Abstract: A biodegradable polymer is disclosed having the composition g) from 8 to 80% by weight of a starch modified to include an hydroxyalkyl C2-6 group or modified by reaction with an anhydride of a dicarboxylic acid, preferably hydroxypropylated high amylose starch, a) from 0 to 87.9% of starch, b) from 4 to 11% by weight of a water soluble polymer selected from polyvinylacetate, polyvinyl alcohol and copolymers of ethylene and vinylalcohol which have a melting point compatible with the molten stat of the starch components, c) from 0 to 20% by weight of a polyol plasticiser, preferably glycerol, d) from 0.1 to 1.5% by weight of a C12-22 fatty acid or salt, preferably stearic acid and, e) 0 to 12% added water. The polymers are suitable as biodegradable rigid sheet or flexible film materials for use in packaging foodstuffs.

Abstract: A durable hydrophilic coating composition is provided comprising a film forming polymer, a wetting agent and from about 0.001% to about 40%, by weight of the composition, of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are selected from the group consisting of alumina, silica and combinations thereof and have a particle size of from about 1 to about 750 nanometers. The weight ratio of the film forming polymer to the nanoparticles is from about 1:1 to about 1:30. A disposable absorbent article is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire-resistant composition for coating, filling, sealing, and protection comprising an isocyanate curable polymer, a polymer curable isocyanate, an aliphatic polyether glycol, and rubber, whereby it further comprises ammonium polyphosphate, expanding graphite, and aluminum trihydrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are metal-organic frameworks of metals and boron rich ligands, such as carboranes and icosahedral boranes. Methods of synthesizing and using these materials in gas uptake are disclosed.

Abstract: Additives for paper making are disclosed herein. Specifically, the additives are wax-free alternatives to conventional coatings, including ASA, AKD and optionally an acrylic containing composition. Other additives may be included in the coating, such as cationic particles or compositions. The coatings may be used at a variety of points during the paper making process, including on the calender stack and in the wet end.

Abstract: An aqueous composition including a particulate novolac resin and a polyol, wherein >50% of the number of total particles of novolac resin have a particle size of >15 ?m and >5% of the number of total particles of novolac resin have a particle size of >50 ?m, wherein the particulate novolac resin has a dropping point temperature of >127° C., and wherein the aqueous composition is essentially free of organic solvent. The aqueous composition will form a stable dispersion which is ideal for the preparation of a film or coating of substrates such as fiberglass, nonwoven fibers, or lignocellulosic materials which include composite boards, plywoods, parquets, laminated veneer lumber (LVL), laminated flooring, doors, wood for door frames and paper.

Abstract: The specification discloses papers suitable for liquid electrophotographic printing (“LEP”) and a method for making such papers. According to the method, a papermaking furnish containing cellulosic fibers is formed into a fibrous web on a papermaking machine and at least partially dried. The web is then treated with a sizing composition comprising starch, an acrylic acid polymer, a polyglycerol ester, and water. The treated web is dried and calendered to a final desired caliper. Since the sizing composition is an aqueous mixture, it may be applied to the web on-line during production of the paper on the papermaking machine, thereby avoiding the expense and inconvenience of conventional off-line methods used to make existing LEP papers. The resulting paper exhibits at least 80% and preferably above 90% toner adhesion as measured by the tape pull tests used for the assessment of papers printed by LEP.

Abstract: Ceramics are made of preceramic paper or board structures in a particular shape previously represented in a paper structure, in which the preceramic papers or boards have a content of ceramic fillers between 30 and 95 wt-%, with the ceramic fillers having a particle size <30 ?m. A method for manufacturing such ceramics and the use thereof are also provided.

Abstract: Biodegradable aliphatic/aromatic copolyester comprising: A) an acid component comprising repeating units of: 1) 53 to 54 mol % of an aromatic carboxylic acid; 2) 47 to 36 mol % of an aliphatic acid at least 50% of which is azelaic acid ; B) a diol component selected from the group consisting of C3, C4 and C6 diols; said AAPE being disintegrated according to the Standard ISO 20200 in 90 days.

