Abstract: An adhesion promoter composition containing a Zn, K, Al, Ti or Zr metal salt of an organic acid and at least one of a hydrous inorganic salt and an organic molybdenum compound. The adhesion promoter composition may be used to form an adherent rubber composition. The use of the adhesion promoter composition results in an adherent rubber composition which is stable and has a high adhesive force.

Abstract: An acyclic alkane soluble anionic polymerization initiator includes a mixture of from about 90 to about 10 parts by weight of a lithio amine having the general formula A.sub.1 Li and from about 10 to about 90 parts by weight of at least one other lithio amine having the general formula A.sub.2 Li. A.sub.1 and A.sub.2 are selected from the dialkyl, alkyl, cycloalkyl and dicycloalkyl amine radicals and cyclic amine radicals. There is also provided a method of forming a mixture of anionic polymerization initiators, a functionalized polymer and a method of forming a functionalized polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of anionic synthesis of stable macrocyclic polymers that are compounded to form vulcanizable elastomeric compounds exhibiting reduced hysteresis properties. Cyclic organometallic compounds containing divalent metal atoms of Groups IIA and IIB of the Periodic System are employed as initiators of anionic polymerization of conjugated diene, vinyl aromatic and/or triene monomers. Coupling of the living ends of the resulting macrocyclic polymers or copolymers with a coupling agent or a coupling agent that is also a functionalizing agent results in stable macrocyclic polymers with improved hysteresis properties.

Abstract: A sulfur-vulcanizable rubber composition which in vulcanized state is of roved hysteresis, comprising silica as reinforcing filler and a polymer which is coupled and/or starred by means of an agent having the general formula:(Y).sub.m --R.sup.1 --Si(OR.sup.2).sub.3--n --R.sup.3 nin whichY represents the radical ##STR1## R.sup.1 represents an alkyl, cycloalkyl, or aryl radical having 1 to 10 carbon atoms,R.sup.2 represents an alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkaryl or aralkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms,R.sup.3 represents an alkyl, aryl or alkaryl radical having 1 to 12 carbon atoms,R.sup.4 represents a hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and may comprise one or more oxygen atoms in the hydrocarbon chain,n is a whole number selected from among the values 0 and 1,m is a whole number selected from among the values 1 and 2,p and q are whole numbers selected from among the values 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, it being understood that the sum of p+q must represent a whole number between 2 and 5 inclusive.

Abstract: The reduction of hysteresis in a silica-filled, vulcanized elastomeric compound is produced by mixing diene monomer and optionally monovinyl aromatic monomer with a lithium amine initiator and, optionally, a modifier; effecting polymerization conditions; terminating polymerization with an amino group producing terminator to form an amine functionalized diene elastomer; compounding the amine functionalized diene elastomer with an amorphous silica filler and a vulcanization agent; and, effecting vulcanization. A pneumatic tire tread stock incorporating the vulcanized elastomer compound exhibits decreased rolling resistance in the tire.

Abstract: A method of processing used tires and the recovery of the products thereof. The process includes adding shredded automobile tire to a bath containing a combination of isocyanide, polyurethane, latex, and soybean oil. The resultant mixture is then heated at approximately 700.degree. F. for a period of 10 minutes. The process allows the recovery of the following products, including but not limited to: oil, steel, vinyl chloride, carbon, and carbon black. The addition of soybean oil to the bath mixture provides a safer and more economical process. The current process does not require the use of a special atmosphere nor does it require the use of a high pressure system.

Abstract: A liquid rubber composition including a 1,2-polybutadiene resin component dispersed in the form of fine particles in a liquid rubber component in a weight ratio of 1:100 to 50:100 has a high dispersion stability and a low specific gravity and is useful for forming a cured rubber article having a high elastic modulus and a satisfactory mechanical strength and ultimate elongation.

