Abstract: The invention relates to a tire having a tread of a rubber composition with compositional limitations containing minimal, if any, of in situ formed volatile alcohol byproduct. The tread component rubber composition contains a combination or pre-hydrophobated silica reinforcement and siloxane functionalized styrene/butadiene copolymer elastomer. The pre-hydrophobated silica is prepared, prior to mixing with the elastomer(s), by reacting hydroxyl groups (e.g. silanol groups) contained on the surface of a precipitated silica with an alkoxyorganomercaptosilane or with a bis-3(triethoxysilylpropyl)polysulfide which contains an average of from 2 to 4 connecting sulfur atoms in its polysulfidic bridge to form a composite thereof which may optionally include an alkyl silane. The volatile alcohol byproduct (e.g. ethanol) therefrom is thereby removed from the pre-hydrophobated silica composite prior to its introduction into the rubber composition(s).

Abstract: A mixture of at least two thermoplastic particles having reactive grups which when melted and mixed react to form a high molecular weight polymer. The blend of particles when molten is particularly useful in forming double insulating glass or plastic panels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rubber composition for a tire, in which gripping performance and abrasion resistance are improved in a balanced manner, and a tire using the same. Specifically, the present invention provides a rubber composition for a tire comprising 5 to 200 parts by weight of a low molecular weight aromatic vinyl-conjugated diene copolymer having a specific aromatic vinyl content and weight average molecular weight, based on 100 parts by weight of a rubber component containing aromatic vinyl-conjugated diene copolymer, a rubber composition for a tire comprising 5 to 200 parts by weight of an olefin-conjugated diene-aromatic vinyl copolymer based on 100 parts by weight of a diene rubber component, and a tire using the same.

Abstract: A golf ball-which is formed from a crosslinked rubber compound composed of, as essential components, (A) a rubber base material composed of (a) a polybutadiene containing no less than 60 wt % of cis-1,4 bonds and having a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4 (100° C.)) of 50 to 120, which is synthesized by using a group VIII element catalyst and/or a rare earth element-based catalyst, and (b) a solid isoprene rubber containing no less than 60 wt % of cis-1,4 bonds and having a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4 (100° C.)) of 70 to 90, with the ratio of (a) to (b) being from 70/30 to 98/2 by weight; (B) an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof; and (C) an organic peroxide. The golf ball is characterized by good rebound resilience and good workability with which it is produced.

Abstract: A golf ball which is formed from a crosslinked rubber compound composed of, as essential components, (A) a rubber base material composed of (a) a polybutadiene containing no less than 60 wt % of cis-1,4 bonds and having a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4 (100° C.)) of 50 to 120, which is synthesized by using a group VIII catalyst element and/or a rare earth element-based catalyst, and (b) a solid isoprene rubber containing no less than 60 wt % of cis-1,4 bonds and having a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4 (100° C.)) of 70 to 90, with the ratio of (a) to (b) being from 96/4 to 99/1 by weight; (B) an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof; and (C) an organic peroxide. The golf ball is characterized by good rebound resilience and good workability with which it is produced.

Abstract: A process for production of a thermoplastic elastomer composition by melt-kneading a mixture in one step to thereby conduct dynamic crosslinking, wherein the mixture comprises a hydrogenated block copolymer (a1) which is prepared by hydrogenating a block copolymer comprising a vinyl aromatic polymer block (A1) and a conjugated diene polymer block (B1) and has number-average molecular weight of 200000 or above and, if necessary, a non-hydrogenated block copolymer (a2) comprising a vinyl aromatic polymer block (A2) and a conjugated diene polymer block (B2), and contains a non-aromatic rubber softening agent (b), a peroxide-crosslinkable olefin resin (c) having a density of 0.94 g/cm3 or above, a peroxide-decomposable olefin resin (d), an organic peroxide (e), and a crosslinking aid (f), the amount of (b) being 50 to 250 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the sum of (a1) +(a2), the amount of (c) being 2.5 to 50 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of (a); and the amount of (d) being 0.