Abstract: Paper compositions are provided that include an amine group-containing cationic polymeric material and a binder material. The paper compositions are particularly useful as receiver materials for images formed by electrophotographic imaging methods utilizing liquid developers. Also described are imaging methods that utilize the paper compositions as receiver materials and methods for manufacturing the paper.

Abstract: There is disclosed a composition comprising at least one cationic crosslinked starch and an organic or inorganic component or a mixture thereof. Included within the organic compounds are any functionalized organic compound such as a polymerizable organic compound, a non-polymerizable organic compound, an organic polymer, or a mixture thereof. Included within the inorganic components are inorganic metals, or inorganic compounds. The compositions are suitable for various applications such as cellulosic products, coatings, paints, and the like. Also disclosed are processes for producing the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sizing or coating composition that, when applied to paper substrate, creates a substrate having improved waterfastness, surface strength, and surface strength as measured by resistance to abrasion. In addition, the present invention relates to paper substrates containing the composition, as well as methods of using and making the paper substrate and composition.

Abstract: A method of preparing a hydrophobic mineral and/or filler material, for example a gypsum material, comprises (i) preparing a hydrolyzate containing polysiloxanes by hydrolyzing a hydrolysable silane or hydrolysable silane mixture in the presence of an acid hydrolysis catalyst; and (ii) combining the polysiloxane hydrolyzate with the mineral and/or filler, and optionally water and/or a catalyst for condensation of the hydrolysate.

Abstract: A colored particle (e.g., a spherical particle) comprising an organic solid component (e.g., a polymer component) and a coloring agent (e.g., an oil-soluble dye, and an organic or inorganic pigment) is produced by eluting a water-soluble auxiliary component comprising at least an oligosaccharide from a composition having a disperse system, in which a particulate dispersed phase comprising the organic solid component and the coloring agent is dispersed in a matrix comprising the auxiliary component. The weight ratio of the polymer component relative to the auxiliary component may be about 55/45 to 1/99. The proportion of the coloring agent may be about 0.001 to 100 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the organic solid component. Such a process ensures conveniently and industrially advantageous production of a colored particle (e.g., a colored polymer particle) corresponding to the dispersed phase independently of affinity between the dispersed phase and the matrix.

Abstract: The invention provides for processes to produce elastomeric compositions, the processes including contacting at least one elastomer with a processing aid, wherein the processing aid comprises at least one functionalized polymer having at least one halogen group. The invention also provides for articles such as innerliners for tires produced from the aforementioned elastomeric compositions.

Abstract: A film-forming composition and a polymeric film or coating comprising hemicellulose, having a molecular weight of less than 50 000 g/mol, and at least one component selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, cellulose and a synthetic oligomer or polymer is disclosed. The use of said film or coating as an oxygen barrier is also disclosed. Further, a method for the manufacture of said polymeric film or coating is disclosed, as well as a method for improving the film-forming properties of hemicellulose having a molecular weight of less than 50 000 g/mol.

Abstract: Biodegradable aliphatic/aromatic copolyester comprising 50 to 60 mol % of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid and 40 to 50 mol % of an aliphatic acid, at least 90% of which is a long-chain dicarboxylic acid (LCDA) of natural origin selected from azelaic acid, sebacic acid, brassylic acid or mixtures thereof; and a diol component.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising a starchy material, said material having: a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 3 500 to 20 000 Daltons, a granular structure before solubilisation, a solubility at pH 7 and 20° C. (S1) of 30-90%, and a solubility at pH 10 and 35° C. (S2) which is at least 10% greater than S1.

