Abstract: A process for hydrogenating unsaturations in polymers, the process comprising contacting at least one polymer having unsaturations with a catalyst comprising at least one Group Ia, Ib, IIb, VIb, VIIb or VIII metal on a support of an alkaline earth metal silicate having a surface area of at least 30 m2/g at a temperature of from 50 to 250° C. and a pressure of from 5 to 150 bar.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a water absorbent material and materials to be sucked included in a water permeable bag type member form a water absorber. Thus, the water absorber is small both in weight and volume upon its transportation, and accordingly, the water absorber can be rapidly conveyed in large quantities without depending on a human power. The water absorber absorbs water upon its use to adequately satisfy a function of a form traceability for weight, volume and outline.

Abstract: A multi-functional polymer defined by the formula (Q—RnZ—P2—Y where (Q—R)n is a functionality cluster, Q is a functional group, R is a multi-valent organic group, P2 is a long-chain polymer, n is an integer from about 2 to about 10, Y is a proton, a weak functional group, or a selective functional group, and Z is a branch point where the functionality clusters join the long-chain polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a copolymer useful for the manufacture of tires by coupling the ends of a living polymer obtained from copolymerization of a diene monomer and a vinyl aromatic monomer in the presence of an organolithium catalyst and a hydrocarbon solvent with a multi-reactive polysiloxane compound and then modifying the remaining uncoupled ends of the polymer with an amine compound. The use of the copolymer thus obtained for the fabrication of tires improves the affinity to silica as well as carbon black used as a reinforcing material and provides enhanced properties required for tires, such as increased wet traction, reduced rolling resistance, and increased tread wear.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions suitable for air barriers such as innerliners where adhesion to tire carcass materials (e.g., SBR) and flexibility are desirable, as well as low air permeability. The invention includes a tire innerliner made by combining a filler; a sulfur cure system; optionally at least one secondary rubber; and at least one halogenated terpolymer of C4 to C8 isoolefin derived units, C4 to C14 multiolefin derived units, and p-alkylstyrene derived units. Examples of suitable fillers include modified carbon black, carbon black, silica, exfoliated clays, and combinations thereof. The present invention also includes a method of producing an elastomeric terpolymer composition comprising combining in a diluent C4 to C8 isoolefin monomers, C4 to C14 multiolefin monomers, and p-alkylstyrene monomers in the presence of a Lewis acid and at least one initiator to produce the terpolymer.

Abstract: A multi-layer nano-particle composition including a polymer core and at least two additional layers is provided. The nano-particles have a mean average diameter less than about 100 nm. The nano-particles can be modified via, for example, hydrogenation or functionalization. The nano-particles can be advantageously incorporated into rubbers, elastomers, and thermoplastics.

Abstract: The present invention is a coupled radial anionic polymer comprising a polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane [POSS] of the formula [R—SiO3/2]n. POSS compounds having R=vinyl, glycidyldimethyl silyl, and isobutyl have been found effective in coupling anionic living polymers to yield radial polymers having 2 to 10 arms. Radial polymers of the present invention have been formed using POSS octamers and mixtures of POSS octamers, decamers and dodecamers. The present invention also relates to a process for coupling living anionic polymers with POSS compounds.

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: 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: 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 or 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: A polymer nano-string composition is provided. The polymer nano-strings can include a poly(alkenylbenzene) core, and a surface layer comprising poly(conjugated diene). The nano-strings have a mean average diameter of less than about 100 nm and a length of greater than about 1 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sulfur-vulcanizable silica-containing rubber compounds with improved processability and a process for their production.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing polymerisates by anionic polymerization in an inert reaction medium using conjugated dienes and vinylaromatic compounds in the presence of a catalyst, co-catalyst, and randomizer. Further, the invention relates to the polymerisates produced thereby and their uses.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for formation of a preformed stabilizer for use in formation of graft polyols. The preformed stabilizer has a reduced level of transesterification products and results in less reactor fouling. The preformed stabilizer is prepared in the presence of phosphorous compounds, which reduces the unwanted transesterification products.

