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: 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: Disclosed is a process for preparation of final graft polyols via a continuous process. In, addition, a final graft polyol formed by the process is disclosed. The process includes the steps of reacting a plurality of ethylenically unsaturated monomers and a reaction moderator with a macromer having induced unsaturation in the presence of a carrier polyol, a free radical polymerization initiator, and a first graft polyol. The process provides for the preparation of a final graft polyol having a solids level of from 30 to 70% in a continuous process. The final graft polyol produced by the process has a lower viscosity over a range of solids levels, a reduced amount of very large irregularly shaped particles, a reduced viscosity change in response to a change in reaction temperature compared to a typical graft polyol, a reduced tendency to foul the continuous reactor, and a broader particle size distribution compared to an identical graft polyol prepared by a semi-batch process.

Abstract: A core-shell particle for use as filler in rubber compositions. In one embodiment, the particle comprises a crosslinked core having repeat aromatic vinyl units. During an emulsion polymerization, a crosslinked shell comprising of conjugated diene units is grafted onto the core through residual vinyl units. The polymeric shell provides for better interaction and dispersion of the styrene core in an otherwise immiscible polymer matrix, particularly diene-based polymers. In another embodiment, the core has repeat units of (i) about 0% to about 25% by weight of a conjugated diene unit, (ii) about 70% to about 85% by weight of an aromatic vinyl unit, and (iii) about 15% to about 30% by weight of a crosslinking monomer unit.

Abstract: An alkenyl- or crosslinkable silyl-terminated vinyl polymer is provided. Such a functional group is introduced into its terminus at a high ratio, not via sulfur atoms. Those polymers can be prepared by polymerizing a vinyl monomer for obtaining a halogen-terminated vinyl polymer, and then substituting an oxy anion or carbanion having such a functional group for the terminal halogen of said polymer.

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: 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: A method of manufacturing a polyelectrolyte having the step of sulfonating polystyrene resin in a state where the polystyrene resin has been dissolved or dispersed in solvent composed of alicyclic compounds.

Abstract: A polymer nano-particle composition is provided. The composition includes polymer nano-particles having a poly(alkenylbenzene) core and a surface layer comprising a crystalline polyolefin. The nano-particles preferably have a mean average diameter of less than about 100 nm.

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 rubber composition comprised of an elastomer(s) reinforced with a particulate carbon black composite, and a coupling agent. Said carbon black composite contains integral silica on the surface thereof, wherein said carbon black composite is prepared by co-precipitating carbon black and silica from a dispersion of carbon black in sodium silicate to provide integral silica domains on the outer surface of the carbon black. Said carbon black composite is further functionalized by reacting it with a trialkoxy silane. A tire having a component comprised of such rubber composition, such as, for example, a tire tread is contemplated.

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 block copolymer having narrow molecular weight distribution and excellent symmetrical property or a telechelic polymer having, equally at both terminals thereof, a functional group can be produced by using a polymerization initiator solution which comprises a dilithium polymerization initiator having an average number of functional groups of 1.8 to 2.0/molecule and a solvent selected from aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds and alicyclic compounds and is free of a polar substance.

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 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: 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 &agr;-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: 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: The present invention relates to polymers which are modified by functional end groups and are based on conjugated dienes or on conjugated dienes and vinylaromatic compounds, a process for their preparation and their use for the production of rubber shaped articles of all types, in particular for the production of tires and tire components, such as tire treads.

Abstract: The present invention is a composition comprising an alternating hydrogenated block copolymer having at least two hydrogenated vinyl aromatic polymer blocks and at least one conjugated diene polymer block, wherein the number average molecular weights (Mn) of each block can be different.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an epoxidized block copolymer composition comprising an epoxidized block copolymer (E) obtained by epoxidizing a block copolymer (C) comprising a polymer block (A) composed mainly of a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon compound and a polymer block (B) composed mainly of a conjugated diene compound or a product (D) of hydrogenation of the block copolymer (C). The epoxidized block copolymer (E) meets at least one of the following requisites: (1) having a molar ratio (R) of contained hydroxyl to epoxy ranging from 0.001 to 0.

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: A sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition and a neutralized, sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition are provided. The sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition, preferably a composition containing such sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition, can be used as an additive in or for asphalt. The neutralized, sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition, preferably a composition comprising such neutralized, sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition, can be used for oil field applications such as preventing the loss of fluids used during such oil field applications. A process of preparing such compositions includes contacting a rubber composition, such as butyl rubber in the form of waste tire particles, with an oxidizing agent to provide an oxidized rubber composition. The oxidized rubber composition is then contacted with a sulfur-containing acid to provide a sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition.

Abstract: There is disclosed a rubber composition comprising: (A) 100 parts by weight of at least one rubber containing olefinic unsaturation; and (B) 1.

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 tapered aromatic vinyl-conjugated diene copolymer rubber having a ratio W0.6Mp/WMp in the range of 0.65-0.9 or 1.1-1.3 wherein Mp is molecular weight of a copolymer molecule corresponding to the peak of a molecular weight distribution curve obtained by gel permeation chromatography, WMp is a weight fraction of aromatic vinyl monomer units in the copolymer molecule having a molecular weight Mp, and W0.6Mp is a weight fraction of aromatic vinyl monomer units in a copolymer molecule having a molecular weight of Mp×0.6. A coupled tapered rubber comprised of a plurality of tapered copolymer molecules which are bound together at molecule terminal. A rubber composition comprising this tapered rubber or coupled tapered rubber and natural rubber or a synthetic rubber. This rubber composition exhibits reduced heat build-up, and high wet skid resistance, tensile strength and abrasion resistance.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a rubber composition with excellent workability, which gives vulcanized products with high wet skid resistance, low rolling resistance and high abrasion resistance, and a tire with those excellent properties. The rubber composition comprising a diene-based rubber (a), silica (b) and a compatibilizer (c). Said compatibilizer (c) is at least one selected from among (I) Aminosilane compounds; (II) Epoxy group-containing compounds; and (III)(IV) Compounds which have an amino group or a polymerizable unsaturated bond, together with a hydroxyl group, an epoxy group, an ether bond, a carboxyl group, an ester bond or a polymerizable unsaturated bond in the molecule.