Abstract: Biodegradable aliphatic/aromatic copolyester comprising: A) an acid component comprising repeating units of: 1) 49 to 63 mol % of an aromatic carboxylic acid; 2) 51 to 37 mol % of an aliphatic carboxylic acid, at least 50% of which is brassylic acid; B) a diol component; said copolyester being disintegrated according to the Standard ISO 20200 in 90 days days.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable composition for the preparation of table-ware, mulching film and package, which comprises: 2-6% by weight of starch; 35-45% by weight of plant powders; 20-30% by weight of calcium carbonate; 2-7% by weight of sorbitol; 7-13% by weight of polypropylene; 2-5% by weight of polyethylene; 2-6% by weight of coupling agent; 1-2% by weight of defoamer; 2-5% by weight of stearic acid; 2-6% by weight of stearate; 3-6% by weight of glycerine or epoxidized soybean oil; and 60-100 ppm photosensitizer. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing the composition, which comprises: treating a plant waste with a diluent acid, drying and pulverizing, then mixing it with starch, polypropylene, and polyethylene, sorbitol, defoamer, coupling agent, stearic acid, stearate, glycerine and photosensitizer homogeneously; and blending the mixture obtained in a double-screw extruder at a temperature of 160-180° C. to obtain the composition of the present invention.

Abstract: A composition comprises a polyvinylchloride homopolymer, a biodegradable plasticizer and either a swelling agent or a carbohydrate coupled to the polyvinylchloride homopolymer or a combination thereof. The composition may further comprise a blowing agent. A coated fabric comprises a textile substrate and a biodegradable coating at least partially coating the textile substrate, wherein the biodegradable coating degrades at least 60% after 28 days under the ASTM D584 standard. A method of making a biodegradable coating comprises providing a polymer and blending a biodegradable plasticizer with the polymer to form a blend. A method of making a coated textile comprises providing a textile and a composition comprising a polymer, a biodegradable plasticizer, and at least one other component; applying the composition to the textile; and curing the composition, thereby making a coated textile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable polyester mixtures comprising from 5% to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to ii, of at least one polyester based on aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids and an aliphatic dihydroxy compound (component i) and from 20% to 95% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to ii, of at least one renewable raw material (component ii) and from 0.1% to 15% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to ii, of a component iii which is capable of forming covalent bonds with both component i and component ii. The present invention further relates to processes for producing biodegradable polyester mixtures, to the use of biodegradable polyester mixtures for producing blends, moldings, films, sheets or fibers and also to blends, moldings, films, sheets or fibers comprising biodegradable polyester mixtures.

Abstract: A film that is biodegradable and water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water is provided. More specifically, the film contains a combination of a biodegradable polyester and a water-sensitive thermoplastic starch. The desired water-sensitive attributes of film may be achieved in the present invention by selectively controlling a variety of aspects of the film construction, such as the nature of the components employed, the relative amount of each component, the manner in which the film is formed, and so forth.

Abstract: A plasticized composition including (i) at least one biopolymer selected from the group consisting of poly hydrobutyrate (PHB) and PHB copolymers; and (ii) a plasticizer containing (a) a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched C6-30 fatty alcohol, and (b) a glycerol ester of a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C6-24 fatty acid, wherein (a) and (b) are present in a ratio of 100:0 to 75:25 by weight is provided.

Abstract: A biodegradable polymer is disclosed having the composition g) from 8 to 80% by weight of a starch modified to include an hydroxyalkyl C2-6 group or modified by reaction with an anhydride of a dicarboxylic acid, preferably hydroxypropylated high amylose starch, a) from 0 to 87.9% of starch, b) from 4 to 11% by weight of a water soluble polymer selected from polyvinylacetate, polyvinyl alcohol and copolymers of ehtylene and vinylalcohol which have a melting point compatible with the molten state of the starch components, c) from 0 to 20% by weight of a polyol plasticiser, preferably glycerol, d) from 0.1 to 1.5% by weight of a C12-22 fatty acid or salt, preferably stearic acid and, e) 0 to 12% added water. The polymers are suitable as biodegradable rigid sheet or flexible film materials for use in packaging foodstuffs.

Abstract: A furan polymer impregnated wood which comprises wood impregnated with a polymerizable furfuryl alcohol monomer mixture containing at least furfuryl alcohol, stabilizing co-solvent water, and an initiator selected from the group consisting of anhydrides, acids and combinations thereof is described. A method for preparing a furan impregnated wood and uses thereof is also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a network composition comprising a plurality of associated saccharide chains wherein a chain comprises at least one saccharide component; and at least one first monomer, at least one second monomer, or combinations of both; wherein the first monomer is linked to the saccharide component by ester linkages; ether linkages; amide linkages; ketone linkages; or combinations thereof; wherein the second monomer is linked to the saccharide component by ester linkages; ether linkages; amide linkages; ketone linkages; urea linkages; carbamate linkages, aluminum oxide linkages; siloxane linkages; or combinations thereof; wherein first monomers are linked to each other by ester linkages; ether linkages; amide linkages; ketone linkages; or combinations thereof; wherein the first monomer is linked to the second monomer by ester linkages; ether linkages; amide linkages; ketone linkages; urea linkages; carbamate linkages; aluminum oxide linkages; siloxane linkages or combinations thereof; wherein the s