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 styrene/hydrogenated diene block copolymer characterized in that it has in side chains at least one kind of functional groups selected from the group consisting of a boronic acid group and a boron-containing group capable of converting into a boronic acid group in the presence of water, the content of the functional groups in the copolymer is 100 to 2,000 ?eq/g, and the weight ratio of the styrene units to hydrogenated diene units contained in the copolymer is from 5/95 to 70/30. By thus incorporating a sufficient amount of boron-containing groups, a highly reactive styrene/hydrogenated diene block copolymer is provided.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a baleable lithium carboxylate polymer. The process includes polymerizing at least one conjudated diene in the presence of an organolithium initiator to a substantial completion. Thereafter, the polymerization process is terminated by the addition of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pneumatic tire having a rubberized component comprising: (A) a copolymer rubber that contains amino groups bound to the rubber and at least 40 percent of the terminal ends of the copolymer are modified or coupled with a tin compound; and (B) 10 to 150 phr of an inversion carbon black.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for hydrogenating a block copolymer comprising admixing a block copolymer cement with hydrogen in the presence of a heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst wherein the heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst is a metal catalyst on a porous alumina support, the porous alumina support having the properties: (a) from about 40 to about 60 percent of the pore volume of the support have a diameter greater than 1000 nm; (b) from about 50 to about 70 percent of the pore volume of the support have a diameter greater than 100 nm; and (c) the support has a multi-modal pore structure with from about 5 to about 20 percent of the total pore volume of the porous alumina support being within a pore mode having a diameter in the range of from about 3000 nm to about 5000 nm. It is also disclosed that alumina can be used to remove a polymerization catalyst, such as Lithium, from a block copolymer cement.

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: This invention relates to tires having a tread of a natural rubber-rich rubber composition reinforced with a combination of rubber reinforcing carbon black and precipitated silica in which carbon black is in the majority of such reinforcement. In one aspect, the tread rubber has a balance of physical properties. Such balance of physical properties includes relatively high hardness and abrasion resistance properties balanced with an acceptable rebound property.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hetero-branched radial block copolymer suitable as a base polymer of pressure-sensitive adhesives, the hetero-branched radial block having a hetero-branched structure comprised of polystyrene, polyisoprene, and polybutadiene blocks and being represented by (pS-pI)3X-(pB-pI-pS) wherein pS is polystyrene; pI is polyisoprene; pB is polybutadiene; and X is a residue of a tetravalent coupling agent.

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: According to the present invention, a water absorbent material and materials to be sucked included in a water permeable bag type member form a water absorber. Thus, the water absorber is small both in weight and volume upon its transportation, and accordingly, the water absorber can be rapidly conveyed in large quantities without depending on a human power. The water absorber absorbs water upon its use to adequately satisfy a function of a form traceability for weight, volume and outline.

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 functional polymer having at least one substituent capable of forming a stable free radical is formed by polymerizing a diene monomer, such as butadiene, to form a first polymer block of the functional polymer. The first polymer block has a weight average molecular weight of less than 150,000. A vinyl aromatic monomer, such as styrene, is polymerized to form at least a second polymer block of the functional polymer. The copolymer is contacted with a stable free radical providing compound to form the functional polymer. By adding sufficient vinyl aromatic monomer, a low molecular weight functional rubber polymer can be rendered processable at ambient temperatures, while maintaining a solution viscosity which is suited to subsequent free radical catalyzation of vinyl aromatic monomers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ternary copolymer represented by the following formula (1) of the penta-block structure, wherein the molecular weight is 50, 000 to 400,000, pB is more than 70% of 1,4 structure, the content of pS is in range of 5% to 50%, and pB and pI are in a weight ratio of pB/pI?1. pS-pI-pB-pI-pS??(1) Wherein, pS is vinyl aromatic polymer, pB is polybutadiene and pI is polyisoprene. The block copolymer in the present invention with the structure, in which polyisoprene block is inserted between vinyl aromatic polymer block and polybutadiene block, has high mechanical properties such as tensile strength. The manufacturing method of the ternary block copolymer with penta-block structure is also provided.

Abstract: A nano-particle composition including a poly (alkenylbenzene) core and a poly (conjugated diene) or a poly(alkylene) surface layer is provided. The nano-particles have a mean average diameter less than about 100 nm. The nano-particles can be modified via, for example, hydrogenation or functionalization. The nano-particles can advantageously be incorporated into rubbers, elastomers, and thermoplastics.

