Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the hydrogenation of the carbon-carbon double bonds in diene based polymer latex.

Abstract: A process is provided for the hydrogenation of carbon-carbon double bonds in polymers by treatment of the polymers with hydrogen in the presence of rhodium-based catalysts and in the complete absence of organic solvent.

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

Abstract: Use is made, for selectively hydrogenating the olefinic double bonds of block copolymers, at least one block of which comprises olefinic double bonds, using a catalyst based on a metal from Group VIII in a medium comprising an organic solvent for the copolymer and an ionic liquid as solvent for the catalyst, of a water-immiscible ionic liquid, preferably an ionic liquid for which the anion is the hexafluorophosphate anion and the cation is the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium (bmim+) or 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium (emim+) cation. Applied to poly(styrene)-b-poly(butadiene)-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) block copolymers, the poly(butadiene) block of which predominantly possesses a 1,4-microstructure, this process results in copolymers for which the degree of hydrogenation is at least equal to 50% and which exhibit a melting point of greater than 30 °C.

Abstract: A tire tread comprising a rubber composition based on (phr: parts by weight per hundred parts of elastomer): (i) a diene elastomer; (ii) more than 50 phr of an inorganic filler as reinforcing filler; (iii) between 2 and 15 phr of an (inorganic filler/diene elastomer) coupling agent; (iv) between 1 and 10 phr of a methylene acceptor, and (v) between 0.5 and 5 phr of a methylene donor. This tread has, after mechanical running-in of the tire for which it is intended (“auto-accommodation”), a rigidity gradient which increases radially from the surface towards the inside of the tread. Use of such a tread for the manufacturing or recapping of tires. Tires comprising a tread according to the invention, in particular of the snow or ice type (“winter” tires).

Abstract: A process for hydrogenation of an unsaturated polymer. The conjugated diene polymer in an inert organic solvent is brought into contact with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst composition to selectively hydrogenate the unsaturated double bonds in the conjugated diene units of the conjugated diene polymer. The hydrogenation catalyst composition includes: (a) a titanium compound; (b) a compound represented by formula (II) or formula (III): wherein L1 is a Group IVA element, L2 is a Group IVA element, R3 is C1–C12 alkyl or C1–C12 cycloalkyl, R4 is C2–C12 alkyl or C3–C12 cycloalkyl, and X1, X2, and X3 can be the same or different and are C1–C12 alkyl, C1–C12 alkoxy, C1–C12 cycloalkoxy, phenyl, or phenoxy; and (c) a trialkylaluminum compound.

Abstract: A tire comprising a tread, where the tread includes a vulcanized rubber, from about 5 to about 80 parts by weight of a nylon-containing block copolymer per 100 parts by weight of the vulcanized rubber, and from about 1 to about 100 parts by weight filler per 100 parts by weight of the vulcanized rubber.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for hydrogenation of unsaturated polymers in dispersed medium based on an oxidation-reduction system containing hydrazine, an oxidant such as a peroxide and optionally a carboxylic acid. The hydrogenation rate can reach 100% in certain conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of rubber compositions for tire tread and tire sidewall component applications. A tire is provided having tread of such composition designed for relatively heavy loads such as, for example, truck tires. A tire having a sidewall of such composition is also provided. Such tire component rubber compositions are of rubber compositions reinforced with precipitated silica and selected carbon black in specified amounts and prepared with a prescribed order of addition to the rubber composition and composed of elastomers as a specific combination of high trans styrene-butadiene rubber with natural or synthetic cis 1,4-polyisoprene rubber and cis 1,4-polybutadiene rubber.

Abstract: The invention relates to: a modified rubber having a specific structure modified with a compound having two or more epoxy groups in the molecule; and a process for producing a modified rubber which includes copolymerizing a vinylaromatic hydrocarbon and a conjugated diene by the solution polymerization method using an organolithium as an initiator and modifying the resultant copolymer with a compound having two or more epoxy groups in the molecule. The invention further relates to a modified-rubber composition obtained by compounding a raw rubber containing the modified rubber with silica, and to rubber vibration isolators and a footwear article each obtained from the modified-rubber composition.

Abstract: A rubber composition including a natural or synthetic rubber, and an adhesive resin capable of unexpected adhesion to metal, polymer and glass substrates, particularly cords in radical tires, hoses, conveyor belts, transmission belts, and the like by the addition of long chain esters, including mono, di- and tri-esters.

