Abstract: The invention relates to a high molecular weight bimodal neodymium-catalysed polybutadiene having a high proportion, >95%, of cis-1,4 units and a low proportion, <1%, of 1,2-vinyl content, wherein the polybutadiene has a linear polymeric main fraction and a long chain branched polymeric fraction, wherein the slope in the RGM relationship is >0.5 for the polymeric main fraction and <0.3 for the long chain branched polymeric fraction.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an ansa-metallocene compound of a novel structure that can provide various selectivities and activities to polyolefin copolymers, a preparation method thereof, and a method for preparing polyolefins using the ansa-metallocene compound.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polyolefin composition comprising one or more of the following formulae: wherein the PO is the residual portion of a vinyl terminated macromonomer (VTM) having had a terminal unsaturated carbon of an allylic chain and a vinyl carbon adjacent to the terminal unsaturated carbon; R1 is a hydrogen atom, an aryl group, or an alkyl group, wherein the aryl group or alkyl group can include one or more heteroatoms, an alkyl or aryl amino group, a polyalkylamino group; wherein the VTM is a vinyl terminated macromonomer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising masticating a molten polymer; where the polymer is semicrystalline polymer prior to melting; where the masticating polymer is conducted at an elevated temperature of Tm?15K to Tm+90K; where Tm is the crystalline melting point of the polymer; masticating the molten polymer while it is cooled from the elevated temperature to a temperature of Ta; where Ta is a temperature that is greater than Tc?10K, where Tc is the crystallization temperature of the polymer; and masticating the polymer at the temperature of Ta for a time period of 0.1 to 50 minutes.

Abstract: A bimodal polyethylene copolymer comprising a lower molecular weight (LMW) component and a higher molecular weight (HMW) component, the copolymer having a z-average molecular weight (Mz) of from about 1,000 kg/mol to about 2,500 kg/mol, a weight fraction of the LMW component (LMW fr.) of from about 0.60 to 0.85, a ratio of a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the HMW component (HMW Mw) to a Mw of the LMW component (LMW Mw) of from about 14 to about 25, a zero shear viscosity (?0) of from about 5×105 Pa-s to about 1×107 Pa-s and a HMW Mw of from about 800 kg/mol to about 1,500 kg/mol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a high-molecular-weight copolymer of polar group-containing allyl monomers including monomer units represented by formulae (3) and (4) (in the formulae, R1 represents a hydrogen atom (H) or hydrocarbon group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R2 represents —OH, —OCOR3 (R3 represents hydrocarbon group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms), —N(R4)2 (R4 represents a hydrogen atom or hydrocarbon group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms); and n and m are a value representing the molar ratio of each of the monomer units), which has few branches and unsaturated group at the molecular end, by copolymerizing olefin and an allyl compound using a metal complex of group 10 elements in the periodic system represented by formula (I) as a catalyst

Abstract: A polymer having a melt index of from about 0.5 g/10 min to about 4.0 g/10 min and a density of equal to or greater than 0.96 g/cc which when formed into a 1-mil film displays a moisture vapor transmission rate ranging from equal to or greater than about 0 to equal to or about 20% greater than X where X=k1{?61.95377+39.52785(Mz/Mw)?8.16974(Mz/Mw)2+0.55114(Mz/Mw)3}+k2{?114.01555(?)+37.68575(Mz/Mw)(?)?2.89177(Mz/Mw)2(?)}+k3{120.37572(?)2?25.91177(Mz/Mw)(?)2}+k4{18.03254(?)3} when Mw is from about 100 kg/mol to about 180 kg/moL; Mz is from about 300 kg/mol to about 1000 kg/mol; ? is from about 0.01 S to about 0.35 s; k1 is 1 g/100 in2·day; k2 is 1 g/100 in2·day·s; k3 is 1 g/100 in2·day·s2; and k4 is 1 g/100 in2·day·s3.

Abstract: Solid catalyst components are disclosed, which include titanium, magnesium, halogen and a combination of internal electron donor compounds containing at least one 1,8 naphthyl diester compound of Formula (II-1) and at least one 3,3-bis(methoxymethyl) alkane of Formula (II-2): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, A, and B are described herein. Catalyst systems containing the catalyst solid components, organoaluminum compounds, and organosilicon compounds are also discussed. This disclosure relates to methods of making the solid catalyst components and the catalyst systems, and methods of polymerizing or copolymerizing alpha olefins using the catalyst systems.

