Abstract: Water-soluble functionalized cationic copolymers obtainable by a process which comprises reacting a cationic base polymer which contains amino groups with at least one functional compound reactive to at least a part of the amino groups on the base polymer, are useful in personal care and cosmetic formulations.

Abstract: A thermally stable brominated butadiene copolymer, such as brominated styrene/butadiene block copolymer, brominated random styrene/butadiene copolymer or brominated styrene/butadiene graft copolymer, preparation of the brominated butadiene copolymers, use of the brominated butadiene copolymers as a flame retardant additive and polymeric compositions, both foamed and non-foamed, that incorporate a flame-retarding amount of brominated butadiene copolymer.

Abstract: The application provides propylene polymer including at least 80 mol % units derived from propylene and less than 0.5 mol % units derived from a tertiary diene wherein said tertiary diene is not a 1,4-diene, said polymer including 1-50 tertiary double bonds per 10,000 carbon atoms of the main chain of said polymer. The polymer may be obtained using a Ziegler Natta catalyst. The application further provides a long chain branched propylene polymer obtainable from the afore-mentioned propylene polymer including tertiary double bonds.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for synthesizing a hairy polymer particle which comprises the steps of (1) polymerizing a vinyl aromatic monomer by emulsion polymerization in an aqueous medium to produce core particles, (2) recovering the core particles from the aqueous medium, (3) dispersing the core particles in an organic solvent, (4) adding an organo-lithium compound to the dried core particles in the organic solvent to produce the hairless core initiator, and (5) utilizing the hairless core initiator to initiate the anionic polymerization of a conjugated diolefin monomer in an organic solvent to produce a solution of the hairy polymer particles. The hairy polymer nanoparticles can then be recovered from the organic solvent. These hairy polymer particles are comprised of (1) a core which is comprised of a polymer of a vinyl aromatic monomer and (2) hairs which are polymer chains of a conjugated diolefin monomer, wherein the hairs are covalently bonded to the core.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for preparing an epoxidized and/or hydroxylated ?-olefin/diene copolymer materials such as ethylene/dicyclopentadiene. These processes comprise contacting in a reaction medium a) a copolymeric precursor component with b) a hydrogen peroxide oxidizing agent, in the presence of alkyl-trioxorhenium-based catalyst, under certain reaction conditions. The copolymeric precursor component comprises copolymers of ?-olefins and dienes with these copolymers containing at least one double bond in each diene-derived comonomer. The reaction medium is maintained under reaction conditions which promote formation of oxirane rings at, and/or diol formation across, the sites of the diene-derived co-monomer double bonds in the copolymeric precursor material. Epoxidation and hydroxylation generally increases the glass transition temperature, Tg, of these copolymers and imbues polarity which imparts oil resistance.

Abstract: A hydroxyl-modified ethylene-?-olefin copolymer with excellent coating properties and adhesion properties are produced by heating a mixture containing 100 parts by weight of an ethylene-?-olefin copolymer and 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of a peroxide having a hydroperoxy group. The heating temperature is adjusted within a range from the 10-hour half-life temperature to the 1-minute half-life temperature of the peroxide.

Abstract: A process for preparing an epoxidized ?-olefin/diene copolymer including the steps of contacting in a reaction medium a) copolymers of an ?-olefin and a diene, which copolymers contain at least one double bond in each diene-derived co-monomer, with b) a hydrogen peroxide epoxidizing agent, in the presence of a perfluorinated alcohol reaction solvent, and in the absence of any metal-containing epoxidation catalyst, under reaction conditions which promote formation of oxirane rings at the sites of the diene-derived co-monomer double bonds in the copolymeric precursor material.