Abstract: A halogenated butyl polymer having improved properties, the butyl polymer derived from a monomer mixture comprising a C4 to C8 monoolefin monomer, a C4 to C14 multiolefin monomer and a styrenic monomer with a catalyst system to produce the butyl polymer. The improved properties include faster cure, higher maximum torque, higher delta torque, relatively stable modulus over time, improved hot air aging properties and improved aged flexure properties. These improved properties are believed to result from direct interaction between the styrenic moieties in the polymer backbone with a crosslinking agent added to vulcanize the halogenated butyl rubber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for selectively hydrogenating the unsaturated double bonds of conjugated diene units of a homopolymer or copolymer. By using a highly active novel homogeneous organo titanium catalyst represented by formula (I) and lithium hydride (LiH) prepared in solution of organo lithium compound and hydrogen as a reducing agent, a polymer could be hydrogenated with significantly high yield and good reproducibility. In addition, this invention is characterized by a novel method in that when a copolymer containing a conjugated diene and vinyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon, the unsatured double bonds of conjugated diene units are selectively hydrogenated.

Abstract: A rubber composition including a natural or synthetic rubber, and an adhesive resin capable of unexpected adhesion to metal, polymer and glass substrates, particularly cords in radical tires, hoses, conveyor belts, transmission belts, and the like by the addition of long chain esters, including mono, di- and tri-esters.

Abstract: A film which is a single polymer film and has a smaller phase difference as the wavelength becomes shorter. This film is made from an olefin-based polymer which has an alicyclic group in the side chain, such as hydrogenated polystyrene, the amount of the alicyclic group in the side chain being 60 to 90 wt % based on the whole polymer, and satisfies the following expression: R(450)/R(550)<1 wherein R(450) and R(550) are phase differences on the film plane at a wavelength of 450 nm and a wavelength of 550 nm, respectively.

Abstract: A process for hydrogenation of a conjugated diene polymer. The conjugated diene polymer in an inert organic solvent is brought into contact with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst composition to selectively hydrogenate the unsaturated double bonds in the conjugated diene units of the conjugated diene polymer. The hydrogenation catalyst composition includes: (I) a titanium compound; (II) a compound represented by formula (II): wherein L is a Group IVB element, R is C1-C12 alkyl or C1-C12 cycloalkyl, X can be the same or different and is C1-C12 alkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy, C1-C12 cycloalkoxy, halogen, or carbonyl; and (III) a trialkylaluminum compound.

Abstract: Rubbery polymers made by anionic polymerization can be coupled with tin halides or silicon halides to improve the characteristics of the rubber for use in some applications, such as tire treads. In cases where the rubbery polymer was synthesized utilizing a polar modifier it is difficult to attain a high level of coupling. This invention is based upon the unexpected finding that coupling efficiency can be significantly improved by conducting the coupling reaction in the presence of a lithium salt of a saturated aliphatic alcohol, such as lithium t-amylate. This invention discloses a process for coupling a living rubbery polymer that comprises reacting the living rubbery polymer with coupling agent selected from the group consisting of tin halides and silicon halides in the presence of a lithium salt of a saturated aliphatic alcohol.

Abstract: Compositions including one or more anionic polymerization initiators and one or more additives for improving functionalizing efficiency of living polymer anions are disclosed. The present invention also provides compositions including one or more electrophiles and one or more additives for improving functionalizing efficiency of living polymer anions. Novel electrophiles and processes for improving polymer anion functionalization efficiencies are also disclosed.

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: A novel modified conjugated diene polymer is obtained by polymerizing a conjugated diene compound with a specified catalyst consisting of components (a)-(c) and then reacting with at least one specified compound selected from the group consisting of components (d)-(l), and has a content of cis-1,4-bond of not less than 85% and a ratio of weight average molecular weight to number average molecular weight of not more than 4. And also, a rubber composition comprises the modified conjugated diene polymer a rubber ingredient.