Abstract: A modified olefin-based copolymer produced by graft-polymerizing an alkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon and/or an unsaturated carboxylic acid or derivative thereof to an olefin-based copolymer containing repeating units derived from a linear ?-olefin and/or ethylene copolymer of ethylene and repeating units derived from a vinyl compound (I) or (II) described below, and an adhesive containing the product as an effective ingredient, in which an adhesiveness to an adherend such as olefin resins (e.g. polyethylene, polypropylene) is further improved, are provided. Vinyl compound (I): a vinyl compound represented by the general formula CH2?CH—R, wherein steric parameters Es and B1 of the substituent R are respectively ?1.64 or less and 1.53 or more. Vinyl compound (II): a vinyl compound represented by the general formula CH2?CH—R?, wherein a substituent R? is a secondary or tertiary alkyl group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for reusing waste material generated during the manufacturing of golf ball cores. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for drying the waste material in order lower its moisture content. In addition, the present invention relates to golf balls and golf ball components that utilize waste material, and in particular swarf.

Abstract: A rubber composition for a golf ball having excellent rebound characteristics and excellent durability, and showing good workability, which contains a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent, an organic peroxide and an inorganic filler, wherein the base rubber includes a polybutadiene containing a cis-1,4 bond of not less than 80%, having a Mooney viscosity of not less than 30 to less than 50 ML1+4(100° C.) and a ratio (Mw/Mn) of the weight average molecular weight (Mw) to the number average molecular weight (Mn) of 3.0 to 6.0, synthesized using a lanthanide-containing catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a core having a diameter of at least 1.5 inches, an inner cover layer encasing the core, and an outer cover layer encasing the inner cover layer. The inner cover layer has a thickness of from 0.005 inches to 0.05 inches. The outer cover layer has a thickness of from 0.005 inches to 0.05 inches and is formed from an elastomer composition comprising an organosulfer compound and a crosslinkable polymer crosslinked at least in part by a liquid vinyl polydiene.

Abstract: A biaxially oriented polyolefin multilayer film containing: (a) a core layer containing (i) greater than about 0% by weight to about 50% by weight of an isotactic polypropylene-containing impact copolymer, (ii) about 10% by weight to 70% by weight of an alpha olefin/polypropylene copolymer-containing thermoplastic olefin and (iii) about 10% by weight to 70% by weight of an isotactic propylene homopolymer; and (b) at least one polyolefin skin layer adjacent to the core layer is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to copolymers of alkenes and conjugated dienes containing cyclopropane and cyclopentane rings in the main chain. These copolymers are charachterised in that the amount of cyclopropane units is between 0.1% and 50% by weight and that the molar percent of the cyclopropane units is higher than the molar percent of the unsubstituted cyclopentane units.

Abstract: A diene rubber (A) having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 100,000 to 3,000,000, an Mw/number average molecular weight (Mn) ratio of 1.30 to 2.50, and an Mw/peak top molecular weight (Mp) ratio 0.70 to 1.30. A rubber composition comprising the diene rubber (A) and a diene rubber (B) having an Mw of 2,000 to 90,0000 and/or an oil extender for rubber has good processability and can give a rubber vulcanizate having high tensile strength and good abrasion resistance. The diene rubber (A) is produced by conducting a living polymerization of diene monomer in a hydrocarbon solvent; adding a polymerization stopper to a polymerization mixture at a conversion of 5 to 98% to deactivate 10 to 90% by mole of active terminals present as of the initiation of polymerization; and finally adding a polymerization stopper to completely terminate the polymerization reaction.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a solid core and a cover disposed about the core, wherein the core is formed from a polybutadiene blend comprising a) a first polybutadiene having a first Mooney viscosity between about 50 and about 150, and b) a second polybutadiene having a second Mooney viscosity between about 30 and about 100, wherein the first Mooney viscosity is greater than the second Mooney viscosity, and wherein the blend has a greater weight percentage of the first polybutadiene than that of the second polybutadiene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene polymer using a catalyst containing a carbon disulfide in which the polymerizate thereof is treated with hydrogen peroxide, to preparation of a composite of conjugated diene-based elastomer and syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene polymer using a catalyst containing a carbon disulfide which the polymerizate thereof is treated with hydrogen peroxide, a rubber composition containing said syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene polymer and/or said composite and a tire having at least one rubber component thereof.

Abstract: Transparent and colorable elastomeric compositions are provided. The transparent elastomeric compositions can be covulcanized with rubbers such as polybutadiene, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene rubber, styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber, isoprene-butadiene rubber, or natural rubber and polybutene processing oil. The colorable rubber compositions have sufficient properties to function as a reinforcing member in a shoe sole or automobile tire. Preferably, both the transparent and colorable elastomeric compositions include at least one copolymer of a C4 to C7 isoolefin and a p-methylstyrene, silica and a high cis-polybutadiene rubber.