Abstract: A biomolecule-compatible highly branched polymer obtained by polymerizing a monomer having an alkylene oxide and two or more radically polymerizable double bonds in a molecule in presence of a polymerization initiator in 5 mol % or more and 200 mol % or less relative to the moles of monomer, wherein molecular terminals of biomolecule-compatible highly branched polymer have one biomolecular site of at least one pair from the group of combination pairs of biotin and avidin, an antigen and antibody, polynucleotide and polynucleotide having complementary base sequence thereof, cDNA and mRNA, enzyme and substrate, an enzyme and product, an enzyme and competitive inhibitor, an enzyme (binding site) and coenzyme, an enzyme (binding site) and triazine dye, protease and protease inhibitor, Fc site and protein A, Fc site and protein G, lectin and sugar, hormone receptor and hormone, DNA and DNA binding protein, heparin and fibronectin, and heparin and laminin.

Abstract: A novel gas phase polymerization method is devised, for polymerization of low and ultralow density polyethylene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the continuous preparation of polymers in a polymerization apparatus, where the starting materials comprise at least one olefinically unsaturated polyether macromonomer and at least one olefinically unsaturated acid monomer and at least one free-radical initiator and the polymerization is carried out at temperatures in the range from ?20 to +120° C., wherein the polymerization apparatus comprises at least one loop reactor which has at least one feed line for the starting materials and at least one outlet, where the loop reactor comprises at least one reaction zone which comprises internal cooling and mixing elements and which has a volume-based heat removal power of at least 10 kW/m3·K. Furthermore, the use of the polymer of the invention as dispersant for hydraulic binders is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides telomeric copolymers of acrylic and methacrylic acid which further comprise an olefin polymerization residue and have one or more phosphorus acid groups wherein the phosphorus acid group comprises one or more phosphorus atom in the +1 oxidation state or in the +3 oxidation state, or both. In addition the present invention provides methods of making the telomeric copolymers comprising aqueous solution copolymerizing a monomer mixture comprising acrylic acid and methacrylic acid in the presence of a phosphorus acid group containing reactant having a phosphorus atom in the +1 oxidation state, and thermally treating the resulting telomeric copolymer at 175° C. or higher for a sufficient time to decarboxylate the copolymer.

Abstract: A curable aqueous composition, a method for forming a treated substrate with the curable aqueous composition, and the substrate so treated are provided. The composition, the method and the treated substrate may be free from formaldehyde. The composition comprises a (co)polymer and a crosslinker, said (co)polymer comprising, as (co)polymerized units, from 0.05 to 10 wt %, based on the dry weight of the composition, ethylenically unsaturated monomer having at least two carboxylic acid groups, wherein the crosslinker having at least two hydrazino groups having a molar ratio of at least 0.05 of the carboxylic acid group, and wherein the aqueous composition is curable at a temperature of from 100° C. to 250° C.

Abstract: Modified carbon nanotubes are provided having carbon nanotube core covalently bound through C—C bonds to a polymer shell surrounding the carbon nanotube core. The polymer shell is a polymer having functional groups pointing outwardly from the shell. The functional groups are compatible with or able to covalently connect to another polymer. Such modified carbon nanotubes are more readily dispersed in a homogeneous manner in another polymer and may be used as a reinforcing filler in a polymer matrix. The modified carbon nanotubes with a core-shell structure in which the core has a substantially unidirectional orientation within the shell are produced by reacting neutral carbon nanotubes with 4-vinylaniline through a diazonium reaction in presence of one or more types of multifunctional monomers carrying a vinyl moiety and one or more functional groups for compatibilization with or connection to another polymer.

Abstract: Process for making a flexible polyurethane foam by reacting a polyisocyanate and a polyol composition in the presence of water, a reactive amine catalyst and a specific metal salt. The foams have a low level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and a desirable combination of mechanical and durability properties.

Abstract: A composition having a polyurea made by reacting a polyisocyanate with one of the below compounds. The value x is 2 or 3. A method of: providing a polyisocyanate and one of the below compounds, spraying the polyisocyanate and the compound with a plural component pump onto a surface to form a mixture, and allowing the mixture to cure to a polyurea.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of polyols based on fatty acid esters and starter compounds having Zerewitinoff-active hydrogen atoms and the use thereof for the preparation of polyurethane materials.

