Abstract: A carbon nanostructure that is free of a growth substrate can include a plurality of carbon nanotubes that are branched, crosslinked, and share common walls with one another. The carbon nanostructure can be released from a growth substrate in the form of a flake material. Optionally, the carbon nanotubes of the carbon nanostructure can be coated, such as with a polymer, or a filler material can be present within the porosity of the carbon nanostructure. Methods for forming a carbon nanostructure that is free of a growth substrate can include providing a carbon nanostructure adhered to a growth substrate, and removing the carbon nanostructure from the growth substrate to form a carbon nanostructure that is free of the growth substrate. Various techniques can be used to affect removal of the carbon nanostructure from the growth substrate. Isolation of the carbon nanostructure can further employ various wet and/or dry separation techniques.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a process for preparing stabilized polymeric systems with excellent light, thermal and oxidation stability using an active, peroxide containing polymer oxidizing agents, amine-containing reducing agents, and/or nano-additives, and the polymer articles made therefrom.

Abstract: A modified conjugated diene polymer and a manufacturing method for the same are provided. The modified conjugated diene polymer is manufactured by the method including, forming a conjugated diene polymer by a polymerization step and making it react with a first modifier and then react with a second modifier. The modified conjugated diene polymer has over 97% of cis-1,4 structure. A PDI of the modified conjugated diene polymer is bigger than 1.8 and smaller than 2.5. The first modifier has a chemical formula of X—R1-Si(R2)3. The second modifier has a chemical formula of R3-Si(R4)3.

Abstract: Disclosed are a polybutadiene having a controlled microstructure, a narrow molecular weight distribution, minimal gel content, and a low APHA color, a modified polybutadiene, producing methods for both, and a rubber-reinforced styrene resin composition using the same. The polybutadiene of the present invention is characterized in that the ratio (Tcp/ML1+4) of a 5% toluene melting viscosity (Tcp) measured at 25° C. and the Mooney viscosity (ML1+4) at 100° C. is 2.0 or higher, the molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) is 2.80 or less, the gel content is 0.06 wt % or less, and the APHA color is 20 or less.

Abstract: An improved polymerization and work-up process makes it possible to produce specific nitrile rubbers which have a particular ion index which is responsible for an excellent vulcanization rate and leads to vulcanizates having an advantageous property profile.

Abstract: A functionalized polymer terminated by using an isocyanato alkoxysilane terminating agent. A method of preparing a functionalized polymer comprising the step of contacting a living polymer with an isocyanato alkoxysilane terminating agent.

Abstract: A process for producing a conjugated diene-based polymer which comprises, in the first modification, modifying a conjugated diene-based polymer having active chain ends, which is obtained by polymerizing a diene-based monomer singly or with other monomers and has a content of a cis-1,4 unit of 75% by mole or greater in the conjugated diene portion of the main chain, by reacting the active chain ends with a hydrocarbyloxysilane compound and reacting the modified polymer with a specific compound such as a hydrocarbyloxysilane compound, and a rubber composition containing the polymer modified in accordance with the above process and, preferably, 10 to 100 parts by weight of silica and/or carbon black per 100 parts by weight of the rubber component containing the modified polymer, are provided. The rubber composition containing silica and/or carbon black exhibits improved fracture properties, abrasion resistance, low heat buildup property and excellent workability.

Abstract: A macromolecule includes a functional group including imine functionality bonded to a polymer chain. Where desired, the functional group also can contain additional (e.g., amine and/or silane) functionality. The material can be provided by reacting a polymer including carbonyl functionality with a compound including a primary amino group. The functional group can interact with particulate filler such as, e.g., carbon black and silica.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conjugated diene polymer, a method for producing a conjugated diene polymer, a conjugated diene polymer composition and a method for producing a conjugated diene polymer composition. The conjugated diene polymer is a conjugated diene polymer having a conjugated diene-based monomer unit and a group of 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 side is not less than 50%: wherein R1 and R2 represent independently a hydrocarbon group, hydrocarbon oxy group or hydroxyl group, m represents an integer of 0 to 10, and A1 represents a polar functional group free of an active hydrogen atom.

Abstract: A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising providing a reactive polymer, where the reactive polymer includes an oxygen anion, a sulfur anion, or a nitrogen anion, reacting the reactive polymer with carbon disulfide to form a polymer including a dithio carboxyl group, and reacting the polymer including the dithio carboxyl group with a blocking agent.