Abstract: Sidewalls of a pneumatic tire have greater resistance to failure due to dynamic flexing and abrasion, and the tire's tread has better resistance to tearing than with conventionally used rubber compositions, when sidewalls and tread are formed from a compound having a major proportion by weight of synthetic rubber (SR) and a minor proportion by weight of natural rubber (NR), and a major proportion by weight of the SR itself consists essentially of a high cis-1,4-polybutadiene having defined molecular architecture. The high cis-1,4-PBD has more than 90 percent cis-structure, a poly-dispersity in the range from about 3 to 5, a number average molecular weight Mn in the range from 100,000 to 150,000 and a degree of branching in the range from 2 to 3.5. The sidewall compound has characteristics quite different from one made with a typical commercially available high cis-1,4-PBD; and the tread has excellent tear strength.

Abstract: Disclosed are a chemically modified polyolefin elastomer composition that is highly compatible with thermoplastics and useful in improving the low temperature impact strength of thermoplastics, and a method for preparing the chemically modified polyolefin elastomer composition. The elastomer composition includes a polyolefin resin and a chemically modified ethylene-?-olefin elastomer mixed with the polyolefin resin. The chemically modified ethylene-?-olefin elastomer includes an ethylene-?-olefin elastomer backbone and grafted branches from the backbone. The branches includes polymers of one or more monomers comprising an unsaturated organic compound containing at least one carbonyl group. The method of producing the composition includes mixing an ethylene-?-olefin elastomer and a polyolefin resin to provide a mixture thereof, to which added is one or more monomers having an unsaturated organic compound containing at least one carbonyl group.

Abstract: A vulcanizate comprising a rubber, and a damping component that is prepared by preparing a mixture of living polymers that include living polymers with at least two living ends and living polymers with one living end to form a mixture of living polymers, and coupling the mixture of living polymers with a coupling agent that has at least three reactive functionalities.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoplastic transparent resin composition and a method for manufacturing the same. The resin composition includes 3-15 parts by weight of small aperture polybutadiene rubber latex; 5-25 parts by weight of large aperture polybutadiene rubber latex; 40-70 parts by weight of a methacrylic acid alkylester compound or an acrylic acid alkylester compound; 15-30 parts by weight of an aromatic vinyl compound; and 1-20 parts by weight of a vinylcyan compound. The method includes the steps of a) producing a small aperture polybutadiene rubber latex having an average particle diameter of 600-1500 A, a gel content of 70-95%, and a swelling index of 12-30 by reacting butadiene at 55-70° C. using a polymerization initiator, b) producing a large aperture polybutadiene rubber latex having a particle diameter of 2600-5000 A, a gel content of 70-95%, and a swelling index of 12-30 by enlarging the small aperture polybutadiene rubber latex particles; c) performing graft copolymerization at 65-80° C.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprises: (a) a high molecular weight, branched component; and (b) a low molecular weight, branched component. Some polymer compositions are characterized by a substantial absent of amyl or methyl branches and a melt strength (MS) that satisfies the following relationship: MS ? x I 2 + y where x is greater than or equal to about 12.5 and y is greater than or equal to about 3. Some polymers are characterized by a melt strength (MS) that satisfies the following relationship: MS ? x I 2 + y where x is greater than or equal to about 3 and y is greater than or equal to about 4.5 and a molecular weight distribution of greater than 3. A process for making polymers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous process for manufacture of a polymer including branched and linear components comprising first polymerizing conjugated diene(s) in the presence of an organometallic initiator to a conversion that is at least 90% complete. A coupling agent is added to obtain a polymer including branched and linear components. The coupling agent is added at a ratio of about 0.3 to about 0.6 coupling equivalents to initiator equivalents.

Abstract: The process of this invention can be utilized to improve the adhesion between rubber components. It is generally most useful for improving the adhesion between two different pre-cured rubber components or for improving the adhesion between a pre-cured rubber component and an uncured (green) rubber component. However, the technique of this invention can also be employed to improve the adhesion between two uncured rubber components. The technique of this invention is based upon the unexpected discovery that low molecular weight trans-1,4-polybutadiene containing rubber compounds can be used to improve the adhesion between rubber components.

Abstract: Improved single ply, water proof roof coverings having an extruded pressure sensitive rubber-based adhesive backing for attachment to a substrate such as the roof of a building or a transport vehicle, the adhesive comprising a thermoplastic rubber containing at least 25% butyl rubber in combination with polyisobutylene and low molecular weight polybutene.