Abstract: Disclosed are high clarity films produced from semicrystalline polyesters by calendering. These films unexpectedly develop a higher peak melting point, which leads to higher thermal resistance. The semicrystalline polyesters may be biodegradable. When these calendered films are oriented, they develop unexpectedly high physical strength or clarity in comparison to films that are prepared by conventional techniques.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a crumbly, water-absorbing, soil-like hydrogel. The hydrogel comprises finely comminuted mineral substances, such as igneous rock; water-soluble alkali-silicate; solid and liquid nutrient additives; and ballast, bound in a cross-linked polymer. The hydrogel is structured like a sponge and absorbs water and liquids when in contact with water or aqueous liquids. The mineral substances present in the hydrogel may be present in an amount of at least 30% by weight of the dried hydrogel. Also, the invention encompasses methods of producing acidic and neutral to weakly alkaline hydrogels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a 3DP™ material composition and method of use. The composition of the present invention includes an adhesive material, a fibrous component and a filler. Alternatively, the composition may include a particulate material having a mean particle size between about 10 microns and about 300 microns, a soluble adhesive material. The compositions may also include an accelerator and an additional adhesive.

Abstract: The object is to efficiently utilize a starch substance among surplus agricultural product, and the present invention relates to a technique for blending the starch substance with a thermoplastic resin. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a starch resin composition which retains various properties of the thermoplastic resin even when the starch substance is blended in a large amount. There is provided a starch resin composition comprising 5-95 parts by weight of the thermoplastic resin (X), 95-5 parts by weight of starch substance (Y), and 0.2-20 parts by weight of a compatibilizer (Z) which improves an affinity at an interface between the thermoplastic resin (X) and the starch substance (Y), relative to 100 parts by weight of a total amount of the components (X) and (Y), and a technique associated with the starch resin composition.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions suitable for tire treads or sidewalls and other articles where abrasion resistance and flexibility are desirable. The invention includes a tire tread or sidewall made by combining a filler; a sulfur cure system; optionally at least one secondary rubber; and at least one halogenated terpolymer of C4 to C8 isoolefin derived units, C4 to C14 multiolefin derived units, and p-alkylstyrene derived units. Examples of suitable fillers include carbon black, silica, and combinations thereof. The present invention also includes a method of producing an elastomeric terpolymer composition comprising combining in a diluent C4 to C8 isoolefin monomers, C4 to C14 multiolefin monomers, and p-alkylstyrene monomers in the presence of a Lewis acid and at least one initiator to produce the terpolymer.

Abstract: A biodegradable polymer is disclosed having the composition g) from 8 to 80% by weight of a starch modified to include an hydroxyalkyl C2-6 group or modified by reaction with an anhydride of a dicarboxylic acid, preferably hydroxypropylated high amylose starch, a) from 0 to 87.9% of starch, b) from 4 to 11% by weight of a water soluble polymer selected from polyvinylacetate, polyvinyl alcohol and copolymers of ethylene and vinylalcohol which have a melting point compatible with the molten stat of the starch components, c) from 0 to 20% by weight of a polyol plasticiser, preferably glycerol, d) from 0.1 to 1.5% by weight of a C12-22 fatty acid or salt, preferably stearic acid and, e) 0 to 12% added water. The polymers are suitable as biodegradable rigid sheet or flexible film materials for use in packaging foodstuffs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition, which contains particles of a superabsorbent material having angle-lacking shapes. The composition is particularly suitable to be used in absorbent articles for personal hygiene, specifically in disposable absorbent articles, which have one or more transparent regions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rubber composition which can sufficiently improve performance on ice and snow and wet gripping properties, and a pneumatic tire using the same. The rubber composition comprises, based on 100 parts by weight of diene rubber (A), 2 to 20 parts by weight of short fiber (B) having an average fiber diameter of 10 to 100 ?m and average fiber length of 0.01 to 4 mm, 1 to 10 parts by weight of particles (C) having a Moh's hardness of at least 5 and average particle size of at most 500 ?m, and 1 to 15 parts by weight of starch/plasticizer composite material (D), and the pneumatic tire has a tread made of the rubber composition.

