Abstract: Methods of modifying block copolymers to enhance thermodynamic properties thereof without sacrificing material properties and methods of forming modified block copolymers having desired properties are disclosed. The modified block copolymers may be used, for example, as a mask for sublithographic patterning during various stages of semiconductor device fabrication. For example, block copolymers having desirable material properties, such as etch selectively, may be chemically modified to tailor a ? value thereof to optimize the process conditions for achieving a self-assembled state and to reduce a defectivity of the self-assembled block copolymer pattern.

Abstract: A silicone resin composition is provided, which includes polysiloxane including (PSA1), (PSA2), (PSB) and (PSC), and a hydrosilylating catalyst, wherein a weight ratio between (PSA2) and (PSA1) (w2/w1) is 0.03-0.

Abstract: The invention relates to rubber mixtures containing silane and having possibly functionalized diene rubbers and microgels, to a method for the production thereof, and to the use thereof to produce wet slipping resistant and low-rolling resistance motor vehicle tire treads having high abrasion resistance.

Abstract: A vulcanizable rubber composition is presented that comprises an elastomer; a reinforcing filler selected from silica, carbon black, and mixtures thereof, a cure agent; and an amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane (AMS) comprising one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of an amino AMS, an amino/mercaptan co-AMS, an amino/blocked mercaptan co-AMS, mixtures thereof, and weak acid-neutralized solid and aqueous solutions thereof. Addition of such compounds to the rubber composition provides improved dynamic viscoelastic and mechanical properties of the vulcanized rubber compound and predict that tire components, especially tread stocks, will provide tires having improved snow traction, lower rolling resistance but equal wet traction, increased rebound, decreased hysteresis, and a general improvement in tire performance.

Abstract: A composition is provided for use with an unsaturated elastomer. The composition may include a sulfur-functional linear polyorganosiloxane. The sulfur-functional linear polyorganosiloxane may include a chemically protected sulfur group. Under certain conditions, the sulfur group may react with the unsaturated elastomer. The invention includes embodiments that may relate to methods of making and using the sulfur-functional linear polyorganosiloxane in elastomer compositions.

Abstract: A crosslinkable rubber composition includes, as essential components: (A) an ethylene-?-olefin-nonconjugated polyene random copolymer rubber in which the nonconjugated polyene has a terminal vinyl group-containing norbornene compound represented by the following general formula (1) or (II), wherein n is an integer of 0 to 10, R1 is H or an alkyl group, and R2 is H or an alkyl group, wherein R3 is H or an alkyl group, and which has a viscosity of not less than 10 Pa·s and less than 1,000 Pa·s at 25° C. under a shear rate of 10 s?1; (B) an organopolysiloxane which has three repeating units of siloxane represented by the following formula and which has three Si-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule, wherein R4 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group; (C) a reinforcing filler; (D) a curing catalyst; and (E) a curing reaction retarder.

Abstract: A method for producing a conjugated diene polymer is provided that includes a step of polymerizing a conjugated diene-containing monomer in a hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of an alkali metal catalyst, thus giving a polymer having a catalyst-derived alkali metal at one terminus of a polymer chain comprising a conjugated diene-based monomer unit, and a step of reacting the polymer obtained in the step of polymerizing and a trialkoxysilane compound represented by the formula below. (In the formula, M denotes an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, R1, R2, and R3 independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, m denotes an integer of 1 to 5, and n denotes an integer of 0 to 5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic elastomer composition and a glass panel molding assembly for a vehicle. The thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising a polymer component (1) that comprises a styrene-type thermoplastic elastomer and a polyolefin-type polymer {except for the additives in item (5) below}, a non-aromatic-rubber softener (2), a higher fatty acid derivative (4), and at least one type of an additive (5) selected from (5-a) a vinyl polymer graft-olefin polymer, (5-b) a polyorganosiloxane cross-linked powder; and (5-c) a polyorganosiloxane graft-olefin polymer. And the glass panel molding assembly for a vehicle produced from the aforementioned composition.

