Abstract: A functionalized macromolecule includes a hydrogenated interpolymer portion, a non-hydrogenated polymer portion, and the radical of a functional coupling agent covalently bonded to and linking those portions. The functional group of the coupling agent exhibits interactivity with silica. The interpolymer can include vinyl aromatic mer and conjugated diene mer, with at least some of the latter, typically at least 50 mole percent, having been hydrogenated.

Abstract: A vulcanizable composition comprising rubber component, a filler, and a curing agent, where the rubber component includes a block copolymer of polybutadiene and polyisoprene, and where the block copolymer has a cis content of at least 90%.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polydiene, the process comprising (i) preparing an active catalyst composition by combining a rare-earth compound including a rare-earth metal, an alkylating agent, an aluminoxane, and optionally a halogen-containing compound, where the catalyst composition includes halogen at molar ratio to the rare-earth metal of from about 0.5:1 to about 2.0:1; and (ii) introducing the active catalyst composition to conjugated diene monomer.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polydiene, the process comprising (i) forming an active catalyst composition by combining a rare-earth compound, an alkylating agent, an aluminoxane, and a halogen compound; and (ii) combining the active catalyst composition with monomer to be polymerized within 12 hours of forming the active catalyst composition.

Abstract: A vulcanizate is provided that includes a crosslinked network of elastomeric polymer having hydrogen bonds and covalent bonds. A method for preparing a functionalized elastomeric polymer and a method for preparing the vulcanizate are also provided.

Abstract: A vulcanizable composition comprising rubber component, a filler, and a curing agent, where the rubber component includes a block copolymer of polybutadiene and polyisoprene, and where the block copolymer has a cis content of at least 90%.

Abstract: A vulcanizable composition comprising rubber component, a filler, and a curing agent, where the rubber component includes a block copolymer of polybutadiene and polyisoprene, and where the block copolymer has a cis content of at least 90%.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to functionalized copolymers produced by copolymerization of at least one conjugated diolefin monomer and at least one vinyl monomer, the functionalized copolymer including at least one functional group having silica reactive moieties, wherein the functionalized copolymer has a degree of hydrogenation of 75% to 98 mol % as measured using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR). In one or more embodiments, the silane modifier may include an oxygen-containing moiety, wherein the oxygen atom of the oxygen-containing moiety may not be directly bonded with the silicon atom.

Abstract: A method of preparing a silane-functionalized polymer, the method comprising: preparing a polymerization system including a cis-1,4-polydiene by introducing a lanthanide-based catalyst and a conjugated diene monomer; and adding a hydrosilane compound to the polymerization system including a cis-1,4-polydiene.

Abstract: A vulcanizable composition comprising rubber component, a filler, and a curing agent, where the rubber component includes a block copolymer of polybutadiene and polyisoprene, and where the block copolymer has a cis content of at least 90%.

Abstract: A method of preparing a silane-functionalized polymer, the method comprising: preparing a polymerization system including a cis-1,4-polydiene by introducing a lanthanide-based catalyst and a conjugated diene monomer; and adding a hydrosilane compound to the polymerization system including a cis-1,4-polydiene.