Abstract: The rubber composite was fabricated by use of direct vulcanization adhesion method with a sulfenamide-based vulcanization accelerators, and the sulfenamide-based vulcanization accelerator is used for a rubber composite using a sulfenamide compound as a vulcanization accelerator, the adhesion properties of the steel cord/rubber adhesion boundary surface and the anti-scorch properties can be achieved simultaneously, the sulfenamide-based vulcanization accelerator being such that the bond order between an amine generated form the sulfenamide compound and a surface of a metal material is zero, and the distance of the S—N (amine moiety) bond of the sulfenamide compound is less than 1.67 ?, and the electric charge on N of the amine radical generated as a result of dissociation of the S—N bond is ?0.295 or less.

Abstract: A rubber composition comprises a rubber component, sulfur and a sulfeneamide base vulcanization accelerator represented by the following Formula (I), and has an excellent adhesive property with metal such as a steel cord without bringing about problems such as deteriorating in the physical properties and blooming of rubber after vulcanization. (wherein R1 represents a branched alkyl group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms; R2 represents a linear alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or a branched alkyl group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms; x represents an integer of 1 or 2, and n represents an integer of 0 or 1).

Abstract: A process for making a substantially saturated dendritic hydrocarbon polymer. The process has the following steps: (a) polymerizing an amount of one or more alkadiene monomers and/or one or more alkenylaromatic polymers under anionic conditions in the presence of a di- or tri-functional organic lithium initiator to produce a polyalkadiene defining a multiplicity of lithiated chain ends; (b) reacting the polyalkadiene with an amount of a tri- or di-functional silane coupling agent to form a dendritic polyalkadiene; and (c) hydrogenating the dendritic polyalkadiene to form a substantially saturated dendritic hydrocarbon polymer.

Abstract: The object is to provide a rubber composition for a high-strength golf ball which has a high hardness, high resiliency, excellent processability and improved filler dispersibility, by adjusting each of the Mooney viscosity, the molecular weight distribution and the n value (the rate-dependent index for Mooney viscosity) of a high-cis-polybutadiene rubber using a cobalt catalyst to a value falling within a specific range. The rubber composition comprises 100 parts by weight of a high-cis-polybutadiene synthesized using a cobalt catalyst and 10 to 50 parts by weight of a co-crosslinking agent, wherein the high-cis-polybutadiene satisfies the following requirements (a) to (c): (a) the Mooney viscosity (ML) is 40 to 55; (b) the molecular weight distribution [a weight average molecular weight MW)/a number average molecular weight (Mn)] is 3.0 to 4.2; and (c) the rate-dependent index of Mooney viscosity (n value) is 2.3 to 3.0.

Abstract: Provided is a thermosetting resin composition which can be used for the production of printed circuit boards, having good dielectric properties in high frequency bands so that transmission loss can be significantly lowered, having excellent heat resistance after moisture absorption and thermal expansion properties, and satisfying peeling strength between the resin composition and metal foil. The present invention relates to a thermosetting resin composition of a semi-IPN composite, comprising (A) a polyphenylene ether, and a prepolymer formed from (B) a chemically unmodified butadiene polymer containing 40% or more of a 1,2-butadiene unit having a 1,2-vinyl group in a side chain of a molecule and (C) a crosslinking agent, in a compatibilized and uncured state; and a resin varnish, a prepreg and a metal clad laminated board using the same.

Abstract: Brominated and epoxidized organic compounds are useful flame retardants for polymers such as polystyrene. The organic compounds contain both bromine and oxirane groups, and have molecular weights of at least 1500. The brominated and epoxidized organic compounds can be prepared by sequentially brominating and epoxiding (in either order) a starting compound that contains multiple non-conjugated carbon-carbon double bonds.

