Abstract: A heterogeneous in-situ polymer blend comprising a continuous phase comprising a polypropylene having a crystallinity of at least 30% and a melting point temperature Tm greater than 130° C., and a heat of fusion ?Hf greater than 65 J/g; and a dispersed phase comprising particles of an elastomeric copolymer dispersed in the continuous phase and having an average particle size of less than 5 micron, the elastomeric copolymer comprising ethylene units and 0.001 to 5 wt % diene by weight of the copolymer, and having a crystallinity of less than 20% and being at least partially cross-linked such that the degree of cross-link is at least 20%.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to nanocomposite compositions that are suitable for air bladders, innertubes, innerliners and other desirable air-retention articles. In particular, this disclosure is directed to compositions that include the nanocomposite, the nanocomposite made in such that its air-retention properties are much improved over what is known, while maintaining desirable elasticity and processability. In a particular aspect, an air-retention article such as an innerliner if formed by first contacting a desirable elastomer, especially a functionalized poly(isobutylene-co-p-methylstyrene) elastomer, with one or more layered fillers such as a clay described further below, and also contacting one or more processing aids, and one or more solvents to form an nanocomposite composition.

Abstract: An elastomeric nanocomposite contains: (a) at least one elastomer comprising units derived from isoolefins having from 4 to 7 carbon atoms; (b) at least 10 phr of a carbon black; and (c) at least 1 phr of a nanoclay; wherein when the nanocomposite is used in an article, the article has a gas permeation coefficient of 80.0 cc*mm/[m2-day] at 40° C. The carbon black may be graphitized to reduce interactions between the carbon black and the nanoclays. The elastomeric nanocomposite may, with or without the use of the graphitized carbon black, may calendared or extruded in such a manner as to orient the nanoclay platelets within the composition such that the oriented nanoclay elastomer nanocomposite has an orientation parameter of greater than 0.15.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes to produce nanocomposites. In particular, the invention relates to solution processes using organic solvents and mixtures of solvents to produce polymeric nanocomposites.

Abstract: A nanocomposite is formed from at least one copolymer and at least one nanofiller. The copolymer is formed of units derived from isoolefins having from 4 to 7 carbon atoms and multiolefins. The nanofiller comprising a surfactant wherein the surfactant has the structure of (R1R2R3R4)N+ wherein R1 is benzyl derived unit, which may or may not be substituted, wherein R2 is selected from C1 to C26 alkyls, C2 to C26 alkenes, and C3 to C26 aryls, and wherein R3 and R4 are the same or different and are independently selected from C9 to C26 alkyls, C9 to C26 alkenes, and C9 to C26 aryls.

Abstract: A heterogeneous in-situ polymer blend comprising a continuous phase comprising a polypropylene having a crystallinity of at least 30% and a melting point temperature Tm greater than 130° C., and a heat of fusion ?Hf greater than 65 J/g; and a dispersed phase comprising particles of an elastomeric copolymer dispersed in the continuous phase and having an average particle size of less than 5 micron, the elastomeric copolymer comprising ethylene units and 0.001 to 5 wt % diene by weight of the copolymer, and having a crystallinity of less than 20% and being at least partially cross-linked such that the degree of cross-link is at least 20%.

Abstract: A halogenated elastomer partially functionalized with triethylamine, in a mixture with fiiier and a cure package, suitable for use as an air barrier in an innertube or tire innerliner, is disclosed. The halogenated elastomer can be a polymer comprising C4 to C7 isoolefm derived units, para-alkylstyrene derived units, para-(haloalkylstyrene) derived units, and para-(triethylammoniumalkylstyrene) derived units. The Mooney viscosity of the elastomer can be controlled by the degree of triethylamine functionalization. Also disclosed is a method for making an article using the tri ethy iamine-functionalized elastomer.

Abstract: A process for producing a nanocomposite of a halogenated elastomer and an inorganic, exfoliated clay includes the in-situ protonation of a modifier, which may be an alkylamine, arylamine or an alkylarylamine. This process can be integrated with a polymer halogenation process. The nanocomposite so formed has improved air barrier properties and is suitable for use as a tire innerliner or innertube.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) with unique morphological features, more specifically, this invention relates to a method for preparing TPV compositions wherein the mixing of plastomers and elastomers are carried out in solvent with curatives to induce cross-linking.