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: A molding material for plastic lenses, comprising a hydrogenated product of an aromatic vinyl polymer, wherein the hydrogenated product of the aromatic vinyl polymer has properties that the hydrogenation rate of aromatic rings is at least 97%, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) is within a range of 50,000 to 500,000, and the ratio (Mw/Mn) of the weight average molecular weight (Mw) to the number average molecular weight (Mn) is at most 2.5, a plastic lens obtained by molding the molding material, novel hydrogenated products of aromatic vinyl polymers, which are suitable for use as molding materials, and a production process thereof.

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 least one hindered aliphatic or cycloaliphatic vinylidene monomer, and from 35 to 99 mole percent of at least one aliphatic &agr;-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 method of crosslinking polystyrene polymers and co-polymers for the formation of macroreticular materials of an Mc 30,000 to 50,000 is described. The materials forming an insoluble gel which is shaped in an extruder to 3 to 5 cm pieces and is subject to sulphonation with dense sulphuric acid, with oleum sulphuric acid with sulphur trioxide and with chlorosulphonic acid, and the introduction of sulphonic groups to a high density and with the introduction of nitric group and with the introduction of carboxylic group with the copolymer styrene-acrylonitrile.

Abstract: An alkenyl- or crosslinkable silyl-terminated vinyl polymer is provided. Such a functional group is introduced into its terminus at a high ratio, not via sulfur atoms. Those polymers can be prepared by polymerizing a vinyl monomer for obtaining a halogen-terminated vinyl polymer, and then substituting an oxy anion or carbanion having such a functional group for the terminal halogen of said polymer.

Abstract: A styrene-butadiene copolymer having excellent low hysteresis loss characteristic, wet skid resistance, fracture characteristics, and abrasion resistance and a rubber composition comprising the copolymer are disclosed. The styrene-butadiene copolymer has a total styrene content in the range of 33 to 42% by weight of the styrene-butadiene copolymer; a content of styrene sequences having 4 to 20 styrene units in the range of 40 to 65% by weight of the total styrene content, as obtained by measurements by NMR and GPC; a content of styrene sequences having more than 20 styrene units in the range of 5% by weight or less of the total styrene content, as obtained by measurement by GPC; a content of vinyl unit in the range of 30% by mol or less of a butadiene part of the styrene-butadiene copolymer; a sum of the total styrene value and ½ of the content of vinyl units in the range of 46 to 52%; and an inner or end structure having, for example tin-carbon bond.

Abstract: The present invention relates to alkoxysilane-substituted diene copolymers, organic and inorganic hybrid complex compositions comprising the same and a process for the preparation of the same. The alkoxysilane-substituted diene copolymers are prepared by reacting a diene copolymer substituted by epoxy or hydroxy groups with a silane compound. Thus prepared alkoxysilane-substituted diene copolymer is characterized by the facts that it is in organic solvents and it is capable of being cured at low temperatures. The present invention also relates to a composition prepared by mixing the said copolymer with inorganic fillers and/or coupling agents. The copolymer of the formula (1) has high reactivity with coupling agents since it possesses reactive silane groups and thus provides the diene polymer composition as having improved compatibility with inorganic fillers.

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 is directed to a process for producing a hydrogenated polymer or copolymer by hydrogenating prior to polymer isolation or finishing.

Abstract: A process is described for effectively reducing the residual monomer content of an aqueous polymer dispersion by aftertreatment at atmospheric pressure or above with an initiator system comprising a) a hydroperoxide, hydrogen peroxide or a peracid, and b) an &agr;-hydroxy carboxylic acid, such as tartaric acid, or with a salt thereof.

Abstract: A valve joint of a dispensing valve of a fluid product dispensing device, said joint being intended to come into contact with a fluid product comprising an aerosol propellant of the HFC-134a or HFC-227 type, with or without alcohol, characterised in that said joint comprises a surface subjected to a surface treatment, said surface treatment being adapted to lower the friction coefficient of the joint so as to reduce the risks of the valve blocking and/or to create a barrier on the joint surface so as to reduce the level of extractables from said joint.

Abstract: A polymer nano-particle composition is provided, wherein the nano-particle includes a poly(alkenylbenzene) core and a surface layer including poly(conjugated diene). The polymer nano-particles are preferably less than about 100 nm in diameter. The nano-particles can be made by a dispersion polymerization process.

Abstract: In a process for reacting an organic compound in the presence of a catalyst comprising, as active metal, at least one metal of transition group VIII of the Periodic Table, either alone or together with at least one metal of transition group I or VII of the Periodic Table, in an amount of from 0.01 to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the catalyst, applied to a support containing macropores, the support comprises, as a support component, boron(III) oxide in an amount of from 10 to 100% by weight, based on the total weight of the support.

Abstract: A butadiene-type polymer suitable for use as a processing aid in a rubber composition is formed by polymerizing butadiene or other conjugated diene monomers in a solvent, such as hexane, to form a polymer of relatively low molecular weight (around 30-40,000 g/mole). The polymer is coupled with a coupling agent, such as tin tetrachloride, to increase its molecular weight to a level at which conventional desolventizing processes may be used to remove the solvent from the mix. After desolventizing, the polymer is decoupled, by heating, to return the polymer to its original molecular weight.