Abstract: A method is provided for synthesizing a core-shell nanoparticle that includes the following steps: providing a polymeric seed (in a solvent) that includes a mono-vinyl monomer cross-linked with a cross-linking agent to form the core of the nanoparticle, the core has an average diameter of from about nanometers to about 10,000 nanometers, and the core has polymer chains with living ends; adding a stabilizer to stabilize the seed and prevent the seed from precipitating out of solution; and grafting a shell species onto the living ends of the core to form the shell of the nanoparticle. A core-first synthesized nanoparticle, along with a rubber composition and tire product are also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for making nanoparticles, including the steps of: combining a hydrocarbon solvent and an aprotic, polar co-solvent, a mono-vinyl aromatic monomer, polymerization initiator, a solution stabilizer, and a first charge of a cross-linking agent. Subsequently, a second charge of cross-linking agent is added. The nanoparticles have an average diameter of 5 nanometers to about 10,000 nanometers. Spherical nanoparticles are also provided that include a cross-linking agent comprising 30% to 60% by weight of the combined weight of a mono-vinyl aromatic species and the cross-linking agent. The spherical nanoparticles also meet the following equation: 0.90?(D1/D2)?1.1 wherein D1 is a first diameter of a nanoparticle and D2 is a second diameter of the nanoparticle, and D1 and D2 intersect at right angles.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are included for preparing a hairy polymeric nanoparticle including first and second shell block polymer arms are at least partially phase-separated and surround a polymeric core. One type of polymeric arm can have a greater polarity than the other type(s) of polymeric arms. A rubber composition including the hairy nanoparticles is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to pre-polymer and polymer compositions that can be photopolymerized. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to crosslinking agents that can be used in the photopolymerization of the pre-polymers and polymers disclosed herein. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to processes for producing pre-polymer, polymer and crosslinking compositions useful in photopolymerization reaction schemes. In one instance, the pre-polymers and polymers of the present invention can be crosslinked via a suitable crosslinking agent to produce networks (e.g., amphiphilic networks and/or co-networks).

Abstract: A polymer including a functional group, where the polymer is defined by the formula where R1 is a monovalent organic group, each R2 is independently a monovalent organic group, R3 is a divalent organic group, R4 is a bond, a divalent organic group, or a divalent organic group including a functional group, ? is a polymer chain, m is an integer from 1 to about 25, and n is an integer from 1 to 4.

Abstract: The invention provides vulcanizable rubber compound having improved tensile mechanical and dynamic viscoelastic properties. The compounds are formed by mixing an elastomer, containing unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds in its molecular structure, with a reinforcing inorganic filler silica in the presence of an alkyl alkoxysilane and a non-sulfur coupling agent that binds to the rubber backbone with an “ene” linkage or a 1,3 dipolar addition linkage. In particular, the coupling agent and the alkyl alkoxysilane are present in the compound in a weight ratio of about 0.0001:1 to about 1:1.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to pre-polymer and polymer compositions that can be photopolymerized. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to crosslinking agents that can be used in the photopolymerization of the pre-polymers and polymers disclosed herein. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to processes for producing pre-polymer, polymer and crosslinking compositions useful in photopolymerization reaction schemes. In one instance, the pre-polymers and polymers of the present invention can be crosslinked via a suitable crosslinking agent to produce networks (e.g., amphiphilic networks and/or co-networks).

Abstract: A functionalized polymer includes a directly bonded moiety, which can be located at a terminus of the polymer, defined by the formula —[—CR1R2NH—O—]—Si where each R1 and R2 independently is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group and where the Si atom can be bonded through similar moieties to up to three other polymers and/or to the appropriate number of non-interfering groups. The polymer can be provided by introducing a ketoximesilane compound into a system that includes carbanionic (living) polymer. Such polymers can be used in the production of compositions that include particulate fillers.

Abstract: A polymer including a functional group, where the polymer is defined by the formula where R1 is a monovalent organic group, each R2 is independently a monovalent organic group, R3 is a divalent organic group, R4 is a bond, a divalent organic group, or a divalent organic group including a functional group, ? is a polymer chain, m is an integer from 1 to about 25, and n is an integer from 1 to 4.