Abstract: A method for forming a polymer including a sulfur-containing functional group, the method comprising introducing a sulfur-containing initiator defined by the formula with conjugated diene monomer and optionally copolymerizable monomer within a polymerization medium and allowing the sulfur-containing initiator to initiate the polymerization of the conjugated diene monomer and the optional copolymerizable monomer, where R1 is a monovalent organic group, R2 is a divalent organic group, R3 is a divalent organic group or a bond, and a is an integer from 1 to about 5.

Abstract: A functionalized polymer includes a polymer chain and a terminal group linked to the chain through a functionality that contains one or more urethane groups. The functionalized polymer can be provided by reacting a nucleophile with a polymer having terminal iso(thio)cyanate functionality which, in turn, can be provided by reacting a terminally active polymer with a polyiso(thio)cyanate. Even polymers that contain substantial amounts of styrene mer can be used in the described process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing functionalized cis-1,4-polydienes having a combination of a high cis-1,4-linkage content and a high functionality, the resulting polymers and the vulcanized products containing the polymers. The functionalized cis-1,4-polydienes of the present invention are produced by a method comprising the steps of: (1) preparing a reactive polymer by polymerizing conjugated diene monomer with a lanthanide-based catalyst in the presence of less than 20% by weight of organic solvent based on the total weight of monomer, organic solvent, and resulting polymer, where the lanthanide-based catalyst is the combination of or reaction product of (a) a lanthanide compound, (b) an aluminoxane, (c) an organoaluminum compound other than an aluminoxane, and (d) a halogen-containing compound; and (2) contacting the reactive polymer with a functionalizing agent.

Abstract: Rubber composition, which can be used for the manufacture of tires, based on at least one diene elastomer, one reinforcing filler, one vulcanization system and one maleimide compound, characterized in that the said maleimide compound is a polymaleimide of formula: in which: R1, R2, R3 and R4 are identical or different hydrocarbon radicals, n is equal to 0 or 1 with X being a nitrogen atom if n=0 and X being a carbon or silicon atom if n=1. Use of such a composition for the manufacture of a finished article or of a semi-finished product made of rubber intended for a motor vehicle ground-contact system, in particular of a tire.

Abstract: A conjugated diene polymer is provided that includes a conjugated diene-based monomer unit and a monomer unit based on a monomer represented by Formula (1) below, the polymer having at least one terminus modified by a compound represented by Formula (2) below wherein r is 0 or 1, R1 denotes a hydrocarbyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or a group containing at least one atom selected from the atomic group consisting of a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, and a sulfur atom, and R2 denotes a group containing at least one atom selected from the atomic group consisting of a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, and a sulfur atom wherein n denotes an integer of 1 to 10, R3, R4, and R5 independently denote a hydrocarbyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or a hydrocarbyloxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, at least one of R3, R4, and R5 is a hydrocarbyloxy group, and R6 denotes a group containing at least one atom selected from the atomic group consisting of a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, and a sulfur atom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flame retardant which is a graft copolymer. The graft copolymer is obtained by polymerizing a vinyl monomer containing at least two polymerizable groups, and at least one other vinyl monomer, in the presence of polyorganosiloxane particles in a latex state. The polyorganosiloxane particles contain grafting agents that are unevenly distributed on the surface thereof. The present invention also relates to thermoplastic resins containing this flame retardant.