Abstract: A method for copolymerizing alkenyl aromatic monomer and conjugated diene in the gas phase. Other embodiments include methods for forming anionic gas-phase polymerization using a solid-supported anionic polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: A cycloolefin copolymer obtained by ring opening polymerization according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a specific structural unit and exhibiting a single peak in a derivative differential scanning calorimetry curve obtained by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), having a temperature width of the rising part in the peak of 35° C. or below, and having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 110° C. or above. The cycloolefin copolymer provided by the present invention has excellent heat resistance and optical properties, is suitable for the formation of a film or sheet therefrom, and can be stretched even at a relatively low temperature around the Tg without causing troubles such as cloudiness. A film or sheet comprising the cycloolefin copolymer, which has excellent optical properties and heat resistance and is also suitable for stretching even at a relatively low temperature, is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are selected types of terpolymer components comprising terpolymers having monomer units derived from ethylene (E), dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) and norbornene-based (NB) co-monomers. Such terpolymer components have certain specified amounts of each co-monomer as well as certain specified molecular weight and glass transition temperature characteristics. Terpolymer components which are derivatized by hydrogenation and/or by epoxidation and/or hydroxylation are also disclosed, as well as thermoplastic polyolefin compositions which contain the terpolymer components and which have especially desirable structural and thermal properties. Also provided are processes for preparing and derivatizing the terpolymer components herein.

Abstract: In a process for functionalizing an ?-olefin/diene copolymer, a copolymer comprising units derived from at least one ?-olefin and units derived from at least one diene, which copolymer contains at least one double bond, is contacted in a reaction medium with an alkyl hydroperoxide in the presence of a catalyst comprising a metal of Group 5 or 6 of the Periodic Table or a compound thereof, under reaction conditions which promote formation of an oxirane ring or hydroxyl groups at the site of the double bond.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified polymer, which is obtained by reacting, with an active metal bonded to a polymer, a modifier represented by the general formula (I) (where X1 to X5 each represent a hydrogen atom or a specific monovalent functional group, and at least one of those is other than a hydrogen atom, R1 to R5 each represent a single bond or a divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and a plurality of aziridine rings may be bonded through any of X1 to X5 and R1 to R5).

Abstract: Processes for preparing substantially linear polymers from diisopropenylbenzenes are provided. The polymers are useful in making a variety of products, including coatings, pigment dispersing agents, and stabilizers.

Abstract: The invention discloses an adhesion agent composition comprising at least one C3-C200 olefin compound having at least one metathesis active double bond, wherein the olefin is substituted or unsubstituted; and at least one compatibilizing functionality for interacting with a substrate surface. The substrate surface can be any surface, for example, silicate glasses, silicate minerals, metals, metal alloys, ceramics, natural stones, plastics, carbon, silicon, and semiconductors. The invention also discloses articles of manufacture utilizing these adhesion agents as well as methods for adhering a polyolefin to a substrate surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to silica filled multi-viscoelastic response rubber which is thermomechanically mixed with an organosilicon compound during the non-productive mix stage and zinc oxide is added during the productive stage of mixing.

Abstract: Provided are a high melting point copolymer prepared by heat-polymerizing cyclopentadiene and/or dicyclopentadiene and a vinyl-substituted aromatic compound, wherein a use amount of a solvent in heat polymerization is 0.1 time or more and less than 0.5 time based on the mass of the whole monomers, and the copolymer has a softening point falling in a range of 100 to 135° C., and a hydrogenated copolymer obtained by hydrogenating the above high melting point copolymer. The hydrogenated copolymer of the present invention is suitably used as an adhesion-providing resin having a high softening point for a hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: There are provided a novel norbornene derivative which is a material for a chemically amplifying type photoresist for F2 laser, possesses excellent transparency and improved dry etching resistivity and has a fluorine-containing ketone unit or fluorine-containing tertiary alcohol unit directly bonded to the norbornene backbone; a fluorine-containing polymer obtained by using the norbornene derivative as a copolymerizable monomer; and a chemically amplifying type photoresist composition comprising the fluorine-containing polymer, a photoacid generator and a solvent.

