Abstract: Terminally-functional low molecular weight alkoxylated polybutadiene (meth)acrylates are used to improve the physical properties of elastomeric compositions cured in the presence of at least one free-radical generating compound selected from peroxides, percarbonates or azo compounds. The elastomers are natural or synthetic, or mixtures thereof. Reinforcing fillers may also be present. Preferred alkoxylated polybutadiene (meth)acrylates are of Formula I wherein R is H, Me, Et or C6H5; R? is H or Me; R? is H or Me; n=1 to 100; and Z=1 to 3.

Abstract: This invention reveals an initiator system which is comprised of (a) a lithium initiator, (b) a sodium alkoxide, and (c) a polar modifier; wherein the molar ratio of the sodium alkoxide to the polar modifier is within the range of about 0.1:1 to about 10:1; and wherein the molar ratio of the sodium alkoxide to the lithium initiator is within the range of about 0.01:1 to about 20:1.

Abstract: This invention reveals a high performance polybutadiene rubber blend comprised of (a) a first polybutadiene rubber, (b) a second polybutadiene rubber, and (c) a third polybutadiene rubber; wherein the first polybutadiene rubber, the second polybutadiene rubber, and the third polybutadiene rubber are selected from the group of consisting of super-high vinyl polybutadiene rubbers having a vinyl content which is within the range of 80 percent to 100 percent, high vinyl polybutadiene rubbers having a vinyl content which is within the range of 60 percent to 79 percent, medium vinyl polybutadiene rubbers having a vinyl content which is within the range of 35 percent to 59 percent, and low vinyl polybutadiene rubbers having a vinyl content which is within the range of 8 percent to 34 percent; wherein at least three members selected from the group consisting of super-high vinyl polybutadiene rubbers, high vinyl polybutadiene rubbers, medium vinyl polybutadiene rubbers, and low vinyl polybutadiene rubbers are included