Abstract: A method of forming a functionalized polymer, the method comprising reacting a living polymer with a compound defined by the formula where R5 includes a monovalent organic group, R6 independently includes a monovalent organic group, each R7 independently includes hydrogen or a monovalent organic group, each R8 independently includes hydrogen or monovalent organic group, R9 includes a monovalent organic group, M is silicon or tin, and x includes an integer from about 2 to about 10, where R5 and R6 may optionally each independently be alkoxy groups, and where R7, R8, and R9 are non-Zerewitinoff organic groups.

Abstract: An object of the present invention can be to provide a crosslinking agent which exhibits excellent storage stability and heat resistance and which is used for a composition containing a rubber and/or a resin. Such an object is realized by the compound represented by the following formula (1). In the formula, Z represents an active hydrogen-containing group; X represents a non-cyclic aliphatic group, a cyclic aliphatic group, an aromatic group, or an alkyl aromatic group, which may be optionally substituted and which may contain at least one member selected from SO2, O, N, and S; J1 and J2 which are respectively included at a number of n independently represent a monovalent group, or J1 and J2 together represent a divalent group; R1 which is included at a number of n independently represents hydrogen atom or a non-cyclic aliphatic group; and n represents an integer of 1 to 4.

Abstract: A method for producing an alkoxysilyl group-containing conjugated diolefin (co)polymer rubber by polymerizing a conjugated diolefin or a conjugated diolefin and an aromatic vinyl compound in a hydrocarbon solvent by anionic polymerization using as an initiator at least one metal compound selected from an organic alkali metal compound and an organic alkali earth metal compound, and then allowing an alkoxysilane-based compound to react, wherein after the alkoxysilane-based compound has been allowed to react, an alkaline compound is added at the time of desolvation, and treatment is conducted at a pH of 8 to 12.

Abstract: A curable sealant composition is provided. The composition includes a polymer including at least conjugated dime contributed monomer units in a backbone of the polymer and terminal groups including silicon. The composition also includes additional sealant ingredients selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, filler, reinforcing agents, modifiers, curing catalysts/hardeners, stabilizers, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A modified butyl rubber composition comprising a butyl rubber modified by mixing, under heating, (a) a compound having a nitroxide-free radical in the molecule thereof, which is stable at an ordinary temperature even in the presence of oxygen, (b) a radical initiator, and (c) a bi- or more-functional radical polymerizable monomer and further by compounded with (d) a bi- or more-functional radical polymerizable monomer, which is different from the ingredient (c).

Abstract: The invention relates to new polymerization processes including diluents including hydrofluorocarbons and their use to produce novel halogenated polymers with new sequence distributions. In particular, the invention relates to halogenated copolymers of an isoolefin, preferably isobutylene, and a multiolefin, preferably a conjugated diene, more preferably isoprene, with new sequence distributions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tire which is comprised of a generally toroidal-shaped carcass with an outer circumferential tread, two spaced beads, at least one ply extending from bead to bead and sidewalls extending radially from and connecting said tread to said beads, wherein said tread is adapted to be ground-contacting, and wherein said tread is a cured the rubber formulation which is comprised of (1) hydroxylamine end-group functionalized rubbery polymer of the structural formula: wherein P represents polymer chains of the rubbery polymer, and wherein (i) R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted straight, branched, or cyclic alkylgroups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, aryl groups, heteroaryl groups, alkaryl groups, alkoxyl groups, halo-alkyl groups, and combinations thereof; or (ii) R1 and R2 taken together with the carbon and nitrogen to which they are attached form a 5 to 8 membered ring; and (2) a filler selected from the group consisting of ca

Abstract: Process for the selective hydrogenation of double olefinic bonds present in polymers and copolymers of conjugated dienes, which comprises: (a) preparation of a hydrocarbon solution of the (co)polymer to be hydrogenated, optionally containing a modifier (C); (b) addition to the above solution of the (co)polymer to be hydrogenated of a catalytic solution formed “in situ” comprising: (b1) at least one bis-(cyclopentadienyl)titanium derivative having general formula (I) (C5H5)2Ti (R) (R1), wherein R and R1, the same or different, are halogens, preferably R?R1?Cl; the above compound (I) being dispersed in one or more non-solvent diluents; (b2) at least one organo-derivative having general formula (II) M(R2)(R3), wherein M is selected from zinc and magnesium, and R2 and R3, the same or different, are selected from C1-C16 alkyls, preferably C1-C8; (b3) at least one modifier (C); the above selective hydrogenation being carried out in a hydrogen atmosphere until the disappearance of the double olefinic bonds.