Abstract: A thermosetting resin composition that is useful as an epoxy resin-based overcoating agent for flexible circuit boards or for film carriers for the TAB method, and the like, providing basic properties required of general insulation protective films, since the cured coated films are excellent in adhesiveness, electric insulation property, chemical resistance, thermal resistance, and the like, reduced in warp caused by cure shrinkage, and excellent in flexibility.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer composition having excellent heat aging characteristics, weather resistance, low-temperature physical properties, oil resistance and flexibility, and moldings using the same, such as hoses, are disclosed. The thermoplastic elastomer composition is obtained by dynamically heat treating a mixture containing (A) an olefin resin, (B) an unsaturated group-containing acrylic rubber, and (D) an inorganic filler in the presence of (E) a crosslinking agent, the component (B) comprising (B1) from 55 to 94.99% by weight of a structural unit derived from an acrylic acid alkyl ester monomer and/or an acrylic acid alkoxyalkyl ester monomer, (B2) from 0.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a rubber component where the rubber in said component is comprised of (A) from 10 to 75 phr of a rubber gel selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene gel, styrene butadiene gel, acrylonitrile-butadiene gel, chloroprene gel, natural rubber gel, and mixtures thereof; (B) from 1 to 25 phr of syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene; and (C) a rubber containing olefinic unsaturation.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing polymer rubber, which comprises the step of polymerizing a conjugated diene monomer or a combination of a conjugated diene monomer with an aromatic vinyl monomer in the presence of (1) an organolithium compound, (2) a solvent, (3) tetrahydrofuran in an amount of 0.0106 to 0.1060% by weight, and (4) ethylene glycol diethyl ether in an amount of 0.02 to 0.30% by weight, wherein the polymer rubber satisfies the conditions of (a) a vinyl group content in the polymer rubber is not less than 60% by weight, and (b) a Q value (Mw/Mn) of the polymer rubber is not more than 1.35.

Abstract: There is a need for polymers that offer a high level of heat and ultraviolet light resistance. It is particularly critical for polymers that are utilized in making skin compounds for automotive instrument and door panels to display excellent heat and ultraviolet light resistance. Polymer blends having such characteristics can be made by blending certain rubbery polymers with halogen containing polymers, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). There is currently a demand for halogen-free polymers having such characteristics. This invention discloses a rubbery polymer that can be blended with polyolefins, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, to make leathery compositions having good heat and ultraviolet light resistance. The rubbery polymer of this invention is comprised of repeat units which are comprised of (a) butyl acrylate, (b) an alkoxyalkylene acrylate, (c) styrene, (d) a half ester maleate soap, and (e) a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A radial tire having the apex area around the steel reinforced carcass ply turn-up comprised of at least one selected diene rubber and a trans 1,4-polybutadiene rubber.

Abstract: A sound insulating composite material contains (a) a crosslinked polymer containing 100 parts by weight of an ethylene-propylene rubber, 20-100 parts by weight of a polyethylene, and 100-200 parts by weight of a polypropylene; and (b) an inorganic filler in an amount of 200-500 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the ethylene-propylene rubber. The crosslinked polymer is prepared by a dynamic crosslinking of the ethylene-propylene rubber with the polyethylene and the polypropylene in the presence of an organic peroxide. The sound insulating composite material can be produced by (a) preparing a mixture containing the ethylene-propylene rubber, the polyethylene, the polypropylene, and the organic peroxide; and (b) kneading the mixture while the mixture is in a melted condition, thereby generating the dynamic crosslinking.

Abstract: Removing silicon species from hydrocarbon solvents such as cyclohexane. The process comprises contacting the hydrocarbon solvent with sulfuric acid in an amount sufficient to phase separate the silicon species and removing at least 20% by weight of the residual silicon species from the hydrocarbon solvent. The hydrocarbon solvent may be a polymerization solvent containing residual silicon species, and more than 80% by weight of the silicon species can be removed.

Abstract: Process for producing an elastomer substrate web, comprising the following process steps: a) feeding in a polymer mixture, in particular into a mixer, b) conveying the ready-prepared polymer mixture to a calender, comprising at least two rollers, c) forming the polymer mixture out in the calender into a web, d) applying an auxiliary substrate in web form by means of a pressure-exerting roller, which is in contact with the last forming calender roller, for receiving the web, and e) if appropriate, cooling, crosslinking and/or winding up the web located on the auxiliary substrate.