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 styrene/hydrogenated diene block copolymer characterized in that it has in side chains at least one kind of functional groups selected from the group consisting of a boronic acid group and a boron-containing group capable of converting into a boronic acid group in the presence of water, the content of the functional groups in the copolymer is 100 to 2,000 ?eq/g, and the weight ratio of the styrene units to hydrogenated diene units contained in the copolymer is from 5/95 to 70/30. By thus incorporating a sufficient amount of boron-containing groups, a highly reactive styrene/hydrogenated diene block copolymer is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition for a surface-protective film, the composition comprising 40% by weight or more of a hydrogenated random copolymer consisting of 1 to 50% by weight of styrene and 99 to 50% by weight of a diene hydrocarbon and 60% by weight or less of a tackifier resin and/or a softener, and when the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition of the present invention is applied to the surface-protective film, the composition is caused to exhibit excellent adhesion to adherends, not to leave stains of the adherends, nor to leaves traces thereon when the films are removed from the adherends, and can also impart excellent removability to surface-protective films.

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 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: 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 polymer nano-string composition is provided. The polymer nano-strings can include a poly(alkenylbenzene) core, and a surface layer comprising poly(conjugated diene). The nano-strings have a mean average diameter of less than about 100 nm and a length of greater than about 1 ?m.

Abstract: A multi-layer nano-particle composition including a polymer core and at least two additional layers is provided. The nano-particles have a mean average diameter less than about 100 nm. The nano-particles can be modified via, for example, hydrogenation or functionalization. The nano-particles can be advantageously incorporated into rubbers, elastomers, and thermoplastics.

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: The present invention relates to a process for polymer hydrogenation that includes: polymerizing or copolymerizing at least one conjugated diene in a hydrocarbon solvent using an organic alkali metal polymerization initiator to generate a living polymer; adding a terminating agent selected from amines, esters, ketones, or halogen compounds to deactivate the active terminal of the living polymer; and selectively hydrogenating the conjugated diene polymer using at least one organotitanium compound and a lithium hydride, which is prepared from a reactor equipped with a high-speed injection nozzle and thereby precisely controlled in regard to particle diameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emulsion free high solids process for preparing crosslinked polymeric nanoparticles of 1-200 nm in diameter.

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: Disclosed is a hydrogenated copolymer obtained by hydrogenating an unhydrogenated copolymer comprising conjugated diene monomer units and vinyl aromatic monomer units, the unhydrogenated copolymer having at least one polymer block (H) of vinyl aromatic monomer units, wherein the hydrogenated copolymer has the following characteristics (1) to (5): (1) a content of the vinyl aromatic monomer units of from more than 60% by weight to less than 90% by weight, based on the weight of the hydrogenated copolymer; (2) a content of the polymer block (H) of from 1 to 40% by weight, based on the weight of the unhydrogenated copolymer; (3) a weight average molecular weight of from more than 100,000 to 1,000,000; (4) a hydrogenation ratio of 85% or more, as measured with respect to the double bonds in the conjugated diene monomer units; and (5) substantially no crystallization peak observed at ?50 to 100° C. in a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) chart obtained with respect to the hydrogenated copolymer.

Abstract: Sulfonated substantially random interpolymers made from monomer components comprise from 1 to 65 mole percent of (a) at least one vinyl or vinylidene aromatic monomer, or (b) at least one hindered aliphatic or cycloaliphatic vinylidene monomer, or (c) a combination of at least one vinyl or vinylidene aromatic monomer and at lest one hindered aliphatic or cycloaliphatic vinylidene monomer, and from 35 to 99 mole percent of at least one aliphatic ?-olefin having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms; and optionally, from 0 to 20 mole percent of a diene containing from 4 to 20 carbon atoms; wherein the sulfonated interpolymer contains at least one mer (or moiety) of a group represented by the formula —SO3?M where M is hydrogen or a group 1, 7 or 12 metal in ionic form or combination thereof. Blends of these polymers with polyamides and polyolefins are made.

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: Pneumatic rubber tire having at least one component or a rubber composition comprised of a major portion of relatively low Tg high cis 1,4-polybutadiene elastomer (BR) and a minor portion of a relatively high Tg, styrene-rich, styrene/isoprene elastomer (SIR) wherein the Tg of said BR is at least 60° C. lower than the Tg of said SIR. Said SIR has a styrene content of at least 30 weight percent. The styrene based units of said SIR are present substantially without large blocks of styrene units. Said BR is a high cis 1,4-polybutadiene having a cis 1,4-content of at least 96 percent and preferably has a branched macrostructure. In one aspect of the invention, said tire component is a tire tread, particularly a circumferential tire tread.

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: 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.