Abstract: There is provided a starch-based coating composition with excellent storage stability as a one-pack type paint, which can form coating films with excellent drying property, finished appearances, pencil hardness, mar resistance, adhesion, alkali resistance, solvent resistance and weather resistance, as well as coated articles that have been coated with the starch-based coating composition. The starch-based coating composition comprises as the binder a resin composition obtained by reacting (A) starch and/or modified starch with (B) an isocyanate group-containing compound obtained by reacting a polyisocyanate compound (b1) and a polyhydric alcohol (b2), or by reaction of these components with a resin obtained by radical polymerization of a mixture comprising an aromatic-based radical polymerizing unsaturated monomer, a hydroxyl group-containing radical polymerizing unsaturated monomer and optionally another radical polymerizing unsaturated monomer.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions of water-soluble polymers of N-vinylcarboxamides contain, based on 100 parts of water, (A) from 5 to 80 parts by weight of water-soluble polymer containing N-vinylformamide units and/or N-vinylacetamide units and having particle sizes of from 50 nm to 2 ?m and (B) from 1 to 50 parts by weight of at least one polymeric dispersant which is incompatible with the water-soluble polymers (A) in aqueous solution, which dispersions are prepared by polymerizing (A) from 5 to 80 parts by weight of N-vinylformamide and/or N-vinylacetamide, if desired together with other monoethylenically unsaturated monomers which form water-soluble polymers therewith, and (B) from 1 to 50 parts by weight of at least one polymeric dispersant which is incompatible with the polymers, formed from the monomers (A), in aqueous solution, in 100 parts by weight of water, at from 30 to 95° C. in the presence of from 0.001 to 5.

Abstract: Coating compositions comprising a pigment and starch dispersion of discrete crosslinked starch particles in an aqueous liquid. The dispersion may be used as coating color for paper. A preferred process of preparing the dispersion of starch particles comprises (a) obtaining a mixture of starch and an aqueous liquid; (b) processing the mixture using shear forces in the presence of a crosslinker in an extruder; and (c) injecting a hydroxylic liquid into the extruder and dispersing the mixture inside the extruder or outside the extruder or both inside and outside the extruder to obtain the dispersion.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions comprising one or more ethylene-acrylic acid polymers and an effective dispersing amount of one or more N,N-dialkylalkanolamines are useful for preparing substrates for use in electrophotographic or digital offset printing processes.

Abstract: An earth-friendly tire using raw materials derived from non-petroleum resources instead of all or part of raw materials derived from petroleum resources currently used for tires. The tire is prepared by using a natural rubber instead of a synthetic rubber; an inorganic filler and/or a biofiller instead of carbon black; vegetable oil instead of petroleum oil; and natural fiber instead of synthetic fiber so that the tire comprises a non-petroleum raw material in an amount of at least 75% by weight based on the total weight of the tire.

Abstract: A powder metal mixture comprises a lubricant powder conventionally used to produce powder metal parts in combination with a modified lubricant. A lubricant conventionally used to compact and sinter a chosen powder metal mixture is modified by adding to it starch particles smaller than the average metal particle, and optionally, micronized cellulose fibers in so small an amount that the modified lubricant is present in an amount less than 2% by weight of the mixture. The Hall apparent density and the Hall flow rate of a powder metal mixture made with the modified lubricant of starch or (starch+fibers) remains within the ranges deemed desirable for production of compacted powder metal parts. Using the modified lubricant in lieu of the conventional lubricant increases green strength of a part made by compacting the mixture and improves dimensional conformance.