Abstract: New halogenated butyl rubbers, which have a defined content of halogen, a defined content of non-halogenated double bonds and a defined content of antiagglomeration/vulcanization control agents, exhibit outstanding mechanical and physiological properties, so that they are suitable for the production of tires, particularly tire inner liners, tire sidewalls and tire treads, and for pharmaceutical rubber articles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward anionic polymerization employing lithio amines mixed with an organic alkali metal compound and optionally, a chelating reagent. The lithio amines have the general formula (A)Li(SOL)y, where SOL is a solubilizing component, A is an alkyl, dialkyl, cycloalkyl or dicycloalkyl amine radical or a cyclic amine, and y is 0 or is from about 0.5 to about 3. The invention is also directed toward polymers and other products made using the initiator, and methods therefor. Further, the invention contemplates a polymer, a polymer composition and products therefrom, which include a functional group from the reaction product of an amine and an organolithium compound. The resulting polymers may be terminated with a terminating, coupling or linking agent, which may provide the polymer with a multifunctionality.

Abstract: Compounded polymeric compositions containing processed paint sludge putty as a replacement for polymeric components are provided. The paint sludge comprises from about 5 to 90% by weight of the total compounded polymeric composition and may be decatalyzed so that it contains uncured polymer for use in a variety of compositions including pressure sensitive sealants, caulking sealants, automotive sealants, polyvinyl chloride plastics, rubbers and asphalt cement coatings.

Abstract: A rubber composition comprising (1) a rubber ingredient comprising a diene polymer rubber having a primary amino group, and (2) silica. The diene polymer rubber having a primary amino group is obtained by allowing a diene polymer having an active metal bound to the polymer molecule, to react with a N-unsubstituted aziridine compound. The rubber composition is made advantageously by a process wherein the above-mentioned rubber ingredient is mixed with silica, and then, additives other than the silica are incorporated in the rubber ingredient/silica mixture. The rubber composition exhibits good rebound resilience tensile properties and abrasion resistance.

Abstract: Triorgano substituted-tin lithium initiators are made in a dimethyl ether solvent. The substitution of dimethyl ether as the solvent for the traditional tetrahydrofuran solvent results in an initiator for anionic polymerizations that can produce less 1,2-vinyl repeat units. The dimethyl ether is also easier to remove from the polymerization media because it has a boiling point at one atmosphere of minus 24.8.degree. C. and thus is a gas at 25.degree. C.

Abstract: The reduction of hysteresis in a silica-filled, vulcanized elastomeric compound is produced by mixing diene monomer and optionally monovinyl aromatic monomer with a lithium amine initiator and, optionally, a modifier; effecting polymerization conditions; terminating polymerization with an amino group producing terminator to form an amine functionalized diene elastomer; compounding the amine functionalized diene elastomer with an amorphous silica filler and a vulcanization agent; and, effecting vulcanization. A pneumatic tire tread stock incorporating the vulcanized elastomer compound exhibits improved reduced hysteresis, or highly balanced wet traction, rolling resistance, snow/ice traction, and mechanical strength when compounded with silica filler and vulcanized, in the tire.

Abstract: An saturated nitrile-conjugated diene copolymer obtained by copolymerizing acrylonitrile with butadiene in the presence of a free radical initiator and an alkylthiol compound as a molecular weight modifier. A part of the molecular weight modifier is incorporated in a monomer charge before polymerization, and the remainder thereof is incorporated in a polymerization mixture during polymerization. The alkylthiol compound has 12 to 16 carbon atoms, which include at least three tertiary carbon atoms, and further has a sulfur atom directly bound to at least one of the tertiary carbon atoms. The copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of 15 to 150 and contains 3 to 20 weight % of a fraction having a number average molecular weight of not larger than 35,000. The copolymer is used in combination with a sulfur-containing vulcanizer.