Abstract: Castor oil-based polyol polymer compositions and their use in processes for preparing polyurethane compounds with modified properties (e.g. tensile strength, hydrolytic stability, and the like) are described.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for synthesizing semi-crystalline polylactides (PLA) even from a lactide mixture including meso-LA and rac-LA. According to the invention, when a mixture of racemic lactide and meso-lactide ispolymerized using a catalyst capable of iso-selectively polymerizing L-lactide and D-lactide, an amorphous poly (meso-lactide) block is formed from meso-lactide and a semi-crystalline poly (racemic lactide) block is formed from racemic lactide by separately polymerizing racemic lactide and meso-lactide by taking advantage of a difference in physicochemical properties between racemic lactide and meso-lactide, whereby polylactide which is semi-crystalline as a whole is produced.

Abstract: Biodegradable cationic block copolymers are disclosed, comprising a hydrophilic block comprising first repeat units derived from a first cyclic carbonyl monomer by ring-opening polymerization, wherein more than 0% of the first repeat units comprise a side chain moiety comprising a quaternary amine group; a hydrophobic block comprising second repeat units derived from a second cyclic carbonyl monomer by ring-opening polymerization; an optional endcap group; and a chain fragment derived from an initiator for the ring opening polymerization. The cationic block copolymers form aqueous micelle mixtures suitable for antimicrobial applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyester resin including: moieties of dicarboxylic acid components including terephthalic acid; and moieties of diol components including isosorbide, a cyclohexanedimethanol, and the balance of other diol compounds. The polyester resin contains a zinc-based catalyst and a phosphorus-based stabilizer. The present invention also provides a method for preparing the polyester resin. The method includes: esterifying diol components including isosorbide, a cyclohexanedimethanol, and the balance of other diol compounds, with dicarboxylic acid components including terephthalic acid in the presence of an esterification reaction catalyst including a zinc compound; adding a phosphorus-based stabilizer to the esterification reaction mixture at the time when the degree of esterification reaches at least 80%; and subjecting the esterification reaction product to polycondensation.

Abstract: The present invention provides bimetallic complexes having increased activity in the copolymerization of carbon dioxide and epoxides. Also provided are methods of using such metal complexes in the synthesis of polymers. According to one aspect, the present invention provides metal complexes comprising an activating species with co-catalytic activity tethered to a multidentate ligand that is coordinated to one or more active metal centers of the complex.

Abstract: Provided is preparation of poly(alkylene carbonate) through alternating copolymerization of carbon dioxide and epoxide. According to the disclosure, by introducing a diepoxide compound to alternating copolymerization of carbon dioxide and epoxide compound using a metal(III) prepared with salen-type ligands containing quaternary ammonium salt as a catalyst, some of the polymer chains may be cross-linked to thus increase an average molecular weight of the copolymer and extend a distribution of molecular weight. A resin prepared according to this method may have high mechanical strength and rheological advantages.

Abstract: A method for producing a narrow molecular weight distribution polyalkylene glycol derivative having an amino group at an end is provided and allows for polymerization of ethylene oxide under mild conditions with suppressed occurrence of diol polymer impurities includes at least the steps of polymerizing ethylene oxide by using a compound represented by the following general formula (2) and converting a polymer end to R3: wherein R1 represents a linear, branched, or cyclic monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R2 represents a linear or branched divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R3 represents a linear, branched, or cyclic monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; M represents sodium or potassium; m represents an integer of 1 to 5; n represents an integer of 1 to 450; and k represents an integer of 1 to 5.

Abstract: In embodiments, medical devices have a surface that includes a catalytic material, and a non-fouling material attached to the surface. The non-fouling material can be released from the surface, for example, by cleavage of a bond connecting the material to the surface. The bond can be a chemical bond, such as a covalent bond.

Abstract: A method of producing a polyamide includes (i) polycondensating a polyamide precursor containing a salt made from a dicarboxylic acid and a diamine under pressure in a pre-polymerization tank to obtain a prepolymer, and (ii) highly polymerizing the prepolymer with an extruder, wherein when the prepolymer in a molten state which is obtained in the step (i) is fed, by a pump, to the low-pressure extruder from the pre-polymerization tank through a discharge side pipe disposed downstream of the pump, the prepolymer is fed such that the length L [cm] of the discharge side pipe and the linear velocity of discharge v [cm/s] of the prepolymer by the pump satisfy the relationship expressed by the equation, 0.1 [s]?L/v<10 [s].