Abstract: The process of this invention can be utilized to improve the adhesion between rubber components. It is generally most useful for improving the adhesion between two different pre-cured rubber components or for improving the adhesion between a pre-cured rubber component and an uncured (green) rubber component. However, the technique of this invention can also be employed to improve the adhesion between two uncured rubber components. The technique of this invention is based upon the unexpected discovery that low molecular weight trans-1,4-polybutadiene containing rubber compounds can be used to improve the adhesion between rubber components.

Abstract: A rubber composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a base rubber containing 5-30% by weight of syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene and at least 40% by weight of cis-1,4-polybutadiene, 5-10 parts by weight of an unsaturated carboxylic acid metal salt, up to 2 parts by weight of an inorganic filler, and 10-30% by weight based on the weight of the metal salt of an initiator can be molded and vulcanized into a rubber product having a specific gravity of less than 1 and is suitable for the manufacture of golf balls for practice over water.

Abstract: The process of this invention can be utilized to improve the adhesion between rubber components. It is generally most useful for improving the adhesion between two different pre-cured rubber components or for improving the adhesion between a pre-cured rubber component and an uncured (green) rubber component. However, the technique of this invention can also be employed to improve the adhesion between two uncured rubber components. The technique of this invention is based upon the unexpected discovery that low molecular weight trans-1,4-polybutadiene containing rubber compounds can be used to improve the adhesion between rubber components.

Abstract: The invention relates to rubber mixtures which contain microgels and isocyanatosilanes and vulcanisates produced therefrom. By adding isocyanatosilanes the mechanical properties of the vulcanisates, in particular the elongation properties and the abrasion resistance, are improved without the difference in rebound resilience at 70° C. and 23° C. being reduced.

Abstract: A rubber composition containing (A) an ethylene-&agr;-olefin based copolymer rubber having an intrinsic viscosity [&eegr;] of 2.0-10.0 as determined in xylene at 70° C., (B) a softening agent, and (C) a filler, which composition is superior in heat resistance and fatigue resistance, is obtained by a process including the steps of dividing component (A) into portions (A1) and (A2), dividing component (B) into portions (B1) and (B2), dividing component (C) into portions (C1) and (C2), kneading portions (A1), (B1) and (C1) together to obtain a first blend, adding portions (A2), (B2) and (C2) to the first blend to obtain a second blend and kneading the second blend to obtain the rubber composition.

Abstract: A nonallergenic synthetic rubber elastomer having physical qualities equal to or superior to natural rubber latex is provided. The synthetic rubber elastomer is composed of at least one high molecular weight hydrogenated tri-block thermoplastic elastomer (HTPE), at least one low molecular weight HTPE and a crosslinkable cyclic unsaturated polyolefin crystalline polymer. Articles are formed from the synthetic rubber elastomers and then exposed to crosslinking agents. The articles thus formed possess physical qualities equal to or superior to natural rubber latex and improved biocompatability.

Abstract: A pneumatic rubber tire is provided having inner and outer air retention quasi envelopes which individually substantially envelop the tire air chamber and which are comprised of a first inner quasi envelope as an integral innerliner and a second outer quasi envelope as a combination of sidewalls and tread. Such pneumatic tire is of a relatively conventional open toroidal shape. The innerliner and the sidewall-tread combination are termed as being quasi envelopes in a sense that a rigid rim, onto which the tire is to be mounted and inflated, is used to complete the closure of the tire's air chamber envelope.

Abstract: The invention discloses an improved process for the production of cross-linked rubber particles. The cross-linking agents are added to the aqueous rubber dispersions and converted at relatively high temperatures without inertization of the reaction mix and without pressurizing of an inert gas. The cross-linked rubber particles are suitable, for example, for the production of technical rubber products and for various tire components.

Abstract: The present invention provides performance enhancing shoe components and methods of using those shoe components to increase exercise performance. The shoe components comprise a layer of 1,4-polybutadiene and, optionally, a high energy returning rubber. A second layer of an energy returning rubber and/or a coating is optionally applied to the first layer. The invented shoe components may be formed as shoe inserts, insoles, midsoles, soles, or portions thereof.

Abstract: Articles are formed from a thermosetting composition based on polybutadiene or polyisoprene resins which are subjected to a high temperature cure step of greater than 250° C. The thermosetting compositions may include fillers such as particulate ceramic fillers and may also include woven webs for improved dimensional stability and decreased brittleness. The formation process of this invention is particularly well suited for making electrical circuit substrates for microwave and digital circuits, typically in the form of the thermosetting composition being laminated on one or both opposed surfaces to metal conductive foil (e.g., copper).