Abstract: A rubber composition comprising(A) 100 parts by weight of a raw material rubber which contains not less than 30% by weight of at least one partially hydrogenated rubber of a conjugated diene rubber, wherein 5 to 70% of the unsaturated double bonds of the conjugated diene portion thereof have been hydrogenated;(B) 10 to 150 parts by weight of a silica;(C) 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of an organo-silane coupling agent; and(D) 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a vulcanizing agent. The rubber composition of the present invention has extremely excellent resilience, low exothermic property, and excellent wet skid resistance, and further improved processability, and therefore, by utilizing the characteristics, can be used to make industrial parts such as tires for various types of automobiles, rubber vibration insulators, belts, and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides dispersants and dispersant viscosity index improvers which include polymers of conjugated dienes which have been hydrogenated and functionalized. The dispersant substances include compositions including a copolymer of two different conjugated dienes, a copolymer of a p-alkylstyrene and a conjugated diene, or a homopolymer of a conjugated diene. The polymers are selectively hydrogenated to produce polymers which have highly controlled amounts of unsaturation, permitting highly selective functionalization. Also provided are lubricant fluids, such as mineral and synthetic oils, which have been modified in their dispersancy and/or viscometric properties by means of the dispersant substances of the invention. Also provided are methods of modifying the dispersancy and/or viscometric properties of lubricating fluids such as mineral and synthetic lubricating oils. The dispersant substances may also include a carrier fluid to provide dispersant concentrates.

Abstract: An acyclic alkane soluble anionic polymerization initiator includes a mixture of from about 90 to about 10 parts by weight of a lithio amine having the general formula A.sub.1 Li and from about 10 to about 90 parts by weight of at least one other lithio amine having the general formula A.sub.2 Li. A.sub.1 and A.sub.2 are selected from the dialkyl, alkyl, cycloalkyl and dicycloalkyl amine radicals and cyclic amine radicals. There is also provided a method of forming a mixture of anionic polymerization initiators, a functionalized polymer and a method of forming a functionalized polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of anionic synthesis of stable macrocyclic polymers that are compounded to form vulcanizable elastomeric compounds exhibiting reduced hysteresis properties. Cyclic organometallic compounds containing divalent metal atoms of Groups IIA and IIB of the Periodic System are employed as initiators of anionic polymerization of conjugated diene, vinyl aromatic and/or triene monomers. Coupling of the living ends of the resulting macrocyclic polymers or copolymers with a coupling agent or a coupling agent that is also a functionalizing agent results in stable macrocyclic polymers with improved hysteresis properties.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward anionic polymerization employing lithio aldimines mixed with an organic alkali metal compound and optionally, a chelating reagent. The lithio aldimines have the general formula (A)Li, where A is derived from a substituted aldimine. The invention is also directed toward polymers and other products made using the initiator, and methods therefor. Further, the invention contemplates a polymer, a polymer composition and products therefrom, which include a functional group from the reaction product of a substituted aldimine and an organolithium compound. The resulting polymers may be modified with a terminating, coupling or linking agent, which may provide the polymer with a multifunctionality.

Abstract: A method of processing used tires and the recovery of the products thereof. The process includes adding shredded automobile tire to a bath containing a combination of isocyanide, polyurethane, latex, and soybean oil. The resultant mixture is then heated at approximately 700.degree. F. for a period of 10 minutes. The process allows the recovery of the following products, including but not limited to: oil, steel, vinyl chloride, and carbon. The addition of soybean oil to the bath mixture provides a safer and more economical process. The current process does not require the use of a special atmosphere nor does it require the use of a high pressure system.

Abstract: A process of making a solvent-free water-based emulsion of an anionically polymerized polymer which comprises: heating the polymer until its viscosity is no more than 3,000 centipoise, (b) mixing water with a surfactant, (c) adding the mixture of (b) to the polymer of (a) while agitating the polymer at high speed, thereby forming an emulsion, (d) cooling the emulsion to below 100.degree. C., and (e) optionally subjecting the emulsion to turbulent flow and/or cavitation. Also included are emulsions of such polymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides anionic polymerization initiators, comprising lithium amino magnesiate complexes, resulting in diene polymer and copolymer elastomers. The invention initiators have stable living ends at high polymerization temperatures and produce polymers containing a high level of tertiary amine functionality. Such polymers exhibit an increased efficiency in coupling termination reactions, and elastomers and products prepared from such polymers exhibit reduced hysteresis properties. Methods are also provided for preparing the initiators, the polymers and the elastomers.

