Abstract: The present invention relates to nano-structured diene polymers and their preparation and to their use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing functionalized cis-1,4-polydienes having a combination of a high cis-1,4-linkage content and a high functionality, the resulting polymers and the vulcanized products containing the polymers. The functionalized cis-1,4-polydienes of the present invention are produced by a method comprising the steps of: (1) preparing a reactive polymer by polymerizing conjugated diene monomer with a lanthanide-based catalyst in the presence of less than 20% by weight of organic solvent based on the total weight of monomer, organic solvent, and resulting polymer, where the lanthanide-based catalyst is the combination of or reaction product of (a) a lanthanide compound, (b) an aluminoxane, (c) an organoaluminum compound other than an aluminoxane, and (d) a halogen-containing compound; and (2) contacting the reactive polymer with a functionalizing agent.

Abstract: A method of using at least one polymerisable resin R1 is disclosed. According to some aspects, the resin R1 is selected from the group consisting of epoxidised polybutadiene resins, epoxidised polyisoprene resins, epoxidised polysiloxane resins, epoxidised triglyceride resins and epoxidised polyether resins. The resin R1 having at the non-polymerised state a total mass loss (TML) value lower than about 10%, a recovered mass loss (RML) value lower than about 10%, and a collected volatile condensable material (CVCM) value lower than about 1%, as determined in accordance with standard ECSS-Q-70-02A of the European Space Agency. The resin R1 also characterized by an epoxide equivalent weight of about 100 to 600 g/mole. The resin is configured for the manufacture of a composite material for use in space, and more specifically, a composite material of a Gossamer structure. Polymerisable resin compositions are also disclosed which are useful in the manufacture of composite materials for use in space.

Abstract: A macromolecule including a polymer and a polyhedral radical chemically bonded to a terminus of the polymer provides numerous processing and performance advantages. Further functionalization of this macromolecule also is described as being advantageous in certain circumstances. Methods of providing, functionalizing, and utilizing the macromolecule also are provided.

Abstract: The rubber composition for a tire base tread includes a rubber component containing not less than 15% by weight of a terminal-modified diene rubber having a number average molecular weight prior to modification of 150000 to 400000, a filler, and a compound (vulcanizing agent) represented by the following general formula (1) in an amount of 0.5 to 5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the rubber component: (wherein R represents a benzyl group, and n represents an integer of 3 to 12.

Abstract: A macromolecule includes at least one polymer chain with at least one functionality. The polymer can include unsaturated mer units and can be provided via anionic and pseudo-living polymerization techniques. In either technique, the functionality can include at least one 5- or 6-membered ring which includes a secondary amine group and at least one additional heteroatom; in the latter technique, the functionality can include a hydrazone radical. Such polymers can be used to provide compositions that also include particulate fillers, such compositions being useful for the production of vulcanizates.

Abstract: A release agent composition includes a poly(meth)acrylate (A) containing a structural unit (1) represented by the following formula (1); in which R1 represents hydrogen or a methyl group and R2 represents a long-chain alkyl group having 12 to 28 carbon atoms, a liquid polymer (B) and a crosslinking agent (C), wherein at least one of the poly(meth)acrylate (A) and the liquid polymer (B) has a reactive functional group, and the crosslinking agent (C) is a compound having a functional group capable of reacting with the reactive functional group.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified conjugated diene polymer that is prepared by polymerization of a conjugated diene compound using a catalyst containing a lanthanoid rare earth element compound in an organic solvent and then modifying the resulting polymer having an active organic metal site with a modifier, wherein the modification efficiency is not less than 15% and the cis-1,4 bond content in the conjugated diene moiety measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy satisfies the relationship (I): cis-1,4 bond content?98.00(%)??(I), or the modification efficiency is not less than 75% and the cis-1,4 bond content in the conjugated diene moiety measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy satisfies the relationship (II): 94.00(%)?cis-1,4 bond content<98.00(%)??(II).

Abstract: A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of preparing a reactive polymer and reacting the reactive polymer with an imide compound containing a protected amino group.