Abstract: An improved polymerization and work-up process makes it possible to produce specific nitrile rubbers which have a particular ion index which is responsible for an excellent vulcanization rate and leads to vulcanizates having an advantageous property profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of preparing 1,4-trans polybutadiene grafted with an aromatic organosulfur compound, the process comprising (a) preparing 1,4-trans polybutadiene by polymerizing 1,3-butadiene or butadiene derivatives in a nonpolar solvent in the presence of a particular catalyst, and (b) preparing the 1,4-trans polybutadiene grafted with an aromatic organosulfur compound by reacting the trans polybutadiene with an aromatic organosulfur compound. The organosulfur molecule in the molecular chain minimizes ultra high molecular weight fraction and narrows the molecular weight distribution, thereby enabling this polymer to show improved processability and tensile properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a block copolymer composition and method of making the same having the structures (A2-B)n-X-(A1) or (A2-B2)n-X-(B1A1), where A1 and A2 are each a polymer block of a monoalkenyl arene and B, B1, and B2 are each a polymer block of one or more conjugated dienes or a hydrogenated diene polymer, n is an integer from 2 to 30 and X is the residue of a coupling agent.

Abstract: A method for providing a polymer having terminal functionality that includes at least one sulfur atom and at least one silicon or tin atom involves reacting a terminally active polymer with a cyclic compound that includes in its ring structure at least one Si or Sn atom and at least one S atom, optionally at adjacent positions of the ring structure.

Abstract: A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of (i) polymerizing conjugated diene monomer by employing a lanthanide-based catalyst to form a reactive polymer, and (ii) reacting the reactive polymer with a protected oxime compound.

Abstract: Provided is a thermosetting resin composition which can be used for the production of printed circuit boards, having good dielectric properties in high frequency bands so that transmission loss can be significantly lowered, having excellent heat resistance after moisture absorption and thermal expansion properties, and satisfying peeling strength between the resin composition and metal foil. The present invention relates to a thermosetting resin composition of a semi-IPN composite, comprising (A) a polyphenylene ether, and a prepolymer formed from (B) a chemically unmodified butadiene polymer containing 40% or more of a 1,2-butadiene unit having a 1 2,-vinyl group in a side chain of a molecule and (C) a crosslinking agent, in a compatibilized and uncured state; and a resin varnish, a prepreg and a metal clad laminated board using the same.

Abstract: A coupled copolymer is provided. The coupled copolymer is coupled by reacting a silane coupling agent with a copolymer, where the copolymer is polymerized by a conjugated diene monomer and a vinyl aromatics monomer, and the silane coupling agent has an alkenyl group and a alkoxy group, and has a chemical Formula (I) as follows: where R1 and R4 are alkyl groups; R3 is a group having an alkenyl group; R5 is one of an alkyl and an alkenyl groups; q is one of “1” and “0”; when q=0, then k=j=0, 1?n?3, 0?m?2, m+n=3, and R2 is alkoxy group; and when q=1, then k+j=3, R2 is —(CH2)r, r=1-6 and m+n=3.

Abstract: A modified conjugated diene copolymer and a preparing method for the same are provided. The method comprising a polymerization step for polymerizing conjugated diene monomers to form a conjugated diene polymer; and a modifying step for reacting the conjugated diene polymer with a modifier to form a modified conjugated diene polymer. The modifier includes a polythiol ester compound, a polythiol alkane compound or a combination thereof, the polythiol ester compound has a chemical formula (I): (Ra)(OC(?O)Rb-SH)x??(I). The polythiol alkane compound has a chemical formula (II): HS—(CH2)m—(Rd)nCH2SH??(II).

Abstract: A crosslinked polysulfide-containing cycloaliphatic compound, useful as a crosslinker for filled sulfur-vulcanizable elastomer compositions, is represented by the general formula: [(CaH2a-)mG1(-CbH2bSx—)n?m]o[CcH2c-G2-CdH2dSy—]p[R]q wherein G1 is a saturated, monocyclic aliphatic group of valence n containing from 5 to 12 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one halogen or a saturated monocyclic silicone [RSiO—]n[R2SiO—]r group of valence n; G2 is a saturated, divalent cyclic aliphatic group of valence 2 containing from 5 to 12 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one halogen or a saturated monocyclic silicone [RSiO—]n[R2SiO—]r group of valence n; each R independently is a selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, monovalent hydrocarbon of up to 20 carbon atoms and a halogen atom; each occurrence of subscripts a, b, c, d, m, n, o, p, q, x and y independently is an integer wherein a is 2 to 6; b is 2 to 6; c is 1 to 6; d is 1 to 6; m is 1 or 2; n is 3 to 5; o is a positive