Abstract: Highly elastomeric, curable, paintable silicone compositions are provided. The paintable silicone compositions comprise an organopolysiloxane, a silicone functional crosslinker, and an organic polymer. The highly elastomeric, curable, paintable silicone compositions have an elongation of at least 150% and are useful as paintable sealants and caulks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a crosslinkable and expandable elastomeric material based on and/or containing siloxane polymer, the process for manufacturing of such material and the use of such material and its blends and composites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elastomer mixture resulting from the modification of a diene elastomer by a coupling agent that introduces, into the elastomer chain, an alkoxysilane group bearing a tertiary or secondary amine functional group. This mixture predominantly comprises the diene elastomer coupled by the alkoxysilane group bearing a tertiary or secondary amine functional group which is bonded to the diene elastomer through the silicon atom. The invention also relates to a reinforced rubber composition, in particular that can be used for the manufacture of tyres, which comprises a reinforcing filler and an elastomer matrix comprising at least this elastomer mixture, and to its preparation process. This composition has improved hysteresis and mechanical properties in the vulcanized state, and also improved processing in the uncured state.

Abstract: There is obtained a rubber composition excellent in processability of unvulcanized compounded rubber, excellent in wear resistance and wet skid resistance of vulcanized rubber, low in rolling resistance, and suitable for tire applications, particularly for tire tread applications in which importance is given to low fuel consumption and safety. A rubber composition mainly comprising (I) 0.5 to 35% by weight of a conjugated diene-based (co)polymer rubber having an amino group and an alkoxysilyl group on a polymer chain and having a weight average molecular weight of 1,000 to 90,000, and (II) 99.5 to 65% by weight of a conjugated diene-based (co)polymer rubber having a weight average molecular weight of 100,000 to 2,000,000 (with the proviso that (I)+(II)=100% by weight).

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a modified conjugated diene (co)polymer, the method including comprising: a modification reaction step including causing an organic silane compound to react with a conjugated diene (co)polymer having an active site at the active site, the organic silane compound having a characteristic group for forming a silanol group through hydrolysis and, in the vicinity of the characteristic group, (i) a functional group which binds the organic silane compound to the conjugated diene (co)polymer via addition to or substitution at the active site and which promotes reaction between the silanol group and a reinforcing filler after the addition or substitution reaction, or (ii) a functional group which promotes reaction between the silanol group and a reinforcing filler, and a hydrolyzation step performed after the modification reaction step; a modified conjugated diene (co)polymer having, at a molecular end of the conjugated diene (co)polymer, a silanol group, and a functional

Abstract: A method for preparing a thermoplastic vulcanizate, the method comprising dynamically vulcanizing a rubber within a blend that includes the rubber and a thermoplastic polymer, where said dynamically vulcanizing is effected with a cure system that includes a hydrosilating agent and a catalyst, where the hydrosilating agent includes a compound including at least 3 silicon hydride groups defined by the formula where each R is independently a monovalent organic group or hydrogen, and where the silicon atoms of the respective silicon hydride groups are spatially separated by at least 6 atoms.

Abstract: A vulcanized rubber composition comprising the vulcanization product of a functional polymer, where the functional polymer is defined by the formula where R is selected from C1 to C6 trialkyl-silyl groups, C1 to C20 alkyl groups, C4 to C20 cycloalkyl groups, C6 to C20 aryl groups, thienyl, furyl, and pyridyl groups; and R may optionally have attached thereto any of the following functional groups: C1 to C10 alkyl groups, C6 to C20 aryl groups, C2 to C10 alkenyl groups, C3 to C10 non-terminal alkynyl groups, ethers, tert-amines, oxazolines, thiazolines, phosphines, sulfides, silyls, and mixtures thereof; where R1 is selected from C2 to C8 alkylene groups, where X is NR, and where ? is a polymer chain.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a surface-modified rubber molded body is described. An uncross-linked rubber molded body is made of a rubber composition containing an organic peroxide and a modified butyl rubber composition (A) containing a modified butyl rubber (1) where a compound (a) with a stable nitroxide free radical in the molecule at ambient temperature in the presence of oxygen, a radical initiator (b), and a radical polymeric monomer (c) with at least difunctionality are reacted with butyl rubber, or a modified butyl rubber composition (B) where the monomer (c) is added to a modified butyl rubber (2) where the compound (a) and the radical initiator (b) are reacted with butyl rubber. A siloxane compound having a (meth)acryloyl group is applied onto the surface of the uncross-linked rubber molded body. The uncross-linked rubber molded body is then heat-treated.