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel functional polyoxazoline derivatives prepared by terminating polyoxazoline polymerization with inert chemical groups. In addition, the present disclosure demonstrates the synthesis of novel electrophilic initiators with protected functional groups capable of initiating oxazoline polymerization and capable of surviving the conditions of polymerization. These initiators are used to synthesize the above inert-terminal polyoxazoline derivatives as well as other polyoxazolines with active terminal groups. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides for polyoxazoline-lipid conjugates and liposomal compositions prepared using such polyoxazoline-lipid conjugates. Methods of using the foregoing to prepare conjugates with target molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed herein are hybrid aerogels which are compositions of tetraalkoxysilanes and bis-(trialkoxysilyl) imides that exhibit low thermal conductivities and high compressive strengths. Methods for their preparation are also provided.

Abstract: T-aminoalkyl-functional organopolysiloxanes with defined viscosity can be reproducibly prepared without gelling by condensing an organopolysiloxane containing at least two Si-bonded hydroxyl groups with an aminoalkyltrialkoxysilane in the presence of an organic compound bearing one or more hydroxyl groups.

Abstract: A flame retardant polymer is prepared from renewable content. In an exemplary synthetic method, a bio-derived flame retardant polymer is prepared by a polycondensation reaction of a biobased diol (e.g., isosorbide) and a phosphorus-containing monomer (e.g., phenylphosphonic dichloride). The biobased diol may be obtained either directly from, or through modification of, a biological product. Preferably, at least 50% of the mass of the biobased diol is obtained directly from a biological product. The phosphorus-containing monomer may be a phosphonic dichloride, dichlorophosphate, alkyl/aryl phosphonate, or other phosphorus-containing monomer known for flame retardancy.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for oxygen-tailoring polyethylene, particularly polyethylenes suitable for wire and cable applications. One process includes conveying a first polyethylene having a melt index ?5.0 and an MWD ?5.0 through mixing or extrusion apparatus having a feed zone, a melt-mixing zone downstream of the feed zone, and a melt zone downstream of the melt-mixing zone, wherein the temperature of the first polyethylene in the melt zone ranges from about 180° C. to about 300° C.; and contacting the first polyethylene with an amount of an oxygen-containing gas having at least about 20.0 parts by weight oxygen per million per parts by weight of the first polyethylene (ppm (wt) O2). Polyethylene compositions having improved properties, particularly for wire and cable applications are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for converting a solid (meth)acrylate copolymer into a dispersed form by preparing an aqueous dispersion comprising the components (a) a (meth)acrylate copolymer which is composed of free-radical polymerized methyl methacrylate, ethylacrylate and a salt of 2-trimethylammoniumethyl methacrylate, present in solid form as a powder or as a granulate, (b) up to 50% by weight calculated on the (meth)acrylate copolymer (a) of a dispersing agent selected from the groups of (b) i) plasticizers in combination with emulsifiers and/or (b) ii) pharmaceutically acceptable carbohydrates having 6 to 18 carbon atoms with a functional group and (c) water by mixing the components (a), (b) and (c) to give a suspension which becomes an aqueous dispersion during the conversion of the solid (meth)acrylate copolymer into the dispersed form, characterized in that, the (meth)acrylate copolymer is converted into the dispersed form by means of the presence of the dispersing agent at a temperature

Abstract: A composite material in which a graphene-like carbon material has excellent adhesion to a substrate composed of resin, and a method for producing the same are provided. The composite material comprises a substrate composed of resin and a graphene-like carbon material layer provided so as to cover at least part of the surface of the substrate, wherein graphene-like carbon is closely attached to the surface of the substrate. The method for producing a composite material comprises bringing a graphene-like carbon material into contact with at least part of the surface of a substrate composed of resin and heating under the action of a supercritical or subcritical fluid.