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: This invention discloses a low cost process that can be used to functionalize living rubbery polymers with terminal nitroxide end-groups to promote interaction between the polymer end-groups and surface functionalities commonly found on carbon black and silica fillers. Such functionalization makes the rubbery polymer more desirable for used in tire tread compositions and other rubber products. This technique more specifically involves reacting a metal terminated living polydiene rubber with a nitrone. The metal will typically be lithium and the polydiene rubber will typically be a polybutadiene rubber, a polyisoprene rubber, a styrene-butadiene rubber, a styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber, an isoprene-butadiene rubber, or a styrene-isoprene rubber.

Abstract: A method to electrolytically polymerize aromatic hydrocarbons and oxidize cyclopentane structures within the hydrocarbons into cyclopentanone structures is disclosed including a method to electrolyze fluorene in the presence of an ester to produce poly(9-fluorenone). A method to electrolytically oxidize polymers having cyclopentane structures to polymers having cyclopentanone structures is also disclosed including a method to electrolyze poly(fluorene) to produce poly(9-fluorenone). In addition, a method to chemically oxidize polymers containing cyclopentane structures into polymers containing cyclopentanone structures is disclosed, including a method to oxidize poly(fluorene), with a chemically prepared oxidizing agent, to produce poly(9-fluroenone).

Abstract: The present invention relates to ruthenium complex compound wherein a heteroatom-containing carbene compound having a six-membered ring structure is bonded to ruthenium and a process for the preparation thereof; a process for producing ring-opened cyclic olefin polymer by subjecting a cyclic olefin to ring-opening metathesis polymerization in the presence of such a ruthenium complex compound; and a process for producing hydrogenated product of ring-opened cyclic olefin polymers by hydrogenating the carbon-carbon double bonds of the above ring-opened polymers. The invention gives hydrogenated product of ring-opened cyclic olefin polymers having physical properties different from those of hydrogenated product of ring-opened polymers of the prior art. Particularly, the use of dicyclopentadiene can give a hydrogenated product of ring-opened cyclic olefin polymer excellent in heat resistance, and this product can be advantageously used as parts or formed products for medical appliances or electrical components.

Abstract: A process for producing a hydrogenated product of a polymer prepared through ring-opening polymerization which comprises a polymerization step of polymerizing a cyclic olefin through ring-opening polymerization in the presence of a polymerization catalyst comprising an organoruthenium compound or an organoosmium compound to prepare a polymer, and a hydrogenation step of adding a hydrogenation catalyst and hydrogen into a polymerization system resulting from the polymerization step to hydrogenate the carbon-carbon double bonds of the polymer prepared through the ring-opening polymerization. When the organoruthenium compound- or organoosmium compound-containing catalyst further comprises a carbene compound, the catalyst exhibits a higher activity for the ring-opening polymerization.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making a vulcanized rubber article comprising the steps of (1) kneading at a temperature within the range of about 70° C. to about 190° C. in a bulk thermomechanical mixer (a) an amino group containing rubbery polymer, wherein said amino group containing rubbery polymer contains from about 0.1 weight percent to about 20 weight percent monomer units containing an amino group, (b) from 0.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a fluorine-containing polymer having excellent light transmission in the vacuum ultraviolet region of not more than 193 nm, a monomer favorably used for preparing the fluorine-containing polymer, a process for preparing the fluorine-containing polymer, and uses of the fluorine-containing polymer. The fluorine-containing polymer has at least a repeated unit structure represented by the following formula (1) and has an absorption coefficient of not more than 3.0 ?m?1 at 157 nm of ultraviolet rays. wherein R1 to R12 are each fluorine, a fluorine-containing alkyl group of 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or the like; X1 is —CRaRb—, —NRa— or —PRa— (Ra and Rb are each fluorine, a fluorine-containing alkyl group of 1 to 20 carbon atoms, hydrogen, —O—, —S—, an alkyl group of 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or the like); at least one of R1 to R12 and X1 is fluorine or a fluorine-containing group; and n is 0 or an integer of 1 to 3.