Abstract: A multi-functional polymer defined by the formula (Q-R¦n—Z—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: A vulcanized rubber composition comprising the vulcanization product of a functional polymer, where the functional polymer is defined by the formula where R is selected from C1 to C6 trialkyl-silyl groups, C1 to C20 alkyl groups, C4 to C20 cycloalkyl groups, C6 to C20 aryl groups, thienyl, furyl, and pyridyl groups; and R may optionally have attached thereto any of the following functional groups: C1 to C10 alkyl groups, C6 to C20 aryl groups, C2 to C10 alkenyl groups, C3 to C10 non-terminal alkynyl groups, ethers, tert-amines, oxazolines, thiazolines, phosphines, sulfides, silyls, and mixtures thereof; where R1 is selected from C2 to C8 alkylene groups, where X is NR, and where ? is a polymer chain.

Abstract: The invention provides a elastomeric polymer composition comprising the reaction product of at least the following: i) a living anionic elastomeric polymer; ii) a silane modifier compound represented by the Formula I or Formula 2: (RIO)3Si—R4—S—SiR33, Formula 1 (R13O)3Si—R9-N(SiR10R11R12 Formula 2 iii) a modifier compound represented by one of the following Formulas 3 to 6: (R1O)x(R2)ySi—R4—S—SiR33, Formula 3 (R13O)P(R14)qSi—R9—N(SiR10R11R12)2 Formula 4, Formule 5, Formule 6

Abstract: A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of preparing a reactive polymer and reacting the reactive polymer with an imide compound containing a protected amino group.

Abstract: A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of (i) polymerizing conjugated diene monomer by employing a lanthanide-based catalyst to form a reactive polymer, and (ii) reacting the reactive polymer with an azine compound.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for synthesizing a dendrimer of a rubbery polymer comprising: (a) reacting a lithium terminated rubbery polymer with a halogenated tin containing compound to produce a polymer which is terminated with halogenated tin moieties, wherein the halogenated tin containing compound is of the structural formula: wherein X represents a halogen atom, wherein Z1 groups can be the same or different and are selected from alkyl groups containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, wherein x represents an integer from 1 to 20, wherein the molar ratio of the lithium terminated rubbery polymer to halogen atoms in the halogenated tin containing compound is within the range of 2:n to (n?1):n, wherein n represents the number of halogen atoms that are bonded directly to tin atoms in the halogenated tin containing compound; (b) reacting the polymer which is terminated with halogenated tin moieties with a molar excess of a tertiary alcohol to produce a polymer which is terminated with hydroxy tin moietie

Abstract: A rubber composition having an excellent adhesion with a brass-plated wire and an excellent heat aging resistance of a vulcanite containing (A) 100 parts by weight of a diene-based rubber, (B) 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of, as a vulcanization accelerator, an amine salt compound of a carboxylic acid group-containing disulfide having the formula (I): and (C) 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of, as a vulcanization agent, a cyclic sulfide compound having the formula (V): wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted C2-C20 alkylene group, a substituted or unsubstituted C2-C20 oxyalkylene group or an aromatic ring-containing alkylene group, x is an integer of 2-6 on average and n is an integer of 1-30.

Abstract: A method for producing a modified conjugated diene polymer includes carrying out a modification reaction that reacts a modifier that includes a specific compound with a conjugated diene polymer having a cis-1,4-bond content of 98.5% or more and possessing an active end to introduce the modifier into the active end of the conjugated diene polymer to obtain a modified conjugated diene polymer. The modified conjugated diene polymer that exhibits excellent wear resistance, excellent mechanical properties, and reduced cold flow can be obtained by the method.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for synthesizing a dendrimer of a rubbery polymer comprising: (a) reacting a lithium terminated rubbery polymer with a halogenated silicon containing compound to produce a polymer which is terminated with halogenated silicon moieties, wherein the halogenated silicon contain compound has at least four halogen atoms which are bonded directly to silicon atoms, wherein the ratio of the lithium terminated rubbery polymer to halogen atoms in the halogenated silicon containing compound is within the range of 2:n to (n-1):n, wherein n represents the number of halogen atoms that are bonded directly to silicon atoms in the halogenated silicon containing compound, wherein the halogenated silicon containing compound contains at least three halogen atoms which are bonded directly to a silicon atom; (b) reacting the polymer which is terminated with halogenated silicon moieties with a molar excess of a tertiary alcohol to produce a polymer which is terminated with hydroxy silyl moieties; a