Abstract: An aqueous reaction mixture having a pH of 4.5 to 5.5 of a methyl terminated siloxane emulsified polymer, a methyl triethoxysilane, a mixture of nonyl and octyl phenol derivative surfactants, fluorinated alkyl ester surfactant and synthetic ethoxylated amine surfactants, a silanol terminated polydimethylsiloxane hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene and ethanol. The reaction mixture is coated on a mold core surface and cured with heat to form a mold release surface that can be used in excess of twelve times prior to recoating.

Abstract: Sulfonate salts produced by basic hydrolysis of chlorosulfonated ethylene/propylene polymers grafted with an unsaturated acid or anhydride having chlorine contents of 20-70 weight percent and sulfur contents of 1.5-10 weight percent, and 2-10 weight percent copolymerized ethylene units provide self-stabilized resin latexes of unusual stability.

Abstract: In one of several methods of producing polybutadiene or a butadiene-styrene copolymer with an organolithium initiator, an organotin compound such as tetraallyltin, tetrabenzyltin and tetraphenyltin is added to the polymerization system in a period of growth of the polymer chain between a time immediately after a start of the polymerization to a time before an end of the polymerization. In another of the methods, tin tetrachloride or tin dichloride is added at an earlier time after a start of the polymerization. A polymer comprising a considerable amount of high molecular weight polymer containing the chain having a tin-carbon linkage is formed. A rubber composition for tires comprises specified amounts of the polymer described above, natural rubber, carbon black and vulcanizing agents. The rubber composition has a small loss factor and excellent fracture properties.

Abstract: An interpenetrating gel and a method of forming an interpenetrating gel which undergoes a significantly large volume change in response to a physical or chemical stimululs is disclosed.

Abstract: Flat rubber sheets are joined together at their primed surfaces utilizing an adhesive tape composition which features at least one EPDM rubber and will provide a long-term, water-tight barrier. The adhesive tape composition is a solventless, preformed, tacky composition comprising a) at least one crosslinkable EPDM rubber, b) a filler, either of the reinforcing or semi-reinforcing variety, c) one or more compatible tackifiers, d) a softener, and lastly, e) a cure system for the rubbery polymer. The tape composition itself has excellent ozone, moisture, weathering and heat aging resistance as well as superior low temperature properties.

Abstract: Self-stabilized resin latexes are provided which contain sulfonate salts produced by basic hydrolysis of chlorosulfonated C.sub.2 C.sub.8 alpha-olefin polymers having chlorine contents of 20-70 weight percent and sulfur contents of 1.5-10 weight percent. Further provided is a novel composition comprising a chlorosulfonated graft-modified ethylene/propylene copolymer.

Abstract: Self-stabilized resin latexes are provided which contain sulfonate salts produced by basic hydrolysis of chlorosulfonated C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 alpha-olefin polymers grafted with an unsaturated acid or anhydride, the polymers having chlorine contents of 20-70 weight percent and sulfur contents of 1.5-10 weight percent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward anionic polymerization employing lithio amines mixed with an organic alkali metal compound and optionally, a chelating reagent. The lithio amines have the general formula (A)Li(SOL).sub.y, where SOL is a solubilizing component, A is an alkyl, dialkyl, cycloalkyl or dicycloalkyl amine radical or a cyclic amine, and y is 0 or is from about 0.5 to about 3. The invention is also directed toward polymers and other products made using the initiator, and methods therefor. Further, the invention contemplates a polymer, a polymer composition and products therefrom, which include a functional group from the reaction product of an amine and an organolithium compound. The resulting polymers may be terminated with a terminating, coupling or linking agent, which may provide the polymer with a multifunctionality.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward anionic polymerization initiators which are soluble in acyclic alkane solvents. The initiators include a solubilized lithio amine having the general formula (A)Li(SOL).sub.y. SOL is a solubilizing component and A is an alkyl, dialkyl or cycloalkyl amine radical or a cyclic amine and y is from about 1 to 4. The cyclic amine has an alkylene, oxy- or amino-alkylene group having from about 3 to about 16 methylene groups. The invention is also directed toward polymers and other products made using the initiator, and methods therefor. Further, the invention contemplates a polymer, a polymer composition and products therefrom, which include a functional group from the reaction product of an amine and an organolithium compound. The resulting polymers may be terminated with a terminating, coupling or linking agent, which may provide the polymer wtih a multifunctionality.