Abstract: Chlorinated olefin polymers prepared from olefin polymer base resins having I10 values of 0.05-0.8 dg/minute act as impact modifiers for vinyl chloride polymers under low to ambient temperature conditions. When vinyl chloride polymers are mixed with a preferred class of the chlorinated polymers, having chlorine contents of 20-30 percent by weight, compositions that exhibit short fusion times and low fusion temperatures are produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to metathesis polymers wherein an aromatic group that has UV-light absorbing properties is attached with a bridge group to the polymer. Also disclosed is a polymerizable composition comprising a catalytically effective amount of a penta- or hexavalent ruthenium or osmium carbene catalyst, the process for preparing the metathesis polymer by applying the reaction conditions of Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization (=ROMP) to the polymerizable composition; and various technical applications of the metathesis polymers.

Abstract: A butyl polymer having improved processability is described, together with a process for production thereof. The butyl polymer derived from a reaction mixture which contains: (i) a monomer mixture comprising a C4 to C7 monoolefin monomer (preferably isobutylene) and a C4 to C14 multiolefin monomer (preferably isoprene); (ii) a multiolefin cross-linking agent (preferably divinyl benzene); and (iii) a chain transfer agent (preferably diisobutylene (2,2,4-trimethyl-1-pentene)). The subject butyl polymer has an improved balance of cold flow, filler dispersion, extrusion rate and die swell.

Abstract: An adhesive or coating composition prepared by mixing together at least one metathesizable highly-reactive cycloolefin (e.g., a norbornadiene) and a metathesis catalyst. The use of highly-reactive cycloolefins can provide exceptional adherence to a low-surface-tension substrate. Another embodiment is a two-part adhesive or coating system wherein the first part includes at least one first metathesizable material, and the second part includes at least one liquid metathesis oligomer or polymer and a metathesis catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to perfluoroalkylated fluorene polymers. It further relates to a process for preparing the polymers and devices that are made with the polymers.

Abstract: An insulating material comprising a cycloolefin polymer, specifically, an interlayer insulating material for a high-density assembly board having interlayer-connecting via holes at most 200 &mgr;m in diameter, comprising a cycloolefin polymer containing at least 50 mol % of a repeating unit derived from a cycloolefin monomer; a dry film formed from a curable resin composition comprising a polymer having a number average molecular weight within a range of 1,000 to 1,000,000 as measured by gel permeation chromatography, and a hardener; and a resin-attached metal foil obtained by forming a film of a cycloolefin polymer on one side of a metal foil. Laminates, multi-layer laminates and build-up multi-layer laminates making use of these materials, and production processes thereof.

Abstract: To provide a liquid crystal display unit without occurrence of abnormal orientation of liquid crystal molecules and deterioration of the image quality and a method for manufacturing the same. Above and below a TFT, light shielding films are disposed and further the ruggedness generated by stacking a plurality of light shielding films is smoothed using a transparent resin not absorbing light with a wavelength of not smaller than 300 nm. As this transparent resin, acrylic resins are used. As a result, according to the present invention, no abnormal orientation of liquid crystal molecules occurs and a problem of reverse twist, reverse tilt or the like is less probable to take place. Since the smoothening film absorbs no light of not smaller than 300 nm, neither denaturalization nor coloration nor bubbles occur in the smoothening film even under irradiating environments of intense light of a projector or the like.