Abstract: A method for polymerizing conjugated diene monomer into polydienes, the method comprising: polymerizing conjugated diene monomer within a liquid-phase polymerization mixture that includes conjugated diene monomer, a lanthanide-based catalyst system, dicyclopentadiene or substituted dicyclopentadiene, and optionally organic solvent, with the proviso that the organic solvent, if present, is less than about 20% by weight based on the total weight of the polymerization mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the selective hydrogenation of the carbon-carbon double bonds in a diene-based polymer latex using a water-soluble catalyst and simultaneously a water-insoluble co-catalyst.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer composition containing (i) a thermoplastic resin, (ii) an elastomer component discontinuously dispersed in the thermoplastic resin and (iii) a molecular chain extender, wherein the dispersed state of the particles of the elastomer component dispersed in the matrix of the thermoplastic elastomer composition is stabilized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the hydrogenation of the carbon-carbon double bonds in a diene-based polymer latex in the absence of any organic solvent by a catalytically active system prepared in-situ based on a first main catalyst component and a secondary water-insoluble catalyst component.

Abstract: A rubber composition containing 100 parts by weight of a diene-based rubber, 20 to 120 parts by weight of silica, 3 to 15% by weight, based upon the weight of silica, of a sulfur-containing silane coupling agent and (A) 1,5-diazabicyclo[4,3,0]nonene-5 (DBN) having the formula (I): and/or a salt thereof or (B) 0.1 to 3.0 parts by weight of a compound having a piperidine skeleton having the formula (II) or a salt thereof and/or formula (III): wherein n indicates 3 or 5, R1 indicates CH or N and R2 indicates H or OH when R1 is CH, or H when R1 is N, and a melamine derivative of formula (IV): wherein R3 is a methoxymethyl group (—CH2OCH3) or methylol group (—CH2OH), the number of methoxymethyl groups is 3 to 6, and the number of methylol groups is 0 to 3, and/or polymer or copolymer resins of the same and a pneumatic tire using the same.

Abstract: A process for producing a conjugated diene-based polymer which comprises, in the first modification, modifying a conjugated diene-based polymer having active chain ends, which is obtained by polymerizing a diene-based monomer singly or with other monomers and has a content of a cis-1,4 unit of 75% by mole or greater in the conjugated diene portion of the main chain, by reacting the active chain ends with a hydrocarbyloxysilane compound and reacting the modified polymer with a specific compound such as a hydrocarbyloxysilane compound, and a rubber composition containing the polymer modified in accordance with the above process and, preferably, 10 to 100 parts by weight of silica and/or carbon black per 100 parts by weight of the rubber component containing the modified polymer, are provided. The rubber composition containing silica and/or carbon black exhibits improved fracture properties, abrasion resistance, low heat buildup property and excellent workability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a linear or branched diene elastomer having cyclic vinyl units. A linear diene elastomer according to the invention results from at least one conjugated diene and it comprises cyclic vinyl units in a mass content of greater than or equal to 15% while having a number-average molecular weight falling within a range of from 10,000 to 300,000 g/mol.

Abstract: A rubber composition for a tire and a tire made therefrom which possesses excellent grip performance and abrasion resistance, said rubber composition containing a diene rubber and an aromatic vinyl polymer having a glass transition temperature at most 10° C., the amount of the aromatic vinyl polymer being preferably 5 to 150 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the diene rubber.

Abstract: A carboxylic acid-modified nitrile copolymer latex is provided. The copolymer latex comprises a carboxylic acid-modified nitrile copolymer of an unsaturated monomer having at least one crosslinkable functional group selected from vinyl and epoxy groups. The use of the copolymer latex enables the production of a molded article that does not undergo long stirring and maturation, causes no allergic reactions due to the absence of sulfur and a vulcanization accelerator, has good oil resistance and high mechanical strength, and produces a soft feeling. Further provided is a latex composition for dip forming comprising the copolymer latex, and an article produced from the latex composition by dip forming.

Abstract: Reduced hysteresis silica-containing black sidewall compounds having increased toughness properties are provided, as are methods for preparing the same. Tires comprising the black sidewall compounds prepared according to the present embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for hydrogenation of a conjugated diene polymer comprising hydrogenating said polymer in the presence of hydrogen and a hydrogenation catalyst composition, wherein the catalyst composition comprising a titanium compound (A), a silyl hydride (B) selected from the group having a Si—H group and consisting of a monomeric silyl hydride, a polymeric silyl hydride, and a cyclic silyl hydride; and a compound (C), and conducting the hydrogenation in a middle to larger sized reactor having a capacity of 25 liters, with a temperature of 50° C. to 150° C., and a hydrogen pressure of 1 kg/cm2 to 20 kg/cm2.