Abstract: Heat-activable adhesive sheet of an adhesive comprising a blend of at least three synthetic nitrile rubber compositions S1, S2 and S3, each of which comprises at least one synthetic nitrile rubber, and at least one reactive resin which is capable of crosslinking with itself, with other reactive resins and/or with the nitrile rubbers of synthetic rubber compositions S1, S2 and S3, in which a) the blend of the heat-activable sheet being microphase-separated, characterized by at least three different glass transition temperatures in a DSC, b) at least one of said glass transition temperatures being greater than 10° C. and at least one of said glass transition temperature lower than ?20° C., c) the nitrile rubber or rubbers S1 having an acrylonitrile fraction of greater than/equal to 35%, d) the nitrile rubber or rubbers S2 having an acrylonitrile fraction of greater than 25% and less than 35%, e) the nitrile rubber S3 having an acrylonitrile fraction of less than/equal to 25%.

Abstract: A process for producing a modified conjugated diene polymer includes subjecting an active terminal of a conjugated diene polymer having a vinyl content of less than 10% and a cis-1,4 bond content of 75% or more to a modification reaction with an alkoxysilane compound, and subjecting the alkoxysilane compound (residue) to a condensation reaction in an aqueous solution at a pH of 9 to 14 and a temperature of 85 to 180° C. in the presence of a condensation accelerator including a compound containing titanium. The modified conjugated diene polymer exhibits low heat build-up and increased reinforcing properties when used for a rubber composition, and exhibits excellent wear resistance, mechanical characteristics, and processability.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a rubber composition having: excellent sealing properties, heat resistance and acid resistance; a low reaction force, low hardness and low compression set; and excellent low-temperature recovery properties that contribute to sealing properties particularly in low-temperature environment. It is another object of the invention to provide uses of the rubber composition and main bodies on which the rubber composition has been mounted. The rubber composition of the present invention comprises a specific ethylene/?-olefin/non-conjugated polyene copolymer [A], a SiH group-containing compound [B] having two SiH groups in one molecule, and a SiH group-containing compound [C] having three SiH groups in one molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hotmelt adhesive compositions which comprise at least one thermoplastic, silane-grafted poly-?-olefin which is solid at 25° C. and at least one soft resin having a melting point or softening point between ?10° C. and 40° C. These hotmelt adhesive compositions are suitable in particular as laminating adhesives and, even in thin layers, have an extended open time but nevertheless build up a high early strength rapidly and lead to a heat-stable adhesive bond.

Abstract: A method for producing a modified conjugated diene polymer includes a modification step (A) that subjects a conjugated diene polymer having a cis-1,4-bond content of 98.5% or more and possessing an active end to a modification reaction to introduce an alkoxysilane compound having two or more reactive groups including an alkoxysilyl group into the active end of the conjugated diene polymer, and a condensation step (B) that subjects the residue of the alkoxysilane compound introduced into the active end to a condensation reaction in the presence of a condensation catalyst that includes at least one element among the elements of the groups 4A, 2B, 3B, 4B, and 5B in the periodic table. The method can produce a modified conjugated diene polymer that exhibits low heat build-up and excellent wear resistance.

Abstract: Precursor composition for room-temperature curable compositions comprising a first component (A) separated from a second component (B), the component (A) comprising one or more nitrile-butadiene rubber and a linear long chain diamine and the component (B) comprising an epoxy resin and a silicone resin or a resin comprising epoxy and silicone resins.

Abstract: A method for producing a modified conjugated diene polymer includes carrying out a modification reaction that reacts a modifier that includes a specific compound with a conjugated diene polymer having a cis-1,4-bond content of 98.5% or more and possessing an active end to introduce the modifier into the active end of the conjugated diene polymer to obtain a modified conjugated diene polymer. The modified conjugated diene polymer that exhibits excellent wear resistance, excellent mechanical properties, and reduced cold flow can be obtained by the method.