Abstract: Carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns and sheets having enhanced mechanical strength using infused and bonded nano-resins. A CNT yarn or sheet is surface-activated to produce open bonds in the CNT walls prior to resin infusion. The CNT yarn or sheet is infused with a low viscosity nano-resin that penetrates spaces between individual CNTs and is cured to cross-link and chemically bond to the CNT walls, either directly or through a functional molecule, to bond the individual CNTs or ropes to each other. The nano-resin can comprise dicyclopentadiene having an uncured viscosity near that of water. The cross-linking process involves ring-opening metathesis polymerization and catalysis of the nano-resin in combination with a functionalizing material such as norbornene, to enhance bonding between the carbon and nano-resin. The process increases load capability, tensile strength, and elastic modulus of the yarns and sheets, for use as a structural component in composite materials.

Abstract: A modified conjugated diene polymer and a manufacturing method for the same are provided. The modified conjugated diene polymer is manufactured by the method including, forming a conjugated diene polymer by a polymerization step and making it react with a first modifier and then react with a second modifier. The modified conjugated diene polymer has over 97% of cis-1,4 structure. A PDI of the modified conjugated diene polymer is bigger than 1.8 and smaller than 2.5. The first modifier has a chemical formula of X—R1-Si(R2)3. The second modifier has a chemical formula of R3-Si(R4)3.

Abstract: A process for preparing, in one step, a diene block copolymer, of which at least one of these blocks is constituted of a polyether, the number-average molecular weight of which is approximately from 100 to 5000 g/mol, and at least one other of these blocks is constituted of a diene elastomer. The process according to the invention allows a high degree of grafting of the polyether to the polymer chains. Also disclosed is a reinforced rubber composition, especially intended for the manufacture of tires, comprising such a block copolymer which is intended to interact with the reinforcing filler. Such a rubber composition has improved hysteresis properties in the vulcanized state, while retaining satisfactory processing properties in the non-vulcanized state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified polymer obtained by grafting of a compound comprising at least one group Q and at least one group A, bonded together by at least, and preferably, one “spacer” group Sp in which: Q comprises a dipole containing at least, and preferably, one nitrogen atom, capable of being grafted onto the polymer chain by [1,3]-dipolar cycloaddition, A comprises an associative group comprising at least one nitrogen atom, Sp is an atom or a group of atoms forming a bond between Q and A.

Abstract: A conjugated diene polymer is provided that comprises a conjugated diene-based constituent unit and a constituent unit of formula (I) below, at least one terminus of the polymer being modified by a compound having a linkage of formula (II) below. wherein X1, X2, and X3 independently denote a group as defined in the specification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition that can be thermally cured, containing relative to the total composition, a) 5 to 90% by weight of a diene-based polymer or copolymer containing an olefinic double bond and/or an aromatically substituted olefin, wherein the polymer or copolymer is liquid, or paste-like, at 22° C. and has a glass transition temperature between ?30° C. and +15° C., measured according to a DSC method; b) a vulcanization system selected from the group consisting of: b1) sulfur, and one or more accelerator(s), b2) peroxidic or disulfidic vulcanization systems, b3) quinones, quinone dioximes, or dinitrosobenzene.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a formula and process for making elastomeric rubber thin film articles. In particular, the formula and process is a system which produces non-Hevea or Guayule natural rubber latex (GNRL) thin film articles which have a thickness of 30-80 microns (0.03-0.08 mm), and preferably less than 40 microns (0.04 mm). These thin film articles exhibit physical strength properties similar to that of Hevea brazilensis natural rubber latex (NRL). More specifically, the disclosed thin rubber thin film articles exhibit unaged tensile strength of at least 24 MPa (about 3500 psi) and aged tensile strength of at least 19 MPa (about 2800 psi).

Abstract: A rubber composition comprising 0.3 to 10 parts by mass of sulfur and 0.1 to 10 parts by mass of a sulfeneamide base vulcanization accelerator represented by the following Formula (I) based on 100 parts by mass of a rubber component: (wherein R1 to R10 are a hydrogen atom, a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a branched alkyl group having 3 to 4 carbon atoms, and they may be the same or different; R11 is a hydrogen atom, a linear alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or a branched alkyl group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms; R12 to R15 are a hydrogen atom, a linear alkyl group or alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a branched alkyl group or alkoxy group having 3 to 4 carbon atoms, and they may be the same or different; and x represents an integer of 1 or 2).

