least one conjugated diene monomer and at least one unsubstituted vinyl aromatic monomer and at least one substituted vinyl aromatic monomer, wherein each block or segment in the modified A-B-C or C-B-A copolymer is either a homopolymer or a copolymer comprising at least one conjugated diene monomer and/or at least one unsubstituted vinyl aromatic monomer and/or at least one substituted vinyl aromatic monomer, wherein any of the copolymers have a distribution configuration that is tapered, counter tapered, random or controlled, and wherein any of the homopolymers or the copolymers comprising at least one conjugated diene monomer and/or at least one unsubstituted vinyl aromatic monomer may be in-chain and/or chain-end modified with at least one unit of at least one substituted vinyl aromatic monomer; optionally having a block copolymer made from the modified A-B-C or C-B-A copolymer, w

Abstract: A counter tapered thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising: (a) a counter tapered diblock A-[A/B] copolymer with a peak molecular weight from 20,000 to 250,000, which includes a monovinyl aromatic homopolymer block A with a peak molecular weight of at least 8,000 and a counter tapered copolymer block [A/B] with a vinyl content of at least 15 weight percent based on the amount of conjugated diene units in the diblock copolymer; and (b) a block copolymer selected from the group consisting of linear triblock copolymers having a peak molecular weight that is at least about 1.5 times the peak molecular weight of the counter tapered diblock A-[A/B] copolymer described in (a), multiarm coupled block copolymers having a peak molecular weight that is at least about 2.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a silica masterbatch, that contains silica and solution-made rubber. The silica masterbatch has physical properties similar to those found in a comparable dry-mixed composition, but the silica masterbatch can be incorporated more easily and less expensively into tires and other rubber products than the dry-mixed composition. A process is also provided for making a masterbatch of silica, a solution-made rubber and an emulsion-made rubber.

Abstract: Polar modifier systems based on a blend of DTHFP, ETE, TMEDA, DMTHFMA and/or functionally similar compounds with BDMAEE and SMT are used to make block copolymers having high levels of pendant vinyl double bond repeat units, which is through highly selective 1,2-bond butadiene addition, low vinylcyclopentane formation, unimodal narrow molecular weight distribution, and a low level of randomized co-monomer repeat units. The block copolymers have very high levels of 1,2-vinyl content and high 3,4-vinyl bond addition of the conjugated diene monomer and low vinylcyclopentane content. The polar modifier systems provide a fast polymerization rate, with a unimodal narrow molecular weight distribution. The polar modifier systems allow operation at a higher temperature than in prior art systems, which reduces cooling requirements.

Abstract: Polar modifier systems based on a blend of DTHFP, ETE, TMEDA, DMTHFMA and/or functionally similar compounds with BDMAEE and SMT are used to make block copolymers having high levels of pendant vinyl double bond repeat units, which is through highly selective 1,2-bond butadiene addition, low vinylcyclopentane formation, unimodal narrow molecular weight distribution, and a low level of randomized co-monomer repeat units. The block copolymers have very high levels of 1,2-vinyl content and high 3,4-vinyl bond addition of the conjugated diene monomer and low vinylcyclopentane content. The polar modifier systems provide a fast polymerization rate, with a unimodal narrow molecular weight distribution. The polar modifier systems allow operation at a higher temperature than in prior art systems, which reduces cooling requirements.

Abstract: Polar modifier systems based on a blend of DTHFP, ETE, TMEDA, DMTHFMA and/or functionally similar compounds with BDMAEE and SMT are used to make block copolymers having high levels of pendant vinyl double bond repeat units, which is through highly selective 1,2-bond butadiene addition, low vinylcyclopentane formation, unimodal narrow molecular weight distribution, and a low level of randomized co-monomer repeat units. The block copolymers have very high levels of 1,2-vinyl content and high 3,4-vinyl bond addition of the conjugated diene monomer and low vinylcyclopentane content. The polar modifier systems provide a fast polymerization rate, with a unimodal narrow molecular weight distribution. The polar modifier systems allow operation at a higher temperature than in prior art systems, which reduces cooling requirements.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a silica masterbatch, that contains silica and solution-made rubber. The silica masterbatch has physical properties similar to those found in a comparable dry-mixed composition, but the silica masterbatch can be incorporated more easily and less expensively into tires and other rubber products than the dry-mixed composition. A process is also provided for making a masterbatch of silica, a solution-made rubber and an emulsion-made rubber.

Abstract: A counter tapered thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising: (a) a counter tapered diblock A-[A/B] copolymer with a peak molecular weight from 20,000 to 250,000, which includes a monovinyl aromatic homopolymer block A with a peak molecular weight of at least 8,000 and a counter tapered copolymer block [A/B] with a vinyl content of at least 15 weight percent based on the amount of conjugated diene units in the diblock copolymer; and (b) a block copolymer selected from the group consisting of linear triblock copolymers having a peak molecular weight that is at least about 1.5 times the peak molecular weight of the counter tapered diblock A-[A/B] copolymer described In (a), multiarm coupled block copolymers having a peak molecular weight that is at least about 2.

Abstract: A tapered triblock copolymer having controlled vinyl distribution, enlarged middle block with intermediate composition and microstructure, increased compatibility between its adjacent blocks, good processing characteristics and a peak average molecular weight between 25,000 and 300,000 is made by anionically polymerizing conjugated diene and monovinyl aromatic monomers, polar modifier and initiator to make a first block rich in conjugated diene, forming a second block that is a copolymer of the conjugated diene and the monovinyl aromatic monomer and which is less rich in the conjugated diene than the first block, and forming a third block that is a homopolymer of the monovinyl aromatic monomer. The first, second and third blocks comprise 30 to 60, 20 to 50 wt % and 10 to 40 wt % of the tapered triblock copolymer, respectively. The tapered triblock copolymers may be used as asphalt modifiers, adhesives, sealants, compatibilizers, reinforcing agents and impact modifiers.

Abstract: A tapered triblock copolymer having controlled vinyl distribution, enlarged middle block with intermediate composition and microstructure, increased compatibility between its adjacent blocks, good processing characteristics and a peak average molecular weight between 25,000 and 300,000 is made by anionically polymerizing conjugated diene and monovinyl aromatic monomers, polar modifier and initiator to make a first block rich in conjugated diene, forming a second block that is a copolymer of the conjugated diene and the monovinyl aromatic monomer and which is less rich in the conjugated diene than the first block, and forming a third block that is a homopolymer of the monovinyl aromatic monomer. The first, second and third blocks comprise 30 to 60, 20 to 50 wt % and 10 to 40 wt % of the tapered triblock copolymer, respectively. The tapered triblock copolymers may be used as asphalt modifiers, adhesives, sealants, compatibilizers, reinforcing agents and impact modifiers.

Abstract: Oligomer-modified anionically polymerized polymers, reinforced materials made with the polymers and articles made from the reinforced materials are provided. The oligomer-modified polymers are made by reacting anionically polymerized polymers with low molecular weight acrylic oligomers. The oligomer-modified polymers may be used as adhesives, compatibilizers, reinforcing agents and impact modifiers.