Abstract: A conjugated diene polymer is provided that contains a conjugated diene-based monomer unit and a group represented by Formula (I) below, at least peaks H, M, and L below being present in a molecular weight distribution curve obtained by gel permeation chromatography measurement, and when the total area of the molecular weight distribution curve is 100%, the total peak area of peak H is 3% to 30%, the total peak area of peak M is 5% to 45%, and the total peak area of peak L is 40% to 80% (in Formula (I), R1 and R2 independently denote a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a hydrocarbonoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a hydroxy group, or a polymer chain containing a conjugated diene-based monomer unit, m denotes an integer of 0 to 10, and A1 denotes a polar functional group that does not have an active hydrogen) Peak H: a peak for which the molecular weight at the peak top is higher than the molecular weight at the peak top of peak M Peak M: a peak for which, when the molecular weight at th

Abstract: Thermoset polyolefin elastomer obtained by static curing with water a silane-grafted thermoplastic heterophasic polyolefin composition (I) having a flexural modulus equal to or lower than 150 MPa, and comprising: (a) a crystalline propylene homopolymer or copolymer of propylene with up to 15% by weight of ethylene or other alpha-olefin comonomer(s), or their combinations, and (b) a copolymer or a composition of copolymers of ethylene with other alpha-olefins containing from 15% by weight to less then 40% by weight of ethylene; said thermoset polyolefin elastomer having a compression set value of from 30 to 65%, a ratio of elongation at break to compression set values of above 8, and hardness shore A values below 90.

Abstract: A process for producing a modified conjugated diene polymer includes subjecting an active terminal of a conjugated diene polymer having a vinyl content of less than 10% and a cis-1,4 bond content of 75% or more to a modification reaction with an alkoxysilane compound, and subjecting the alkoxysilane compound (residue) to a condensation reaction in an aqueous solution at a pH of 9 to 14 and a temperature of 85 to 180° C. in the presence of a condensation accelerator including a compound containing titanium. The modified conjugated diene polymer exhibits low heat build-up and increased reinforcing properties when used for a rubber composition, and exhibits excellent wear resistance, mechanical characteristics, and processability.

Abstract: A tire composition is provided that may include a sulfur-functional linear polyorganosiloxane and an unsaturated elastomer. The sulfur-functional linear polyorganosiloxane may include a chemically protected sulfur group, which includes a thiocarbamate, a dithiocarbamate, or a derivative or analog of thiocarbamate or dithiocarbamate. Under certain conditions, the sulfur group may react with the unsaturated elastomer. The invention includes embodiments that may relate to methods of making and using the sulfur-functional linear polyorganosiloxane in tire compositions.

Abstract: A description is given of a semi-interpenetrating network having a first phase of a linear noncrosslinked isobutene polymer and a second phase of a crosslinked polymer, wherein the crosslinked polymer is obtained by crosslinking molecular enlargement reaction in the presence of the isobutene polymer. The crosslinked polymer is preferably obtained by free-radical polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers comprising at least one polyethylenically unsaturated monomer. The networks are suitable as molding compounds having gas and moisture barrier effect or as adhesives.

Abstract: A method for preparing a functionalized polymer comprising the steps of preparing a pseudo-living polymer by polymerizing conjugated diene monomer with a lanthanide-based catalyst, and reacting the pseudo-living polymer with at least one functionalizing agent defined by the formula (I) where A is a substituent that will undergo an addition reaction with a pseudo-living polymer, R1 is a divalent organic group, R2 is a monovalent organic group, and each R4, which may be the same or different, is a monovalent organic group or a substituent defined by —OR5 where R5 is a monovalent organic group, with the proviso that A, R1, R2, R4, and R5 are substituents that will not protonate a pseudo-living polymer. Also, the functionalized polymer and a vulcanizable composition containing the polymer.