Abstract: A tire is provided having a component comprised of a rubber composition containing at least one conjugated diene-based elastomer and a combination of rubber reinforcing fillers composed of rubber reinforcing carbon black, precipitated silica and granular functionalized mineral comprised of at least one of aluminum hydrate (ALOOH) and titanium dioxide. The granular mineral is functionalized by pretreatment with a coupling agent. The granular mineral fillers are pretreated with a coupling agent to promote a combination of rubber reinforcing effect for the mineral fillers and to promote a hydrophobation of the mineral fillers to promote their dispersability in the rubber composition.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a conjugated diene-based polymer capable of providing a polymer composition which is excellent in a reduction in fuel consumption when silica is incorporated as a filler, a process for producing the conjugated diene-based polymer, and a polymer composition comprising said conjugated diene-based polymers and silica.

Abstract: A fluorescent nanoparticle includes a core comprising an alkenylbenzene; an intermediate layer, an outer shell layer, and a fluorescent portion. The fluorescent portion includes a structure represented by the following formula: wherein L is a direct bond or a linker group, and F is any fluorescent moiety. The fluorescent portion is located in at least one of the following locations: the core, the intermediate layer, or the shell layer of the nanoparticle. Methods for making the fluorescent nanoparticle are also described.

Abstract: Butadiene copolymers are brominated using certain quaternary ammonium tribromides as the brominating agent in a first step, and then with elemental bromine in a second bromination step. The bromination process proceeds easily under mild conditions, and produces a brominated product that has excellent thermal stability. The bromination proceeds to high conversions in shorter reaction times, when the bromination is performed using only the first bromination step.

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: A method for producing a modified conjugated diene polymer includes a step (A) carrying out a primary modification reaction that reacts a heterocumulene compound having two or more specific functional groups with a conjugated diene polymer having a vinyl content of below 10% and a cis-1,4-bond content of 75% or more and possessing an active end to obtain a primary-modified conjugated diene polymer, and a step (B) carrying out a secondary modification reaction that reacts an active hydrogen-containing compound that includes one or more functional groups selected from the group consisting of an amino group, an imino group, a mercapto group, and a hydroxyl group with the primary-modified conjugated diene polymer to obtain a secondary-modified conjugated diene polymer. The method can produce a modified conjugated diene polymer that exhibits low heat build-up (low fuel consumption) and excellent wear resistance.

Abstract: A tire component comprising a vulcanized residue of a functionalized polymer defined by the formula I where ? is a rubbery polymer chain, B is a boron atom, R1 is a bond or a divalent organic group, and each ? is independently selected from thioalkoxy groups (—SR), amino groups (—NR2), or phosphino groups (—PR2), where each R is independently selected from monovalent organic groups or two R groups form a divalent organic group, which forms a cyclic structure.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for a vinylidene terminated polyolefin comprising: a. ionizing a polyolefin in the presence of a Lewis acid to form an ionized polyolefin; b. reacting the ionized polyolefin from step (a) with one or more dihydrocarbylmonosulfides; and c. reacting the product of step (b) with one or more proton acceptor compounds. In some embodiments, the dihydrocarbylmonosulfide has the formula: R1—S—R2 wherein R1 and R2 are each, independently, hydrocarbyl.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adhesive material to be adhered to the skin etc., which maintains, for a certain time period after adhesion thereof to the skin surface, suitable adhesiveness that does not allow easy peeling or cause irritation to the skin, and which permits, when it is to be peeled off from the skin surface after the lapse of a desired certain time period, easy peeling without causing pain or physical irritation, and an adhesive preparation containing the adhesive material and a percutaneously absorbable drug in the adhesive layer. Specifically, the present invention provides an adhesive material containing a support and an adhesive layer laminated on one surface of the support, wherein the adhesive layer has an apparent viscosity at 30° C. of 0.2×104 to 10×104 Pa·s and comprises two kinds of synthetic rubbers having different flowability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel multi functional additive grafted rubber. More particularly the present invention relates to novel grades of rubber and in particular to chemically grafted with cardanol (meta-penta decenyl phenol) and/or its derivatives. Importantly the rubber grades of the invention involve chemically anchored/grafted selective meta alkenyl phenol and/or its derivatives in the backbone of natural or synthetic rubber. Importantly, such rubber variant of the invention have high plasticity, lower Mooney and melt viscosities, better cure properties as compared to conventional virgin natural rubber or natural rubber plasticized with aromatic process oils.