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: The crosslinkable rubber composition is crosslinkable at room temperature, has a gelation time at room temperature of 30 days or less, and can prepare a crosslinked rubber sheet by crosslinking the composition at room temperature, wherein the crosslinked rubber sheet has a tensile elongation of 20% or more, and is free of cracks after treatment at 40° C. in a 50 pphm ozone concentration for 96 hr. Specifically, it comprises an ethylene/&agr;-olefin/non-conjugated polyene random copolymer rubber comprising a norbornene compound having a specific vinyl end group, an SiH group-containing compound, which has at least two SiH groups in one molecule, and optionally a platinum catalyst, a reaction inhibitor and/or a silane-coupling agent. The sealing, potting and coating materials and adhesives of the present invention comprise the above rubber composition.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a novel composition of matter having the formula: wherein Ra, Rb, Rc, Rd and Re are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl groups and substituted alkyl groups having about 1 to 106 carbon atoms, alkenyl groups and substituted alkenyl groups having about 3 to 106 carbon atoms, wherein the substituents on the alkyl and/or alkenyl groups are selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, halogen, CN, OH, HO(CH2CH2O)x (X=1-10), acyl, acyloxy and aryl substituents.

Abstract: An insulating material comprising a cycloolefin polymer, specifically, an interlayer insulating material for a high-density assembly board having interlayer-connecting via holes at most 200 &mgr;m in diameter, comprising a cycloolefin polymer containing at least 50 mol % of a repeating unit derived from a cycloolefin monomer; a dry film formed from a curable resin composition comprising a polymer having a number average molecular weight within a range of 1,000 to 1,000,000 as measured by gel permeation chromatography, and a hardener; and a resin-attached metal foil obtained by forming a film of a cycloolefin polymer on one side of a metal foil. Laminates, multi-layer laminates and build-up multi-layer laminates making use of these materials, and production processes thereof.

Abstract: Using a polymerization catalyst comprising as a main ingredient a metal compound containing a transition metal of group 6 of the periodic table and having at least one imide group and at least two substituent (A) selected from the group consisting of an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, an alkylamide group and an arylamide group, a polycyclic norbornene monomer is polymerized to give a ring-opened norbornene polymer having a weight average molecular weight of 500 to 1,000,000 as expressed in terms of polystyrene and a melting point of 140° C. or higher. This polymer is hydrogenated to give a hydrogenated product having a melting point of 140° C. or higher.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonstyrenated polyester or vinyl ester resin that is found to be nonbrittle and to have good temperature performance, relative to known nonstyrenated polyesters or vinyl esters. Also disclosed is a nonstyrenated polyester or vinyl ester urethane acrylate resin. Methods for making nonstyrenated polyester or vinyl ester resins, including urethane acrylate resins, are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to rubber composition which contains a thermoplastic polymer and use thereof as a tire sidewall component and/or tread supporting ring for use in a tire/rim assembly. Such tire sidewall component may be a sidewall insert and/or apex of a rubber composition which contains a thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a support media from a cross-linked polymerisate based on vinyl compounds, and exhibiting residual vinyl groups. The characteristic feature of the method is that the polymerisate is subjected to a heating step that preferably is carried out under reduced access of oxygen. The use of the support media is also described.

Abstract: Ethylene copolymer elastomer compositions, acrylate rubber compositions, nitrile rubber compositions, fluoroelastomer compositions, and chlorinated olefin elastomer compositions are provided which are curable by exposure to UV radiation. The compositions are particularly suited for production of elastomeric seals using hot melt equipment and a gasketing in place technique.

Abstract: According to the present invention, provided is an industrially advantageous process for producing an epoxidized polymer, with safety and efficiency, wherein the epoxidation of a polymer having an olefinic carbon-carbon double bond is effected under the presence of substantially no alkali metal ion by adding an aqueous solution containing (i) ammonium tungstate and/or tungstophosphoric acid and (ii) phosphoric acid, in which the amount of (ii) phosphoric acid is not less than 0.25 moles relative to 1 gram atom of tungsten atom contained in the (i) ammonium tungstate and/or tungstophosphoric acid, and an aqueous hydrogen peroxide, separately to a solution of said polymer and a quaternary ammonium salt in an organic solvent immiscible with water.

Abstract: This invention relates to a conjugated diene-based rubber composition reinforced with particulate silica-based reinforcement together with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (a non-silane coupling agent) or a combination of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and bis(3-trialkoxysilylalkyl) polysulfide having an average of from 2 to 2.6, or from 3.5 to 4, sulfur atoms in its polysulfidic bridge to aid in the reinforcement of the rubber composition with a particulate silica-based material and an article of manufacture, including a tire, having at least one component comprised of such rubber composition.