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: There is provided a rubber composition for a side wall, wherein an amount ratio of resources other than petroleum are increased so as to be ecological and take measures for the decrease in supply of petroleum in the future, which further has excellent flex crack resistance and strength. A rubber composition for a side wall comprising 20 to 60 parts by weight of silica based on 100 parts by weight of a rubber component comprising 40 to 80% by weight of a natural rubber and 60 to 20% by weight of at least one rubber selected from the group consisting of a butadiene rubber, a styrene-butadiene rubber and an epoxidized natural rubber, and 4 to 16 parts by weight of a silane compound represented by the following formula: Xn—Si—Y4-n (wherein X represents an ethoxy group or a methoxy group, and Y represents a phenyl group or an alkyl group) based on 100 parts by weight of silica.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for synthesizing an epoxidized polymer that includes the steps of: (1) preparing a cationically stabilized polymer latex containing at least one conjugated diolefin monomer in a first stage, (2) treating the polymer latex from step (1) with formic or acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, and (3) allowing the mixture to react for a predetermined time and predetermined temperature to attain the desired level of epoxidation.

Abstract: Natural rubber and/or synthetic polyisoprene film products having enhanced tear strength and tensile strength crosslinked with a one polynitrile oxide, intended for direct or indirect contact with living tissue or fluids to be placed in living organisms.

Abstract: A radiation curable resin composition comprises a glycidyloxy groups-containing polybutadiene or hydrogenated polybutadiene, a mono-oxetane compound or monofunctional epoxy compound, and a cationic photopolymerization initiator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rubber modified acrylic and/or vinyl resin comprising the mini-emulsion polymerization product of at least one rubber compound substantially dissolved in at least one acrylic monomer and/or vinyl monomer.

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: Natural rubber and/or synthetic polyisoprene film products having enhanced tear strength and tensile strength crosslinked with a one polynitrile oxide, intended for direct or indirect contact with living tissue or fluids to be placed in living organisms.

Abstract: A main object of the invention is to provide a polar-group-containing cyclized rubber making it possible to improve remarkable the adhesiveness between paint and a molded product made of a nonpolar polymer such as polypropylene or polyethylene, and a process for producing the same. In order to attain the object, the invention provides a polar-group-containing cyclized rubber which has a polar group at a terminal of a polymer chain thereof, has a weight-average molecular weight of 1000 to 1,000,000, and is obtained by cyclizing a conjugated diene polymer having the polar group at a terminal of a polymer chain thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tire having a tread of a rubber composition with compositional limitations containing minimal, if any, of in situ formed volatile alcohol byproduct. The tread component rubber composition contains a combination or pre-hydrophobated silica reinforcement and siloxane functionalized styrene/butadiene copolymer elastomer. The pre-hydrophobated silica is prepared, prior to mixing with the elastomer(s), by reacting hydroxyl groups (e.g. silanol groups) contained on the surface of a precipitated silica with an alkoxyorganomercaptosilane or with a bis-3(triethoxysilylpropyl)polysulfide which contains an average of from 2 to 4 connecting sulfur atoms in its polysulfidic bridge to form a composite thereof which may optionally include an alkyl silane. The volatile alcohol byproduct (e.g. ethanol) therefrom is thereby removed from the pre-hydrophobated silica composite prior to its introduction into the rubber composition(s).

Abstract: The random, hydrogenated copolymers according to the present invention of unsubstituted conjugated dienes and substituted conjugated dienes, having a glass transition temperature of ??60° C., an enthalpy of fusion of ?100 J/g and a content of residual double bonds in the range from 0 to 80%, are suitable for the production of rubber moldings of all kinds which have good resistance to ageing and high resilience at low temperatures. In particular, various tire components and industrial rubber articles may be mentioned as rubber moldings. The copolymers are also suitable for the rubber modification of brittle thermoplastics.

Abstract: A tread rubber composition improved both in grip performance on ice-covered and snow-covered road surfaces and in abrasion resistance is provided. The tread rubber composition contains aluminum hydroxide having an untamped density of not more than 0.60 g/cm3, a DOP oil absorption of at least 70 cm3/100 g and less than 250 cm3/100 g, and a BET specific surface area of at least 30 m2/g and not more than 350 m2/g in an amount of 5–60 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of a rubber component containing at least 50% by weight of at least one of polyisoprene rubber and polybutadiene rubber. The tread rubber composition has a tan? peak temperature of not more than ?45° C. and a type A durometer hardness at 0° C. of not more than 64.

Abstract: The present invention is based upon the unexpected finding that polyisoprene rubber which is clear and of high purity can be cured utilizing the curative system of this invention to attain an elongation at break of greater than 1200% without compromising the clarity or purity of the rubber. The curative system of this invention is comprised of a carbonyl inhibited platinum catalyst, and a branched crosslinking agent having at least 2 hydrosilyl groups per molecule. The curative system of this invention can be used to cure solid polyisoprene rubber that is used in a wide variety of application and is a particular value in curing polyisoprene rubber used in manufacturing sporting goods, healthcare, and medical products.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for producing a modified conjugated diene polymer improved in quality stability, more enhanced in low heat buildup and reinforcing ability when used in a rubber composition, excellent in wear resistance, mechanical characteristics and processability, and improved in cold flow; and a rubber composition using the same. The method includes a step of modifying an active end of an active end-containing conjugated diene polymer having a cis-1,4-bond content of 75% or more with an alkoxysilane compound containing at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of (a) an epoxy group, (b) an isocyanate group and (c) a carboxyl group, and a step of adding a condensation accelerator to conduct condensation reaction of the alkoxysilane compound (residue) in an aqueous solution having a pH of 9 to 14 and a temperature of 85 to 180° C.