Abstract: A functionalized polymer includes a directly bonded moiety, which can be located at a terminus of the polymer, defined by the formula —NH—NR1R2 where R1 and R2 independently are substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, aryl, allyl, aralkyl, alkaryl, or alkynyl groups, or together form a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, alkenylene, cycloalkylene, cycloalkenylene, or arylene group. The functionalized polymer can be provided by reacting a living polymer with a hydrazone. Such polymers can be used in the production of compositions that include particulate fillers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified diene rubber which can be produced economically and improve low-loss properties and wear resistance of a rubber composition made therefrom, as compared with the conventional modified diene rubber. The present invention further provides: a method of producing the modified diene rubber; a rubber composition using the modified diene rubber; and a tire using the rubber composition. Specifically, the present invention provides: a modified diene rubber, produced by first oxidizing diene rubber latex and then adding a polar group-including hydrazide compound to a terminal end of a molecular chain of the diene rubber; a rubber composition, comprising the modified diene rubber; and a tire, comprising a tire member made of the rubber composition.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane comprising modified hyper-branched polymer is disclosed. The proton exchange membrane includes 85-90 wt % of sulfonated tetrafluorethylene copolymer and 15-10 wt % of modified hyper-branched polymer. The modified hyper-branched polymer comprises the bismaleimide (BMI)-based hyper-branched polymer, and parts of the chain ends of the hyper-branched polymer are sulfonated by the sulfonic compound. Also, the modified hyper-branched polymer and sulfonated tetrafluorethylene copolymer are interpenetrated to form an interpenetrating polymer. Furthermore, the modification step could be performed before or after forming the interpenetrating polymer. For example, the sulfonation is proceeded after forming the interpenetrating polymer. Alternatively, the sulfonation of the hyper-branched polymer could be proceeded before the formation of the interpenetrating polymer.

Abstract: A pre-cursor block copolymer for sulfonation which, prior to hydrogenation, has the general configuration A-B-A, A-B-A-B-A, (A-B-A)nX, (A-B)nX, A-D-B-D-A, A-B-D-B-A, (A-D-B)nX, (A-B-D)nX or mixtures thereof, wherein A, B and D blocks do not contain any significant levels of olefinic unsaturation. Each A and D block is a polymer block resistant to sulfonation, and each B block is a polymer block susceptible to sulfonation. Each A block is a segment of one or more polymerized para-substituted styrene monomers, each B block contains segments of one or more vinyl aromatic monomers selected from polymerized (i) unsubstituted styrene monomers, (ii) ortho-substituted styrene monomers, (iii) meta-substituted styrene monomers, (iv) alpha-methylstyrene, (v) 1,1-diphenylethylene, (vi) 1,2-diphenylethylene and (vii) mixtures thereof, and each D block contains polymers having a glass transition temperature less than 20° C. and a number average molecular weight of between 1,000 and 50,000.

Abstract: The invention provides a rubber composition for golf balls which includes (A) a base rubber containing a polybutadiene having a cis-1,4 bond content of at least 60 wt %, (B) an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, and (C) an anthranilic acid derivative of the general formula wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group of 1 to 20 carbons, m is an integer from 1 to 4, and n is an integer from 1 to 3, with the proviso that if m and/or n is 2 or more, each occurrence of R1 and R2 may be the same or different. The golf ball rubber composition of the invention enables a high-quality molded and crosslinked product having a suitable hardness and a high resilience to be obtained.

Abstract: A modified conjugated diene-vinyl aromatic copolymer and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The modified conjugated diene-vinyl aromatic copolymer is formed by modifying a conjugated diene-vinyl aromatic copolymer by reacting with a first modifier in a solvent and then reacting with a second modifier. The solvent includes an organic alkali metal initiator.

Abstract: A method for preparing a functionalized polymer comprising the steps of preparing a polymer by polymerizing conjugated diene monomer with a lanthanide-based catalyst, wherein the lanthanide-based catalyst comprises (a) a lanthanide compound, (b) an alkylating agent, and (c) a source of halogen, and reacting the pseudo-living polymer with at least one amide-containing functionalizing agent.