Abstract: A norbornene polymer comprising a repeating unit derived from a norbornene monomer having a cyclic hydrocarbon structure (I) derived from the norbornene ring which constitutes at least a part of the main chain, another cyclic hydrocarbon structure (II), which shares one carbon-carbon bond with the cyclic hydrocarbon structure (I) and has 4 to 6 carbon atoms, and a monocyclic or polycyclic hydrocarbon structure (III), which shares one carbon-carbon bond with the cyclic hydrocarbon structure (II), in a proportion of 20 to 100 mol % based on the whole repeating unit of the polymer, wherein the number average molecular weight is within a range of 1,000 to 1,000,000, and a peak area (A) on a high magnetic field side and a peak area (B) on a low magnetic field side in methylene peaks derived from the methylene groups in the cyclic hydrocarbon structure (III) in a 13C-NMR spectrum as determined in heavy chloroform (TMS standard) satisfy a relationship of the expression: B/(A+B)≦0.

Abstract: A norbornene resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic norbornene polymer and 1 to 150 parts by weight of a thermosetting resin.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to perfluoroalkylated fluorene polymers. It further relates to a process for preparing the polymers and devices that are made with the polymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to improve the efficiency of ROMP-hydrogenation and ROMP-hydrogenolysis processes. Thus the invention provides a means for increasing the rate of reaction of the hydrogenation step of the ROMP-hydrogenation process via the addition of non-inert solvent such as methanol. The present invention permits multiple cycles of ROMP-hydrogenation-ROMP and ROMP-hydrogenolysis-ROMP without additional catalyst, thus allowing the formation of tailored polymer blends in a ‘one-pot’ reaction. Moreover, the ROMP-hydrogenation reactions of the present invention may be carried out at pressures as low as atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A process for producing a hydrogenated product of a polymer prepared through ring-opening polymerization which comprises a polymerization step of polymerizing a cyclic olefin through ring-opening polymerization in the presence of a polymerization catalyst comprising an organoruthenium compound or an organoosmium compound to prepare a polymer, and a hydrogenation step of adding a hydrogenation catalyst and hydrogen into a polymerization system resulting from the polymerization step to hydrogenate the carbon-carbon double bonds of the polymer prepared through the ring-opening polymerization. When the organoruthenium compound- or organoosmium compound-containing catalyst further comprises a carbene compound, the catalyst exhibits a higher activity for the ring-opening polymerization.

Abstract: Process for producing a hydrogenated &agr;-olefin-dicyclopentadiene copolymer. The process includes a step of distilling of unreacted dicyclopentadiene or tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene which is a hydrogenated product of unreacted dicyclopentadiene from a mixture containing &agr;-olefin-dicyclopentadiene copolymer or its hydrogenated product in the presence of a high-boiling hydrocarbon solvent having a boiling point of 195 to 300° C. and an ignition point of 260° C. or more. Method for melt molding the hydrogenated &agr;-olefin-dicyclopentadiene copolymer is also proposed.

Abstract: A rubber composition is provided comprising a diene-based elastomer, a vulcanizing agent, a vulcanizing accelerator and a reinforcement comprising a conical carbon. The conical carbon comprises cones, flat plates, nanotubes and fullerenes. Also provided is a tire having at least one component fabricated from the rubber composition.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a novel composition of matter having the formula: wherein Ra, Rb, Rc, Rd and Re are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl groups and substituted alkyl groups having about 1 to 106 carbon atoms, alkenyl groups and substituted alkenyl groups having about 3 to 106 carbon atoms, wherein the substituents on the alkyl and/or alkenyl groups are selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, halogen, CN, OH, HO(CH2CH2O)x (X=1-10), acyl, acyloxy and aryl substituents.