Abstract: A process for hydrogenating a conjugated diene polymer wherein a conjugated diene polymer is hydrogenated in the presence of a catalyst comprising a platinum group metal or its compound, and a basic compound. More specifically, (1) hydrogenation is conducted in a reaction system prepared by incorporating the catalyst and the basic compound in a solution or latex of the conjugated diene polymer; (2) hydrogenation is conducted in a reaction system prepared by incorporating a catalyst system comprising a combination of the catalyst with the basic compound, in a solution or latex of the conjugated diene polymer; or (3) hydrogenation is conducted in a reaction system prepared by incorporating the catalyst in a solution of a composition comprising the conjugated diene polymer and the basic compound. Thus, a hydrogenated conjugated diene polymer can be efficiently and industrially advantageously produced using a small amount of a catalyst.

Abstract: A process for hydrogenating a polymer, which process comprises contacting a polymer containing an olefinic unsaturated group with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to hydrogenate the olefinic unsaturated group of the polymer, and recycling at least one part of the hydrogenated polymer for hydrogenation. According to the process of the present invention, there can be provided a polymer having a desirable degree of hydrogenation steadily for a long period.

Abstract: The invention provides chain-coupled polymeric sulfide compounds for use as the elastomeric component in vulcanizable elastomeric compositions comprising silica, carbon black or mixtures thereof. In particular, the invention provides anionically polymerized polymers having polymer chain living ends that are functionalized with sulfide groups and coupled together by a metal or nonmetal atom. The chain-coupled polymeric sulfide compounds have an initial high viscosity for ease of handling prior to compounding, a stable viscosity during storage, and a decreased compound viscosity for better filler dispersion and improved mixing efficiency. The invention further provides a pneumatic tire having at least one component produced from the vulcanizable elastomeric composition of the invention. A tire tread produced from vulcanized elastomers exhibiting these improved properties will exhibit reduced hysteresis resulting in an increase in rebound and improved rolling resistance and wet traction.

Abstract: A coupler is described for use in carbon black filled rubber compositions. The coupler includes an amine group and a thiol group or a polysulfidic linkage. The coupler improves the interaction of the carbon black with the rubber as measured by a decrease in the tan delta at 60° C. while substantially maintaining the tan delta at 0° C.

Abstract: A low application temperature, high heat resistant hot melt adhesive comprising an ethylene vinyl acetate and/or ethylene 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate polymer having a melt index of at least 550 grams/10 minutes, a paraffin wax and a rosin derived tackifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides functionalized electrophiles, their analogous initiators, and processes for preparing these compounds. The present invention also relates to homotelechelic, heterotelechelic, and radial functional polydiene polymers, polyarylene polymers and polydiene/polyarylene copolymers, their optionally hydrogenated analogues, their optionally deprotected analogues, and processes for preparing these functionalized polymers.

Abstract: A controlled free-radical polymerization process for forming end-functionalized polymers is disclosed, particularly by degenerative iodine transfer. The end-functionalized polymers are characterized by a polydispersity less than 2.5 and a predetermined molecular weight. The end-functionalized polymers are useful as reactive intermediates in condensation polymerization, chain polymerization and heterogeneous polymerization reactions.

Abstract: A low application temperature, high heat resistant hot melt adhesive comprising an ethylene vinyl acetate and/or ethylene 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate polymer having a melt index of at least 550 grams/10 minutes, a paraffin wax and a rosin derived tackifier.

Abstract: A hydrogenated polymer obtained by hydrogenating a conjugated diene polymer having an average vinyl bond content of 20% by weight or more and less than 40% by weight to a degree such that 85% or more of double bond residues in the conjugated diene unit portion are hydrogenated, wherein (1) the crystallizing peak temperature and the hydrogenated vinyl bond content satisfy the formula: −2.8V+100<T<−2.8V+130 wherein T is the crystallizing peak temperature (° C.) measured by DSC; and V is the hydrogenated vinyl bond content (%), (2) the molecular weight is 60,000 to 600,000, and (3) the molecular weight distribution is 1.55 to 5.0. The hydrogenated polymer is excellent in mechanical strength, heat resistance, weatherability and processability and, when blended with other thermoplastic resins or rubbery polymers, provides molded articles with well-balanced physical properties such as impact resistance and moldability.

Abstract: A rubber derivative comprises a coordination compound of a natural or syntheticrubber containing double bonds and/or epoxy or other groups containing an electronegative atom or atoms and preferably having a weight average molecular weight of from 20,000 to 90,000, more preferably, 20,000 to 85,000, especially about 80,000, with an alkali or alkaline earth metal.