Abstract: The invention relates to a golf ball having a core and two or more cover layers. The outer cover layer includes a thin castable material and the inner cover layer a polyisoprene based material.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polymer blends and formed articles made thereof which exhibit superior physical properties such as a combination of excellent scratch resistance, rigidity and impact toughness. The thermoplastic polyolefin blend includes from about 40 percent to about 80 percent of a base component of propylene-containing polymer; from about 5 percent to about 30 percent of a toughening component; and from about 3 percent to about 40 percent of a thermoplastic elastomer, preferably of a high styrene containing block or random copolymer. A preferred thermoplastic polyolefin blend includes between about 50 percent to about 70 percent of the base component; between about 10 percent to about 20 percent of the toughening component; and between about 5 percent to about 20 percent of the styrene block copolymer. Advantageously, the thermoplastic elastomer has greater than 50 percent by weight styrene monomer.

Abstract: A continuous process for manufacture of a polymer including branched and linear components comprising first polymerizing conjugated diene(s) in the presence of an organometallic initiator to a conversion that is at least 90% complete. A coupling agent is added to obtain a polymer including branched and linear components. The coupling agent is added at a ratio of about 0.3 to about 0.6 coupling equivalents to initiator equivalents.

Abstract: A novel propylene copolymer is disclosed. Also disclosed is a novel composition comprising about 85 to about 99 weight percent of a polymeric ethylenic containing component having a density no greater than 0.94 g/cc, and about 1 to about 15 weight percent of a novel propylene copolymer comprising from about 60 to about 80 weight percent propylene, based on the copolymer, and from about 20 to about 40 weight percent olefin comonomer units, the propylene copolymer having a viscosity of about 1 to about 2,000 mPa·s at 190° C. and a needle penetration of greater than about 150 to about 300 dmm. Also disclosed are films produced from the composition, both blown and cast, and both monolayer and multilayer. Also disclosed are processes for stretch wrapping and forming blown film.

Abstract: This invention discloses an emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) that can be employed in manufacturing tire tread formulations that have rolling resistance and treadwear characteristics that are similar to those made with solution SBR but with improved traction characteristics. Thus, the emulsion SBR of this invention is superior in many respects for use in tire tread compounds to conventional solution SBR and conventional emulsion SBR. This invention more specifically discloses a styrene-butadiene rubber composition which is comprised of repeat units which are derived from styrene, 1,3-butadiene, and a hydroxy alkyl acrylate monomer, wherein the styrene-butadiene rubber composition has a number average molecular weight as determined by field flow fractionation which is within the range of about 50,000 to 150,000, and wherein the styrene-butadiene rubber has a light scattering to refractive index ratio which is within the range of 1.8 to 3.9.

Abstract: An olefinic thermoplastic elastomer capable of producing a sheet applicable for preparing a covering skin sheet for interior furnishings in automobile superior in the formability, heat resistance, mechnical properties, tensile characteristics, strain restorability and repulsive elasticity together with superior grain retention performance upon a male vacuum forming of the sheet, the said olefinic thermoplastic elastomer comprising an olefinic resin and an olefinic copolymer rubber and having a characteristic feature that it satisfies, when a grained sheet made of the said elatomer is subjected to a male vacuum forming at least at a point of sheet temperature within the range of 130-150° C., the condition that the grain retention rate expressed by the proportion of the grain depth of the sheet retained after the male vacuum forming relative to the grain depth before the male vacuum forming represented by percent meets the relation defind by the following equation (1) % retention of grain≧100−2.

Abstract: A molded or formed product obtained by molding or forming a resin composition comprising (A) at least one vinyl cyclic hydrocarbon polymer selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated products of aromatic vinyl polymers, vinylcyclohexene polymers or hydrogenated products thereof, and vinylcyclohexane polymers, and (B) at least one substance selected from the group consisting of compounding additives incompatible with the polymer, organic compounds having at least one alcoholic hydroxyl group and at least one ether linkage, and organic compounds having at least one alcoholic hydroxyl group and at least one ester linkage, wherein the initial light transmittance (a) of the molded or formed product at an optional wavelength within a range of 400 to 800 nm and the light transmittance (b) of the molded or formed product after the molded or formed product is held for 1,000 hours in an atmosphere of 65° C.