Abstract: A functionalized polymer defined by the formula ?-R1-?, where ? is a polymer chain, R1 is a bond or a divalent organic group, and ? is a sulfur-containing heterocycle.

Abstract: A composition comprising alkylthio- or aryl(heteroyl)thio-substituted p-phenylenediamine, its method of preparation, and its use as an antidegradant in natural or synthetic rubber.

Abstract: Proposed is a process for the continuous hydrogenation of carbon-carbon double bonds in an unsaturated polymer to produce a hydrogenated polymer, said unsaturated polymer being based on a conjugated diolefin and at least one other copolymerizable monomer, in the presence of a homogeneous or heterogeneous catalyst, wherein said unsaturated polymer, hydrogen and said homogeneous or heterogeneous catalyst is passed through a multistage agitated reactor, comprising a cylindrical, elongated shell having closed ends and separated by baffles into a multiplicity of discrete chambers with access from one chamber to another through concentric circular openings, axially centered with said baffles and a continuous rotatable shaft extending concentric with said baffles within said shell with at least one impeller attached thereto positioned in each chamber, said continuous rotatable shaft and said circular openings providing annular openings and said hydrogenated polymer being withdrawn at the opposite end of the multista

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to plasticized elastomer compositions and methods of preparing plasticized elastomers. The plasticized elastomer compositions comprise an elastomer, and an unsaturated linear or branched dicarboxylic acid diester plasticizer. The compositions are formed by combining the elastic polymer and reactive ester plasticizer with a curing agent to react at least 5% by weight of the diester plasticizer to the elastic polymer. The elastomer includes natural and synthetic rubbers, such as nitrile butadiene rubber, hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber, chlorinated polyethylene rubber, and ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber. The plasticized elastomer compositions disclosed herein provide improved solvent immersion properties, and are useful, for example, for hoses, belts, conveyor belts, motor mounts, gaskets, automotive drive train belts, including transmission belts, roofing compounds, and the like.

Abstract: A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of (i) polymerizing conjugated diene monomer by employing a lanthanide-based catalyst to form a reactive polymer, and (ii) reacting the reactive polymer with a hydrobenzamide compound.

Abstract: A functionalized polymer prepared by a process comprising the steps of preparing a pseudo-living polymer by polymerizing conjugated diene monomer with a lanthanide-based catalyst, the polymer having greater than about 85 percent in the 1,4-cis microstructure and less than about 3 percent in the 1,2- or 3,4-microstructure, and reacting the pseudo-living polymer with at least one functionalizing agent defined by the formula (I) or (II): where Z is a substituent that will react or interact with organic or inorganic fillers; with the proviso that each group attached to the imino carbon is attached via a carbon atom and R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R13, R14 and Z are substituents that will not protonate a pseudo-living polymer.

Abstract: A functionalized polymer defined by the formula where ? is a polymer chain, R10 is a divalent organic group, and ? is a hydroxyl group, an alkoxyl group, or an amine group, where the amine group can be represented by the formula —NR2, where at least one R is a monovalent organic group and where the second R is hydrogen or a monovalent organic group, and where the alkoxyl group can be represented by the formula —OR?, where R? is a monovalent organic group.

Abstract: To modify a diene-based rubber whereby the dispersibility of silica and the abrasion resistance or heat buildup resistance are improved. A modified diene-based rubber obtained by adding and reacting, to a diene-based rubber (A), a compound (B) having, in the molecule thereof, a nitroxide free radical stable at an ordinary temperature and in the presence of oxygen, a radical initiator (C) and a radical polymerizable monomer (D) having a functional group in the molecule thereof and a rubber composition and pneumatic tire containing the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified conjugated diene polymer that is prepared by polymerization of a conjugated diene compound using a catalyst containing a lanthanoid rare earth element compound in an organic solvent and then modifying the resulting polymer having an active organic metal site with a modifier, wherein the modification efficiency is not less than 15% and the cis-1,4 bond content in the conjugated diene moiety measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy satisfies the relationship (I): cis-1,4 bond content?98.00(%)??(I), or the modification efficiency is not less than 75% and the cis-1,4 bond content in the conjugated diene moiety measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy satisfies the relationship (II): 94.00(%)?cis-1,4 bond content<98.00(%)??(II).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a powder paint composition comprising at least (a) a thermosetting polymer having functional groups capable of reacting with ?-hydroxyalkylamide units (b) a compound comprising ?-hydroxyalkylamide units and (c) a deceleration agent, capable of reversibly blocking the functional groups of polymer (a). The deceleration agent is present in an amount sufficient to block at least 9% of the total amount of functional groups of polymer (a). The present invention relates also to the use of a specific amine compound as a deceleration agent in a powder paint composition.