Abstract: This invention reveals a high performance polybutadiene rubber blend comprised of (a) a first polybutadiene rubber, (b) a second polybutadiene rubber, and (c) a third polybutadiene rubber; wherein the first polybutadiene rubber, the second polybutadiene rubber, and the third polybutadiene rubber are selected from the group of consisting of super-high vinyl polybutadiene rubbers having a vinyl content which is within the range of 80 percent to 100 percent, high vinyl polybutadiene rubbers having a vinyl content which is within the range of 60 percent to 79 percent, medium vinyl polybutadiene rubbers having a vinyl content which is within the range of 35 percent to 59 percent, and low vinyl polybutadiene rubbers having a vinyl content which is within the range of 8 percent to 34 percent; wherein at least three members selected from the group consisting of super-high vinyl polybutadiene rubbers, high vinyl polybutadiene rubbers, medium vinyl polybutadiene rubbers, and low vinyl polybutadiene rubbers are included

Abstract: The subject invention discloses a process for preparing a coupled styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber which is particularly valuable for use in making automobile tire tread rubber compounds which comprises the steps of (1) solution terpolymerizing in an organic solvent from about 5 weight percent to about 40 weight percent styrene, from about 1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent isoprene, and from about 50 weight percent to about 94 weight percent 1,3-butadiene, based on total monomers, to a conversion of at least about 90% to produce a living styrene-isoprene-butadiene polymer, wherein the terpolymerization is initiated with an organolithium compound, and wherein the terpolymerization is conducted in the presence of a polar modifier at a molar ratio of the polar modifier to the organolithium compound, which is within the range of about 0.5:1 to about 5:1, and wherein the terpolymerization is conducted at a temperature which is within the range of about 20.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C.

Abstract: Self-stabilized resin latexes are provided which contain sulfonate salts produced by basic hydrolysis of chlorosulfonated C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 alpha-olefin polymers having chlorine contents of 20-70 weight percent and sulfur contents of 1.5-10 weight percent. Further provided is a novel composition comprising a chlorosulfonated graft-modified ethylene/propylene copolymer.

Abstract: A rubber composition for tire treads comprising a rubber component consisting essentially of (A) 20 to 100% by weight of a solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene copolymer rubber having a Mooney viscosity ML.sub.1+4 of 30 to 200 at 100.degree. C. prepared by copolymerization of styrene, butadiene and a polyvinyl aromatic compound followed by coupling with a trifunctional or tetrafunctional coupling agent, and (B) 0 to 80% by weight of at least one rubber selected from the group consisting of an emulsion-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber, a butadiene rubber, natural rubber and a synthetic polyisoprene rubber; and (C) 50 to 250 parts by weight of a carbon black having an iodine adsorption number of not less than 60 mg/g and an oil absorption of not less than 110 ml/100 g per 100 parts by weight of said rubber component; the tan .delta. peak temperature Tg of the cured product of said rubber composition being from -40.degree. to +5.degree. C.