Abstract: A new and improved method for pre-treating stencils is herein disclosed. A release agent provides a protective barrier when applied to stencils prior to applying paint to the surface. The release agent allows the paint to removed by soaking and/or washing the pre-treated surface with warm water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blend of one or more biopolymers with one or more acrylic copolymers, for the purpose of improving the properties of the biopolymer(s). The biopolymer composition comprises 30-99.9 weight percent of biopolymer(s) and 0.1 to 15 weight percent of one or more acrylic copolymers.

Abstract: Disclosed are blends of aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters with poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) copolymers and shaped articles prepared therefrom. These blends have higher melt strength than the aliphatic-aromatic copolyester alone and exhibit increased melt strength and better processability. In addition, the blends and shaped articles show bio-disintegration and/or biodegradability in a composting environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable plastic composition comprising rice powder and/or corn powder, which can be characterized in comprising 100 parts by weight of polyolefin matrix resin; 5 to 400 parts by weight of grain powder selected from the group consisting of rice powder, corn powder and mixture thereof. The biodegradable plastic composition according to the present invention can be manufactured in various forms such as injection molding product, sheet molding and blow molding product, which have excellent physical properties and product stability. The efficiency of waste disposable of the product manufactured with the composition can be remarkably improved since the rive powder or the corn powder contained in the composition can be degraded by microbes in the nature after a certain period. Therefore, the problems of soil, air, and sea pollution caused by burial or incineration of the wastes of conventional plastic molding product can be minimized.

Abstract: A size composition for the surface sizing of paper, board or other suchlike. The size composition comprises a size fraction which comprises a water-soluble, principal component made up of, for example, starch, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose, glucomannan, protein, or mixtures thereof, and a pigment fraction formed by mixing together a mineral material, which in the main comprises talc particles and/or other phyllosilicate particles, and a binder such as a synthetic polymer, latex and/or other corresponding binder. The size composition is prepared by mixing together the said size fraction and pigment fraction.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymeric compositions containing thermoplastic starch and a thermoplastic polymer incompatible with starch, in which the starch constitutes the dispersed phase and the thermoplastic polymer constitutes the continuous phase, selected: A) from compositions comprising an agent with an interfacial effect selected from esters of polyols with mono- or polycarboxylic acids with dissociation constants within certain limits, the esters having specific values of the hydrophilic/lipophilic balance index HLB or being amongst the non-ionic surfactants which are soluble in water but cannot significantly be extracted by water from the compositions which contain them; B) from compositions wherein the thermoplastic polymer is an aliphatic or aliphatic-aromatic copolyester wherein the ratio (R) between the average viscometric molecular weight and the melt index is greater than 25,000 and C) from compositions wherein the thermoplastic polymer is selected from aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters, poly

Abstract: A method of using a water-based boron-containing suspension as a source of boron additive is disclosed. The method includes adding the suspension into a mixing or reaction zone during the preparation of starch-based adhesives. The suspension includes a boron compound and at least one suspension aid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tire having at least one component (e.g. tread) of a rubber composition comprised of a composite of styrene/butadiene elastomer and functionalized styrene/butadiene elastomer containing an internal silanol and/or siloxy group therein with pendent silanol and/or alkoxy groups of a polymodal (e.g. bimodal) molecular weight distribution and a dispersion therein of silica aggregates of which a portion thereof contain a plurality of hydroxyl groups on their surface in a form of geminal hydroxyl groups. In one aspect, said silica aggregates may be pre-treated to reduce said hydroxyl groups on their surface prior to blending with said silanol and/or siloxy functionalized elastomer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rubber composition which contains starch/plasticizer composite, precipitated silica and carbon black reinforcement together with a coupling agent wherein the coupling agent is an organosilane polysulfide having an average of from about 2 to about 2.6 connecting sulfur atoms in its polysulfidic bridge. The invention provides for a chemical reaction between a coupling agent and silica which is substantially decoupled from a reaction between a coupling agent and starch/plasticizer to form a filler reinforcement network in situ within the elastomer host followed by a subsequent phase mixing of the carbon black therewith. The invention further relates to the resulting rubber composition and articles of manufacture, including tires, having at least one component comprised of said rubber composition.