Abstract: Provided is a method comprising reacting the anionic living end of a polymer with a compound selected from the group consisting of tin halides and silicon halides to produced a polymer with a homolytically cleavable group containing a Sn—C bond or a Si—C bond. An engineered plastic may then be produced by adding the polymer containing a homolytically cleavable group containing a Sn—C bond or a Si—C bond to a solvent comprising at least one vinyl monomer; (b) optionally adding at least one additional inert solvent; (c) optionally adding additives selected from the group consisting of extender oils, modifiers, and antioxidants; and (d) initiating polymerization of the at least one vinyl monomer by the use of an initiator and/or heat, wherein a free radical is produced from the polymer containing a homolytically cleavable group containing a Sn—C bond or a Si—C bond.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a conjugated diene polymer, a process for producing the conjugated diene polymer, a conjugated diene polymer composition and a process for producing the conjugated diene polymer composition. The conjugated diene polymer is a conjugated diene polymer having a conjugated diene-based monomer unit and a group represented by the formula (I), wherein assuming the whole area of the molecular weight distribution curve obtained by gel permeation chromatography as 100%, the peak area of the molecular weight peak at the lowest molecular weight is 50% or more. [In the formula, R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrocarbon group, a hydrocarbon oxy group or a hydroxyl group, m represents an integer of 0 to 10, and A1 represents a polar functional group free of an active hydrogen atom.

Abstract: The method for producing a modified conjugated diene based (co)polymer, according to the present invention comprises (a) obtaining a primarily modified polymer by carrying out a primary modification reaction wherein at least one member selected from the group consisting of an alkoxysilane compound and a silanol compound is introduced into the active alkali metal terminal of a conjugated diene based (co)polymer having an active alkali metal terminal, and (b) obtaining a secondarily modified polymer (a modified conjugated diene based (co)polymer) by subjecting the above-obtained primarily modified polymer to reactions comprising (b1) and (b2). (b1): a reaction with a condensation accelerator comprising a metal element. (b2): a reaction with at least one member selected from the group consisting of inorganic acids and metal halides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low surface gloss styrene resin composition. The composition of the present invention is composed of (A) 80-99.9 weight % of the basic resin comprising rubber-modified styrene resin and (B) 0.1-20 weight % of syndiotactic polystyrene, the matting agent. The composition also includes (C) hydrogenated styrene block copolymer comprising styrene block and butadiene rubber block as a compatibilizer by 0.1-20 weight % for the total weight of the low surface gloss styrene resin composed of (A) the basic resin and (B) the matting agent and additionally includes (D) a plasticizer by 0.1-30 weight %. The composition of the present invention has excellent weatherability and impact-resistance in addition to the low surface gloss properties, so that it can be applied in various products, particularly exterior products for structures such as sidings and window frames, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a room temperature cured silicone thermoplastic resin sealant composition with reduced gas permeability useful in the manufacture of glazing such as windows and doors.

Abstract: A functionalized polymer prepared by a process comprising the steps of preparing a pseudo-living polymer by polymerizing conjugated monomer with a lanthanide-based catalyst, and reacting the pseudo-living polymer with a functionalizing agent defined by the formula (I) A-R1-Z??(I) where R1 is a divalent bond or divalent organic group comprising from 0 to about 20 carbon atoms, A is a substituent that will undergo an addition reaction with a pseudo-living polymer, and Z is a substituent that will react or interact with silica or carbon black reinforcing fillers, with the proviso that A, R1, and Z are substituents that will not protonate a pseudo-living polymer.

Abstract: This invention describes novel chemical compounds whose structures are hybrids between sulfur-containing and non-sulfur-containing silanes wherein the two types of silanes are linked by siloxane bonds. The invention includes methods of preparation for the hybrid silanes as well as their use in filled rubbers as coupling agents. The hybrid silanes described are unique in that a certain amount of water in their preparation leads to superior performance in their intended application, and that they can thus be produced more efficiently and safely than coupling agents currently used in the art, from readily available hydrated raw materials.