Abstract: A rubber composition having excellent processability and improved dispersion state of carbon black containing:a functional group-containing polymer having a number average molecular weight of 1,000 to 100,000 and comprising 0 to 60 mole % of a structural unit represented by the formula (1) and 100 to 40 mole % of a structural unit represented by formula (2) plus a structural unit represented by formula (3), the polymer having on one end of its molecule an average at least 0.6 group per molecule of a group represented by formula (4), a hydroxyl group or an amino group; ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, ##STR2## wherein R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, ##STR3## wherein R.sup.3 represents a vinyl group or an isopropenyl group;--COOR.sup.4 (4)wherein R.sup.4 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkali metal;a solid rubber andcarbon black.

Abstract: A process of making a solvent-free water-based emulsion of an anionically polymerized polymer which comprises: heating the polymer until its viscosity is no more than 3,000 centipoise, (b) mixing water with a surfactant, (c) adding the mixture of (b) to the polymer of (a) while agitating the polymer at high speed, thereby forming an emulsion, (d) cooling the emulsion to below 100.degree. C., and (e) optionally subjecting the emulsion to turbulent flow and/or cavitation. Also included are emulsions of such polymers.

Abstract: A (halomethyl arene)-modified elastomer is made by reacting a lithium terminated elastomer intermediate with the halogen atoms of a halomethyl vinyl arene compound. A road-contacting tread component for a pneumatic tire is fabricated from vulcanized elastomer made by vulcanizing an elastomer composition of a (halomethyl arene)-modified elastomer, a carbon black reinforcing agent, and a sulfur-based vulcanizing system. A process for making a (halomethyl arene)-modified elastomer includes polymerizing at least one diene monomer with a lithium-containing initiator, capping the lithium terminated elastomer by reaction with a halomethyl arene compound, and recovering the modified elastomer.

Abstract: Reinforced elastomeric articles, such as tires, wherein the reinforcement is reticulated bacterial cellulose are provided. Reticulated bacterial cellulose has an average diameter of about 0.1 micron and a substantially infinite aspect ratio. The reinforced article comprises about 2 phr to 10 phr of the cellulose reinforcement.

Abstract: An elastomeric butadiene copolymer prepared by a process which comprises copolymerizing butadiene, a polyvinyl aromatic compound and optionally styrene in a hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of an organolithium polymerization initiator and subjecting the resulting copolymer having lithium at the polymer end or ends to a coupling reaction with a trifunctional or tetrafunctional coupling agent, said butadiene copolymer satisfying the following conditions: (a) the content of styrene is at most 50% by weight, (b) the content of vinyl bonds in the butadiene portion is from 10 to 90% by weight, (c) the molecular weight distribution curve obtained by a high performance liquid chromatography has at least three peaks, and 5 to 60% by weight of all the polymer chains have a molecular weight which is at least 5 times the molecular weight in terms of standard polystyrene corresponding to the peak appearing on the lowest molecular weight side of the high performance liquid chromatogram, and (d) the Mooney viscosity (ML.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement upon a process for hydrogenating a diene polymer by contacting the polymer in the presence of hydrogen with a titanium hydrogenation catalyst. The improvement comprises preventing discoloration of the hydrogenated polymer by treating it with water, a peroxide or alcohol in the absence of oxygen and adding a non-phenolic antioxidant to the polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement upon a process for hydrogenating a diene polymer by contacting the polymer in the presence of hydrogen with a titanium hydrogenation catalyst. The improvement comprises preventing discoloration of the hydrogenated polymer by treating it with water, a peroxide or alcohol in the absence of oxygen and adding a non-phenolic antioxidant to the polymer.

Abstract: An anionic polymerization initiator comprising the reaction product of a an organatin halide and lithium in a suitable solvent. Elastomeric polymers prepared with these initiators have tin containing functional groups on substantially every polymer chain and provide vulcanizable rubber compounds exhibiting reduced hysteresis. Articles such as tires, produced with low hysteresis elastomeric polymers have lower rolling resistance. Methods are also provided for preparing the initiators and the elastomers having reduced hysteresis properties.