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 monomers in the presence of an organolithium initiator and a hydrocarbon solvent, with a multi-reactive polysiloxane compound, and subsequently modifying the remaining uncoupled ends of the polymer with an amine compound. The use of the copolymer thus obtained for tire production improves the affinity to silica and greatly enhances the dynamic properties required for tires, such as wet traction and rolling resistance.

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: A method for the surface treatment of rubber, a process for production of a rubber article, and a rubber composition wherein a structure derived from a fluorine compound containing a fluoroalkyl at both ends of its molecule are joined to a polymer main chain of crosslinked rubber in the vicinity of the surface of a rubber base (molding). The method involves causing the fluorine compound and a silane coupling agent to exist in the vicinity of the surface of a rubber base, and heat-treating the rubber base. The production process comprises compounding and mixing raw rubber and a silane coupling agent to obtaining a molding of crosslinked rubber and heating the molding. The rubber composition contains raw rubber, a crosslinking agent, the fluorine compound and a silane coupling agent.

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: The invention is directed to a polypropylene resin which has a Mw/Mn of less than 5, a melt flow rate of less than 7 g/10 min., a 1% secant flexural modulus of greater than 300,000 psi and less than 2 wt. % xylene solubles.

Abstract: A rubber composition comprises (1) a rubber component including at least one of polybutadiene rubber and a styrene-butadiene copolymer rubber having a content of vinyl bond of not less than 30%, (2) at least one specified compound as a vulcanization accelerator, and (3) a specified organic thiosulfate compound as a vulcanizing agent.

Abstract: An oil-extended rubber comprising a conjugated diene rubber having a specific amount of isoprene units, and an extender oil incorporated therein, characterized in that the rubber is obtained by polymerizing a monomer mixture comprising 1,3-butadiene and an aromatic vinyl monomer with the aid of an organic active metal as an initiator in a hydrocarbon medium; subsequently adding isoprene to continue polymerization, then; reacting the resulting polymer having an activated terminal with a coupling agent. A rubber composition comprising the oil-extended rubber is suitable for tread of tire having a low fuel consumption.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an accelerator system, such as an accelerator system for synthetic polyisoprene latex. The accelerator system comprises dithiocarbamate and thiourea and can produce synthetic polyisoprene films having a tensile strength of about 3,000 psi to about 5,000 psi at low curing temperatures. The invention also pertains to a method for curing synthetic polyisoprene latex.

Abstract: A solventless process for making a polymeric composition having at least two pendant carboxyl groups, which comprises reacting at least one molecule of water with at least one dicarboxylic acid anhydride group of at least one suitable polymer.

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: 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 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: 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: This invention relates to a carbon black modified by a two step process in which carbon black is initially treated with functional monomers by an electropolymerization process to form a functionalized carbon black having an initial polymer attached to, of grafted to, the carbon black following which (A) at least one diene monomer, or (B) living anionic catalysis prepared polymer, is introduced to the functionalized carbon black to continue the polymerization, starting from a living end of the initially formed polymer, and thereby form an extended diene-based polymer. By the addition of the diene monomer or the live anionic polymer to form the associated extended diene-based polymer, it is contemplated that the modified carbon black is rendered more compatible with diene-based elastomers. Such modified carbon black may be used, for example, as reinforcement for component(s) of various articles of manufacture, including tires.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tire having at least one component (e.g. tread) of a rubber composition comprised of a carbon black and precipitated silica reinforced elastomer blend comprised of a combination of hydroxyl functionalized aqueous emulsion polymerization prepared styrene/butadiene copolymer elastomer (E-SBR) and tin coupled organic solvent solution polymerization prepared styrene/butadiene copolymer elastomer (S-SBR) and/or isoprene/butadiene copolymer elastomer. Preferably, said E-SBR is exclusive of functional groups reactive with alkoxy groups other than said hydroxyl functional groups. A coupling agent as bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)polysulfide having an average of from only 2 to 2.6 connecting sulfur atoms in its polysulfidic bridge is used. The invention further relates to an article of manufacture, such as for example a tire, having at least one component of a rubber composition comprised of said elastomer blend.

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: 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: 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 rubber compound is described containing as a reinforcing filler a layered silicate which is obtained by excessive leaching of a smectitic layered silicate with mineral acids. The rubber compound further contains at least one diene polymer or copolymer and a coupler containing groups reactive with the filler. There is also described a method for production of the rubber compound and molded articles produced from the rubber compound.

Abstract: This invention discloses resilient, acrylic graft polymers comprising ?-methylene lact(one)(am) monomers such as ?-methylene-?-butyrolactone, and blends of such polymers with thermoplastic matrix resins. This invention also discloses hard, non-resilient, acrylic graft polymers comprising ?-methylene lact(one)(am) monomers such as ?-methylene-?-butyrolactone, and to blends of such polymers with thermoplastic matrix resins. This invention further discloses a general process for emulsion polymerization of ?-methylene lact(one)(am) monomers such as ?-methylene-?-butyrolactone and its copolymers.

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: 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.