Abstract: A method for producing a functionalized rubber that includes adding a diene rubber selected from natural rubber, a synthetic polyisoprene rubber or combinations thereof and an organic peroxide to a mixer, the organo peroxide may be represented by the formula R1—O—O—R2, wherein R1 is selected from hydrogen or an organic moiety of between 4 and 15 carbon atoms and R2 comprises a functional moiety. The mix composition may be mixed until the mix composition reaches a target temperature of between 120° C. and 190° C. and decomposing the organic peroxide to provide a decomposition product comprising the functional moiety and reacting at least a portion of the decomposition product with at least a portion of the diene rubber to produce the functionalized rubber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing polymer compositions comprising modified metal oxides in a polymer wherein a nanoparticle dispersion of a metal oxide in a non-aqueous solvent is combined with at least one coupling agent to form a nanoparticle dispersion of a modified metal oxide in the non-aqueous solvent. The nanoparticle dispersion is then combined with a polymer followed by the removal of the non-aqueous solvent or, alternatively, combined with a monomer, which is polymerized to form the polymer and removal of the solvent, in any order. Also disclosed are polymer compositions prepared by this method.

Abstract: Preparation of a masterbatch of diene elastomer and silica including preparing at least one silica dispersion in water; bringing into contact and mixing an elastomer latex and the aqueous silica dispersion in the presence of a metal salt in order to obtain a coagulum; and recovering the coagulum and drying the recovered coagulum in order to obtain the masterbatch. The molar content of zinc cations, defined as the number of moles of zinc cations of the zinc salt per BET unit area of the silica, is between 1.19*10?6 and 5.62*10?6 mol/m2.

Abstract: A masterbatch of dried distillers solubles and at least one thermoplastic resin and processes for forming the masterbatch, wherein the dried distillers solubles is greater than 70% by weight of the masterbatch are generally disclosed. The masterbatch generally includes compounding a mixture of dried distillers solubles and at least one thermoplastic resin to form a flowable solid medium, wherein the dried distillers solubles is greater than 70% by weight percent based on a total weight of the mixture and has a moisture content of less than 25% by weight of the dried distillers solubles. The article can then be formed by melt processing, direct injection molding or extruding the flowable solid medium (masterbatch) with an additional amount of at least one thermoplastic resin to form the article, wherein the article comprises dried distillers solubles in an amount of less than 50 weight percent based on a total weight of the article.

Abstract: A method of preparing a transparent polymer material includes mixing mineral nanoparticles selected from nanoparticles of alkaline-earth metal carbonates, alkaline-earth metal sulfates, metallic oxides, oxides of metalloids, and siloxanes, and a composition A including at least one thermoplastic polymer in the molten state selected from polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in order to obtain a master-batch, the mixture of step i) including at least 25% and at most 75% by weight of the mineral nanoparticles. The master-batch obtained in step i) is mixed with a composition B of a thermoplastic polycarbonate matrix (PCm) in the molten state, to obtain a transparent polymer material including at most 10% by weight of the mineral nanoparticles, preferably at most 5% by weight of the mineral nanoparticles.

Abstract: A crosslinkable composition including a component A with at least 2 acidic protons C—H in activated methylene or methine groups (the RMA donor group), and a component B with at least 2 activated unsaturated groups (the RMA acceptor group), and a catalyst system C that contains, or is able to generate a basic catalyst capable of activating the RMA reaction between components A and B, characterised in that the cross-linkable composition further includes an X—H group containing component D that is also a Michael addition donor reactable with component B under the action of catalyst C, wherein X is N, P, O, S or wherein X is C as part of an acidic methyl (CH3) group. A component D and catalyst additive mixtures for the manufacture of RMA crosslinkable composition.

Abstract: A polyimide film includes a polyimide polymer forming a main molecular structure of the polyimide film, and polyimide particles present in the polyimide film at a weight ratio between about 15 wt % and 30 wt % of a total weight of the polyimide film, the polyimide particles having an average diameter between about 3 ?m and 8 ?m. The polyimide film can have a 60° gloss value equal to or smaller than 10, a haze equal to or higher than 90%, and a Young's modulus equal to or higher than 280 kgf/mm2. In some embodiments, methods of fabricating the polyimide film are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin composition for flooring characterized in that it comprises a PLA resin, a plasticizer, and an acrylate oligomer. Also, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing flooring, comprising the step of processing flooring which includes a sheet-like molded body of the resin composition and manufacturing the sheet-like molded body by processing the resin composition through extrusion or calendaring methods.