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: The present invention provides functionalized electrophiles, their analogous initiators, and processes for preparing these compounds. The present invention also relates to homotelechelic, heterotelechelic, and radial functional polydiene polymers, polyarylene polymers and polydiene/polyarylene copolymers, their optionally hydrogenated analogues, their optionally deprotected analogues, and processes for preparing these functionalized polymers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pneumatic tire having at least one component comprising a vulcanizable rubber composition, wherein the vulcanizable rubber composition comprises, based on 100 parts by weight of elastomer (phr), from about 30 to 100 phr of high trans random SIBR, and from about zero to about 70 phr of at least one additional elastomer, wherein the high trans random SIBR comprises from about 3 to about 30 percent by weight of styrene.

Abstract: Elastomeric articles, such as gloves and condoms, are disclosed including a process for making the articles. The elastomeric articles produced according to the present invention are made from a synthetic polymer. During production of the articles, the polymer is cross-linked using a metal oxide as a cross-linking agent. In one embodiment, the polymer is cross-linked without using conventional sulfur-containing cross-linking agents or accelerators.

Abstract: A radical-modified polymer having a free radical compound stable in the presence of oxygen at an ordinary temperature at the end of the molecule thereof or in the molecular chain thereof and a polymer composition containing the same.

Abstract: In one embodiment, this invention provides a composition comprising a functionalized block copolymer crosslinked with acetylacetonate. The crosslinked block copolymer has improved solvent resistance and improved cohesive strength at high temperatures. The crosslinked block copolymer comprises preferably an acid functionalized, hydrogenated block copolymer having an ABA or similar structure wherein the block comprises at least 80 wt % of a vinyl-aromatic hydrocarbon, preferably styrene, and wherein the B block comprises at least 80 wt % of a hydrogenated and conjugated diene, preferably butadiene, isoprene or a mixture thereof. In another embodiment, this invention provides an adhesive, sealant, oil gel, asphalt composition, or wax composition comprising the acid functionalized, hydrogenated block copolymer.

Abstract: A process is provided for the removal of iron- and rhodium-containing residues from a solution of hydrogenated nitrile rubber. The process utilizes an ion-exchange resin having thiourea functional groups. Further, the resin is both macroporour and monodispersed. The process removes both rhodium and iron from viscous rubber solutions. In a preferred embodiment, the process is carried out in an ion-exchange column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogenated block copolymers of vinyl aromatic polymer blocks and conjugated diene polymer blocks having specific total Mn and specific block Mn's such that advantageous properties are attained. The present invention also relates to hydrogenated pentablock copolymers thereof and specifically hydrogenated pentablock copolymers useful in thin walled injection molding applications.

Abstract: A rubber composition for a tire comprising 100 parts by weight of diene rubber and 1 to 30 parts by weight of expandable graphite having a particle size of 30 to 600 &mgr;m.

Abstract: Compositions including one or more anionic polymerization initiators and one or more additives for improving functionalizing efficiency of living polymer anions are disclosed. The present invention also provides compositions including one or more electrophiles and one or more additives for improving functionalizing efficiency of living polymer anions. Novel electrophiles and processes for improving polymer anion functionalization efficiencies are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a functionalized polymer. The method includes the steps of providing a living lithium polymer and terminating the polymer with an oxazoline compound selected from an organic halide oxazoline and a branched or unbranched vinyl oxazoline compound. The present invention also provides a compounded rubber article wherein carbon black is compounded with a terminated rubber that is the reaction product of a living lithium polymer and such oxazoline compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for evaluating the crosslink degree of a vulcanized sample in real time during a vulcanization process or diagnosing the electrical properties of the sample after the completion of the vulcanization process, and then determining an optimal vulcanization time and an optimal content of each constituent gradient of a composition for vulcanization that optimize the properties of the composition according to the vulcanization conditions, for the sake of improving the properties of the vulcanized sample prepared from a polymer by vulcanization at a high temperature.