Abstract: An elastomeric compositions having improved impermeability is disclosed. The cured elastomeric composition may comprise at least one C4-C7 monoolefin elastomer, a hydrocarbon polymer additive, and a clay. In some embodiments, the cured elastomeric composition has a permeation coefficient at 40° C. of 90 cc*mm/(m2-day) or less. In some embodiments, the elastomeric composition is substantially free of naphthenic oil.

Abstract: A nanocomposite comprising at least one elastomer and at least one nanofiller. The elastomer comprises units derived from isoolefins having from 4 to 7 carbon atoms and at least one multiolefin. The nanofiller comprise a layered filler and an amine modifier wherein the nanofiller is substantially free of any unassociated amines. By eliminating unassociated amines in the nanofiller, prior to contact with the elastomer, the nanocomposite has improved processability characteristics while maintaining desired impermeability characteristics.

Abstract: An elastomeric nanocomposite is produced from an isobutylene-based polymer and a layered nanofiller. The process of preparing the nanocomposite includes the steps of a) polymerizing isobutylene monomers and multiolefin monomers to produce an isobutylene-based polymer; b) completing at least one mass transfer dependent stage in the process wherein, after completion of the stage and prior to any recovery of the polymer, the polymer is dissolved in a solvent to create a polymer cement; c) contacting the layered nanofiller and the polymer solvent to obtain the nanocomposite; and d) recovering the nanocomposite. The layered nanofiller may be in a slurry prior to contacting with the polymer cement.

Abstract: An elastomeric nanocomposite contains: (a) at least one elastomer comprising units derived from isoolefins having from 4 to 7 carbon atoms; (b) at least 10 phr of a carbon black; and (c) at least 1 phr of a nanoclay; wherein when the nanocomposite is used in an article, the article has a gas permeation coefficient of 80.0 cc*mm/[m2-day] at 40° C. The carbon black may be graphitized to reduce interactions between the carbon black and the nanoclays. The elastomeric nanocomposite may, with or without the use of the graphitized carbon black, may calendared or extruded in such a manner as to orient the nanoclay platelets within the composition such that the oriented nanoclay elastomer nanocomposite has an orientation parameter of greater than 0.15.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) with unique morphological features, more specifically, this invention relates to a method for preparing TPV compositions wherein the mixing of plastomers and elastomers are carried out in solvent with curatives to induce cross-linking.

Abstract: A heterogeneous polymer blend comprises a dispersed phase comprising a thermoplastic first polymer having a crystallinity of at least 30% and a continuous phase comprising a second polymer different from the first polymer. The second polymer has a crystallinity of less than 20% and is at least partially cross-linked.

Abstract: An elastomeric nanocomposite is produced from an isobutylene-based polymer and a layered nanofiller. The process of preparing the nanocomposite includes the steps of a) polymerizing isobutylene monomers and multiolefin monomers to produce an isobutylene-based polymer; b) completing at least one mass transfer dependent stage in the process wherein, after completion of the stage and prior to any recovery of the polymer, the polymer is dissolved in a solvent to create a polymer cement; c) contacting the layered nanofiller and the polymer solvent to obtain the nanocomposite; and d) recovering the nanocomposite. The layered nanofiller may be in a slurry prior to contacting with the polymer cement.

Abstract: A nanocomposite comprising at least one elastomer and at least one nanofiller. The elastomer comprises units derived from isoolefins having from 4 to 7 carbon atoms and at least one multiolefin. The nanofiller comprise a layered filler and an amine modifier wherein the nanofiller is substantially free of any unassociated amines. By eliminating unassociated amines in the nanofiller, prior to contact with the elastomer, the nanocomposite has improved processability characteristics while maintaining desired impermeability characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) comprising: contacting a thermoplastic polymer, a cross-linkable elastomer, at least one curative, and at least one cure activator in a solvent to form Composition A. The solvent is then removed, and thereafter the cross-linkable elastomer is at least partially cured. The average particle size of the cross-linkable elastomer is 10 microns or less after the solvent is removed.

Abstract: A process for producing a nanocomposite of a halogenated elastomer and an inorganic, exfoliated clay includes the in-situ protonation of a modifier, which may be an alkylamine, arylamine or an alkylarylamine. This process can be integrated with a polymer halogenation process. The nanocomposite so formed has improved air barrier properties and is suitable for use as a tire innerliner or innertube.

Abstract: A heterogeneous polymer blend comprises a dispersed phase comprising a thermoplastic first polymer having a crystallinity of at least 30% and a continuous phase comprising a second polymer different from the first polymer. The second polymer has a crystallinity of less than 20% and is at least partially cross-linked.