Abstract: Lithium-terminated polymers of one or more conjugated dienes and of one or more mono alkenyl arenes are coupled by reaction with an alkoxy silane coupling agent having the formula Rx—Si—(OR?)y, where x is 0 or 1, x+y=4, R and R? are the same or different, R is selected from aryl hydrocarbon radicals, linear alkyl hydrocarbon radicals and branched alkyl hydrocarbon radicals, and R? is selected from linear and branched alkyl hydrocarbon radicals, such that the resulting polymer composition contains less than about ten weight percent of uncoupled polymer diblock. The polymer compositions are subsequently selectively hydrogenated, and are useful in a variety of compounds and end use applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides curable hot melt compositions including reactive polymers, which are reinforced by organic polymers to impart higher tensile strength and elongation to the compositions upon cure. In particular, the present invention provides curable hot melt compositions including a silicone urea based polymer and a reinforcement polymer. In some embodiments, the compositions cure upon exposure to moisture and/or radiation. The compositions may be used, for example, as sealants or adhesives.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyorganosiloxane-containing graft copolymer which is obtainable by polymerizing 0.

Abstract: An initiator is presented for anionically polymerizing monomers, to provide a functional head group on the polymer. A polymer having a functional head group derived from a sulfur containing anionic initiator, and optionally as additional functional group resulting from the use of a functional terminating reagent, coupling agent or linking agent is also provided. A method is presented for anionically polymerizing monomers comprising the step of polymerizing the monomers with a sulfur containing anionic initiator to provide a functional head group on the polymer. An elastomeric compound, comprising a functional polymer and filler is also described. Also provided is a tire having decreased rolling resistance resulting from a tire component containing a vulcanizable elastomeric compound.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a curable sealant composition and method for its preparation are provided. The composition includes a polymer which is prepared by functionalizing a poly(conjugated diene) with a curable group such as a tetra-substituted silicon compound and then substantially hydrogenating the functionalized polymer in the presence of a Ziegler type catalyst. The composition can further include additional curable sealant ingredient selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, fillers, reinforcing agents, modifiers, curing catalysts/hardeners, stabilizers, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A conjugated diene polymer is provided that includes a conjugated diene-based constituent unit and a constituent unit represented by Formula (I) below, the constituent unit represented by Formula (I) being present between a conjugated diene-based constituent unit and a conjugated diene-based constituent unit, and the content of the constituent unit represented by Formula (I) being 1 unit or 2 units per polymer chain. In the formula, X1, X2, and X3 independently denote a group as defined in the specification.

Abstract: Provided in one aspect is a method of melt blending comprising providing an extruder possessing addition points from a zero point to a 100 point the length of the extruder; adding at least one thermoplastic and at least one curable polymer at the zero to 10 point of the extruder; adding at least one silicone hydride at the 5 to 30 point of the extruder; adding at least one metal catalyst at the 20 to 60 point of the extruder, with the proviso that the metal catalyst is added at least 5 points farther down the extruder than the silicone hydride. Provided in another aspect is a hydrosilylation curative composition comprising a silicone hydride having the formula wherein H is hydrogen, and each R? is independently selected from hydrogen and C1 to C10 alkyl groups; R? is selected from C1 to C10 alkyl groups; n is an integer from 5 to 45; and m is an integer from 5 to 45.

Abstract: A method of forming a functionalized polymer, the method comprising reacting a living polymer with a compound defined by the formula where R5 includes a monovalent organic group, R6 independently includes a monovalent organic group, each R7 independently includes hydrogen or a monovalent organic group, each R8 independently includes hydrogen or monovalent organic group, R9 includes a monovalent organic group, M is silicon or tin, and x includes an integer from about 2 to about 10, where R5 and R6 may optionally each independently be alkoxy groups, and where R7, R8, and R9 are non-Zerewitinoff organic groups.