Abstract: A hydrogenated polymer obtained by hydrogenating a conjugated diene polymer having an average vinyl bond content of 20% by weight or more and less than 40% by weight to a degree such that 85% or more of double bond residues in the conjugated diene unit portion are hydrogenated, wherein

Abstract: A rubber waste disposal apparatus processing rubber waste such as an old tire efficiently includes a casing, a rubber waste deformation unit provided in the casing to subject rubber waste to deformation, and an ozone-containing gas supply unit supplying ozone-containing gas into the casing. The rubber waste deformation unit includes a pair of cylindrical rollers having a plurality of protrusions projecting outwards, capable of sandwiching rubber waste at the gap therebetween, and a distance setting unit that can set the distance of the gap between the cylindrical rollers.

Abstract: Rubbery polymers made by anionic polymerization can be coupled with tin halides or silicon halides to improve the characteristics of the rubber for use in some applications, such as tire treads. In cases where the rubbery polymer was synthesized utilizing a polar modifier it is difficult to attain a high level of coupling. This invention is based upon the unexpected finding that coupling efficiency can be significantly improved by conducting the coupling reaction in the presence of a lithium salt of a saturated aliphatic alcohol, such as lithium tamylate. This invention discloses a process for coupling a living rubbery polymer that comprises reacting the living rubbery polymer with coupling agent selected from the group consisting of tin halides and silicon halides in the presence of a lithium salt of a saturated aliphatic alcohol. The lithium salt of the saturated aliphatic alcohol can be added immediately prior to the coupling reaction or it can be present throughout the polymerization and coupling process.

Abstract: The addition of oppositely charged surfactant to fluorescent ionic conjugated polymer forms a polymer-surfactant complex that exhibits at least one improved photophysical property. The conjugated polymer is a fluorescent ionic polymer that typically has at least one ionic side chain or moiety that interacts with the specific surfactant selected. The photophysical property improvements may include increased fluorescence quantum efficiency, wavelength-independent emission and absorption spectra, and more stable fluorescence decay kinetics. The complexation typically occurs in a solution of a polar solvent in which the polymer and surfactant are soluble, but it may also occur in a mixture of solvents. The solution is commonly prepared with a surfactant molecule:monomer repeat unit of polymer ratio ranging from about 1:100 to about 1:1. A polymer-surfactant complex precipitate is formed as the ratio approaches 1:1. This precipitate is recoverable and usable in many forms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a partially hydrogenated butadiene polymer comprising no more than 3 mol % 1,2-butadiene recurring units (A) and no more than 3 mol % ethylene recurring units (D), calculated on the total content mol/mol of recurring units, wherein a butadiene polymer comprising 1,2-butadiene recurring units (A) and 1,4-butadiene recurring units (B) is hydrogenated in the presence of hydrogen and a titanium, zirconium- and/or hafnium-based metallocene compound as hydrogenation catalyst and a cocatalyst, characterized in that: a) the hydrogenation catalyst has a reaction rate ratio of r1/r2 greater than 5, wherein r1 and r2 are the hydrogenation rates of recurring units (A) and (B) respectively at the same reaction conditions, b) the cocatalyst is an alkali metal hydride, added as such of prepared in situ, and c) hydrogenation of the conjugated diene is carried out until at least 97 % of recurring units (A) have been hydrogenated.

Abstract: Rubbery polymers made by anionic polymerization can be coupled with both tin halides and silicon halides to improve the characteristics of the rubber for use in some applications, such as tire treads. In cases where the rubbery polymer is synthesized by anionic polymerization utilizing a polar modifier it is difficult to attain a high level of coupling.

Abstract: Hydrogenated butadiene polymers having terminal functional groups have minimum viscosity at any molecular weight when the 1,2-addition is between 30% and 70%. Hydrogenated butadiene polymers having about two terminal hydroxyl groups per molecule have surprisingly lower viscosities at 30% to 70% 1,2-addition than similar polymers having either higher or lower amounts of 1,2-addition. The polymers are useful in making coatings, sealants, binders, and block copolymers with polyesters, polyamides, and polycarbonates.

Abstract: Hydrogenated butadiene polymers having terminal functional groups have minimum viscosity at any molecular weight when the 1,2-addition is between 30% and 70% Hydrogenated butadiene polymers having about two terminal hydroxyl groups per molecule have surprisingly lower viscosities at 30% to 70% 1,2-addition than similar polymers having either higher or lower amounts of 1,2-addition. The polymers are useful in making coatings, sealants, binders, and block copolymers with polyesters, polyamides, and polycarbonates.