Abstract: A curable resin composition for a hard coat layer capable of forming a hard coat layer having high hardness even with thin thickness and/or excellent in abrasion resistance and hardness, and a hard coat film using the curable resin composition.

Abstract: Provided is a polypropylene-based resin composition which gives uniform and fine cells and from which a foamed sheet and thermoform excellent in appearance, thermoformability, impact resistance, lightness, stiffness, heat resistance, heat insulating properties, oil resistance and the like can be produced. A polypropylene-based resin composition comprising (X) 5 to 99% by weight of a polypropylene resin having a structure with long chain branches, and (Y) 1 to 95% by weight of a propylene-based block copolymer produced by sequential polymerization, which block copolymer comprises (Y-1) a propylene (co)polymer and (Y-2) a propylene-ethylene copolymer.

Abstract: Crystalline foam and process for making it by first creating a crystalline arrangement of gas bubbles in curable composition and allowing this composition to cure subsequently.

Abstract: Porous organic polymeric films having multiple discrete cavities can be prepared using a water-in-oil emulsion that includes a cavity stabilizing hydrocolloid on the inner walls of the multiple discrete cavities. The multiple discrete cavities can also include organic catalytic materials for various catalytic reactions, markers materials for security applications, or the multiple discrete cavities can be used to increase opacity, hydrophobicity, or other desirable properties compared to nonporous organic polymeric films composed of the composition and dry thickness.

Abstract: A process for component separation in a polymer production system, comprising separating a polymerization product stream into a gas stream and a polymer stream, wherein the gas stream comprises ethane and unreacted ethylene, distilling the gas stream into a light hydrocarbon stream, wherein the light hydrocarbon stream comprises ethane and unreacted ethylene, contacting the light hydrocarbon stream with an absorption solvent system, wherein at least a portion of the unreacted ethylene from the light hydrocarbon stream is absorbed by the absorption solvent system, and recovering a waste gas stream from the absorption solvent system, wherein the waste gas stream comprises ethane, hydrogen, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solvent-based separation method for the total material recycling of materials used in nonwoven, woven, and tufted wares into the individual material components thereof sorted by type. At least one of the materials contains a polyolefin wax. As a solvent and/or swelling agent, halogen-free, aliphatic hydrocarbons or aromatic hydrocarbons or a mixture of one or several of said solvents are used.

Abstract: A method for degrading a readily degradable resin composition comprising an aliphatic polyester (A) which is biodegradable, and an aliphatic polyester (B?) which releases an acid upon hydrolysis and which is biodegradable at a higher degradation rate than that of the aliphatic polyester (A), the method comprising degrading the readily degradable resin composition in an enzyme reaction liquid containing a degradation enzyme, and an acid neutralizing agent incompatible with the enzyme reaction liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rubber composition that enables to improve the fuel economy, wet-grip performance, abrasion resistance, and processability in a balanced manner, and a pneumatic tire including the rubber composition. The present invention relates to a rubber composition containing silica and a conjugated diene polymer, the conjugated diene polymer being obtained by reacting a compound containing a nitrogen atom and/or a silicon atom with an active end of a copolymer obtained by polymerizing a monomer component including a conjugated diene compound and a silicon-containing vinyl compound using a polymerization initiator represented by the following formula (I): wherein an amount of the conjugated diene polymer is not more than 90% by mass based on 100% by mass of a rubber component of the rubber composition, and an amount of the silica is 10 to 150 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component.

Abstract: A re-epoxidized polyfunctional epoxy resin composition comprising the reaction product of: (I) an epoxidized polyfunctional epoxy resin oligomeric composition comprising a polyfunctional aliphatic or cycloaliphatic epoxy resin which has been isolated from an epoxy resin product formed as a result of an epoxidation process comprising the reaction of: (i) an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydroxyl-containing material; (ii) an epihalohydrin, (iii) a basic-acting substance, in the presence of (iv) a non-Lewis acid catalyst; and (v) optionally, one or more solvents; (II) an epihalohydrin; (III) a basic acting substance; in the presence of (IV) a non-Lewis acid catalyst; and (V) optionally, one or more solvents. A curable epoxy resin composition of the re-epoxidized polyfunctional epoxy resin composition and a thermoset of the curable composition is also disclosed.