Abstract: A fiber optic adhesive composition for applying to a fiber optic having a ffer coat thereon and subsequently, partially cured to a tacky outer surface prior to its being wound onto a bobbin from which the adhesively coated fiber optic material is to payout during use to transmit a signal to a missile in flight. The partially cured adhesive composition functions to hold the fiber optic material in place on the bobbin during storage and allows consistent payout during use of the fiber optic material. The typical composition of the fiber optic adhesive comprises hydroxyterminated polybutadiene from about 88.14 to about 92.48 percent by weight, isophorone diisocyanate from about 6.23 to about 6.42 percent by weight, a catalyst of ferric acetylacetonate or dibutyltin dilaurate in an amount from about 0.89 to about 1.15 percent by weight respectively, and a thixotropic agent in an amount of about 4.48 by weight.

Abstract: Modification of lithium-terminated elastomer intermediates by reaction under anionic conditions with 1,3,2-dioxastannolanes provides tin-containing elastomers with improved hysteresis properties. In specific examples, modification of a lithium-terminated styrene-butadiene rubber with a dioxastannolane derived from reaction of dibutyl tin(IV)oxide with an alkyl-substituted 1,3-pentane provides tin-modified SBRs with lowered tan delta properties. Such modified elastomers are useful in making tread portions of pneumatic tires.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement upon a process for hydrogenating a diene polymer by contacting the polymer in the presence of hydrogen with a titanium hydrogenation catalyst. The improvement comprises preventing discoloration of the hydrogenated polymer by treating it with water, a peroxide or alcohol in the absence of oxygen and adding a non-phenolic antioxidant to the polymer.

Abstract: A forming process for producing a hard shaped molded article that includes subjecting a moldable thermosetting composition to a high temperature cure condition at a temperature greater than about 250.degree. C. and less than the decomposition temperature of the composition to form a crosslinked polymeric network. In particular, the invention features a forming process for producing a hard shaped molded article that includes the steps of(a) providing a moldable thermosetting composition that includes 1) a polybutadiene or polyisoprene resin which is a liquid at room temperature and which has a molecular weight less than 5,000 and a large number of pendent vinyl groups and 2) a solid butadiene- or isoprene-containing polymer (e.g, a thermoplastic elastomer);(b) forming the composition into a shape; and(c) curing the composition to produce the article including subjecting the composition to a high temperature cure condition at a temperature greater than about 250.degree. C.

Abstract: Incorporation of fibrous filler into a styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) by mixing a fibrous filler, SBR latex and a coagulant, feeding the resulting coagulated fiber-filled SBR latex to a dewatering extruder and through a flow restriction that applies back pressure sufficient that water present in the SBR is forced out of a vent upstream from the flow restriction and discharging the fiber-filled SBR from the extruder.

Abstract: Incorporating fibrous filler into an elastomer by adding to a screw extruder an aqueous slurry of an organic fibrous filler having a length less than about 25 mm and an elastomer latex, e.g., polychloroprene latex. The latex and slurry are fed to the extruder and the latex is coagulated in the extruder. The coagulated latex containing fibrous filler is fed to a dewatering zone. The flow of coagulated elastomer is restricted so that water present in the coagulated elastomer is separated by means of a vent in the extruder upstream from the restriction and discharging and recovering the fiber-filled elastomer. The compound can be used for the manufacture of power transmission belts.

Abstract: Carbon black is reacted with at least one organosilicon compound of the General Formula[R.sup.1.sub.n (RO).sub.3-n Si-(Alk).sub.m -(Ar).sub.p ]q [B](I)R.sup.1.sub.n (RO).sub.3-n Si-(Alkyl) (II)orR.sup.1.sub.n (RO).sub.3-n Si-(Alkenyl) (III),and any excess of said organosilicon compound is extracted with a solvent. The products are useful as active fillers in rubber mixtures, carbon black suspensions and plastic mixtures which can be cross-linked with sulfur or peroxide.