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: A method for hydrogenation of a conjugated diene polymer is provided. 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 R is C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 cycloalkyl, aryl or alkyl aryl, M is C1-C12 alkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy, aryl, alkyl aryl, phenoxy or hydroxyl, and n=1˜3; and (c) a alkylaluminum compound.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for synthesizing a dendrimer of a rubbery polymer comprising: (a) reacting a lithium terminated rubbery polymer with a halogenated silicon containing compound to produce a polymer which is terminated with halogenated silicon moieties, wherein the halogenated silicon contain compound has at least four halogen atoms which are bonded directly to silicon atoms, wherein the ratio of the lithium terminated rubbery polymer to halogen atoms in the halogenated silicon containing compound is within the range of 2:n to (n?1):n, wherein n represents the number of halogen atoms that are bonded directly to silicon atoms in the halogenated silicon containing compound, wherein the halogenated silicon containing compound contains at least three halogen atoms which are bonded directly to a silicon atom; (b) reacting the polymer which is terminated with halogenated silicon moieties with a molar excess of a tertiary alcohol to produce a polymer which is terminated with hydroxy silyl moieties; a

Abstract: The present invention relates to functionalizing agents that are particularly useful for functionalizing living rubbery polymers to make the polymer more compatible with fillers, such as carbon black and silica. These functionalizing agents are comprised of a boron containing compound having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups and aryl groups, wherein R1, R2, and R3 can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups, and aryl groups, and wherein R4 represents an alkylene group or a bridging aromatic group.

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: A composition comprising a polymer according to Structure 1 wherein R is H, Me, Et or C6H5; R? is H or Me; n is a number from 1 to 100; and Z is a number from 1 to 3; f is a number from 1 to 5, with f=1 if B is nothing; A is residue of a hydrogenated polybutadiene backbone; and B nothing or it is a difunctional organic linking group is disclosed. The composition can be cured and used in a wide range of articles such as a photopolymer printing plate, sealant, caulk, encapsulent, road marking paint, photoresist, binder, impact modifier, polymer modifier, oxygen or water vapor barrier coating, conformal coating, solder mask, pigment dispersion, stereolithograph, laminating resin, grafted co-polymer, composite, optical fiber coating, paper coating, metal coating, glass coating, plastic coating, wood coating, waterproofing material, electrical insulating material, automotive belt or hose, tire, engine mount, gasket, golf ball core, and rubber roll.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of functional molecules using the thiol-ene coupling reaction and a process for the preparation of protected functional thiols, specifically thioesters is provided. The methods may be used to make functional polymers and other molecules. The method of making a functionalized polymer using a thiol-ene reaction comprises: providing a functionalized thioester having the following formula: wherein R is a functional group and COR? is a protecting group; cleaving the functionalized thioester, forming a functional thiol and an acyl group; providing a polymer having a pendant vinyl group; and reacting the polymer with the functional thiol whereby a functionalized polymer is formed, wherein the functional thiol is not isolated prior to reacting with the polymer.

Abstract: A polymer composition which comprises a polymer, a phosphorus compound (a), and a phenol compound (b). The phosphorus compound (a) is, e.g., at least one member selected from compounds represented by the following formula (1). The phenol compound (b) is, e.g., at least one member selected from compounds represented by the following general formula (4), wherein in the general formula (1), the R1 represents C1-20 alkyl, allyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, or alkoxyalkyl and n is 1 or 2, provided that when two R1's are present, then the R1's may be the same or different, wherein in the general formula (4), the R4's each independently represents C1-20 alkyl, allyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, alkoxy, or alkylthiomethyl.

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 first-order modified, hydrogenated polymer comprising (1) a hydrogenated polymer obtained by hydrogenating at least one unhydrogenated polymer selected from the group consisting of a polymer comprising conjugated diene monomer units and a copolymer comprising conjugated diene monomer units and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units, and (2) a functional group-containing first-order modifier group bonded to the hydrogenated polymer (1), wherein the content of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units, vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon block ratio, weight average molecular weight, and hydrogenation ratio (as measured with respect to the double bonds in the conjugated diene monomer units) of the first-order modified, hydrogenated polymer are, respectively, within specific ranges.