Abstract: An ethylenically unsaturated polymer includes at a terminus the radical of an allylic compound that includes a functional group free of active hydrogen atoms that is bonded to the allylic C atom through a S, P, Si or Sn atom and a vinyl aromatic compound. The polymer can be used as a component of a variety of elastomeric compounds used in the production of vulcanizates.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a coupled polymer product comprising polymer with up to four polymer chains bonded to a functionalizing compound of formula II, wherein the polymer chains are comprised of conjugated diene-containing monomers optionally in combination with vinyl aromatic monomers and further include vinyl group-functionalized silane compound of formula I bonded within the polymer chain. Also disclosed are processes for producing the coupled polymer product as well as a rubber composition containing the coupled polymer product and tire components comprising the rubber composition.

Abstract: An ethylenically unsaturated polymer includes at a terminus the radical of an allylic compound that includes a functional group free of active hydrogen atoms that is bonded to the allylic C atom through a S, P, Si or Sn atom and a vinyl aromatic compound. The polymer can be used as a component of a variety of elastomeric compounds used in the production of vulcanizates.

Abstract: Metallated aminosilane compounds for use as functional initiators in anionic polymerizations and processes for producing an aminosilane-functionalized polymer using the metallated aminosilane compounds to initiate anionic polymerization of at least one type of anionically polymerizable monomer. Preferred use of the metallated aminosilane compounds results in rubber compositions for use in tires comprising an aminosilane functionalized polymer. A telechelic polymer may result from use of the metallated aminosilane compound as a functional terminator.

Abstract: Vulcanizates with desirable properties can be obtained from compounds incorporating polymers that include hydroxyl group-containing aryl functionalities. The functionalities can be incorporated by using any or all of appropriate initiators, monomers and optional terminating compounds. Such polymers exhibit excellent interactivity with both conventional and non-conventional fillers.

Abstract: Vulcanizates with desirable properties can be obtained from compounds incorporating polymers that include hydroxyl group-containing diphenylethylene-type functionalities. The functionalities can be incorporated by using any or all of appropriate initiators, monomers and optional terminating compounds. Such polymers exhibit excellent interactivity with both conventional and non-conventional fillers.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for producing polymerization initiators comprising at least two protected primary amine groups. Polymers prepared using such polymerization initiators can comprise a residue of the polymerization initiator and can initially comprise the at least two protected primary amine groups. Such polymers can undergo a deprotection process thereby yielding a polymer having one or more unprotected primary amine groups. Polymers having primary amine groups can be employed in rubber compositions, which have a variety of potential applications, such as, for example, in tire manufacturing.

Abstract: Metallated aminosilane compounds for use as functional initiators in anionic polymerizations and processes for producing an aminosilane-functionalized polymer using the metallated aminosilane compounds to initiate anionic polymerization of at least one type of anionically polymerizable monomer. Preferred use of the metallated aminosilane compounds results in rubber compositions for use in tires comprising an aminosilane functionalized polymer. A telechelic polymer may result from use of the metallated aminosilane compound as a functional terminator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing polymerized 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (poly-1234yf) using one or a combination of the techniques provided herein. In certain embodiments, such techniques include (1) emulsion polymerization; (2) suspension polymerization; (3) solution polymerization; (4) supercritical carbon dioxide polymerization; (5) transition metal catalyzed polymerization; (6) radiation or thermal polymerization; and combinations thereof. A wide array of initiators, catalysts, and solvents may be used in such polymerization processes and may include, but are not limited to, (1) radical initiators; (2) ionic initiators; and (3) single-site and multiple-site catalysts.

Abstract: Metallated aminosilane compounds for use as functional initiators in anionic polymerizations and processes for producing an aminosilane-functionalized polymer using the metallated aminosilane compounds to initiate anionic polymerization of at least one type of anionically polymerizable monomer. Preferred use of the metallated aminosilane compounds results in rubber compositions for use in tires comprising an aminosilane functionalized polymer.

Abstract: A sulfur-containing anionic polymerization initiator defined by the formula: R1S—R2aR3?Li? where R1 is a monovalent organic group, R2 is a divalent organic group, R3 is a divalent organic group or a bond, and a is an integer from 1 to about 5.

Abstract: A polymer includes at a terminus a cyclic amine radical bonded to the polymer through a ring nitrogen atom. The polymer can be provided by using a lithiated version of the cyclic amine to initiate polymerization of one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The polymer can be used in the production in a variety of vulcanizates.

Abstract: A method for forming a polymer including a sulfur-containing functional group, the method comprising introducing a sulfur-containing initiator defined by the formula with conjugated diene monomer and optionally copolymerizable monomer within a polymerization medium and allowing the sulfur-containing initiator to initiate the polymerization of the conjugated diene monomer and the optional copolymerizable monomer, where R1 is a monovalent organic group, R2 is a divalent organic group, R3 is a divalent organic group or a bond, and a is an integer from 1 to about 5.

Abstract: A process for the polymerization of olefins using a metal complex of group 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 of the Periodic Table comprising at least one group C?NR1, C?PR1, C?O, C?S or a heteroaromatic ring system containing at least one atom from the group consisting of N, P, O and S, can be used for controlling the width of the molar mass distribution of the resulting polymers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a catalyst system for synthesizing rubbery polymers, such as styrene-butadiene rubber, that can be utilized in tire tread rubbers. The catalyst system, in one embodiment, includes an organolithium compound and a potassium alkyl borohydride or potassium alkyl aluminum hydride defined by: (R)3A?(H)K+, wherein A is boron or aluminum, H is hydrogen, K is potassium, and R, which is the same or different, is either H, a C1-C10 alkyl, a C3-C10 cycloalkyl, phenyl, or phenyl substituted C1-C10 alkyl, or a C3-C10 cycloalkyl, with the proviso that at least one R is a C1-C10 alkyl, and further wherein any two R's may optionally be part of a carbocyclic ring. The rubbery polymers can have low to medium vinyl microstructure content, i.e., from about 10% to about 40%, and are useful in tire tread rubber compounds which can exhibit improved wear and tear characteristics.

Abstract: Provided is a method for polymerizing a polymer precursor, comprising: contacting a polymer precursor with a lithium carborane catalyst and an initiator under polymerizing conditions. A reaction solvent may be used, but is not necessary. Also provided is a method of preparing lithium carborane polymers, comprising: contacting a lithium carborane polymer precursor having a terminal alkenyl or alkynyl group with an initiator and an optional reaction solvent under polymerizing conditions. Functionalized carborane anions are also provided.

Abstract: Curable compositions contain (i) a free radical polymerizable organosilicon monomer, oligomer or polymer; (ii) an organoborane amine complex; optionally (iii) an amine reactive compound having amine reactive groups; and optionally (iv) a component capable of generating a gas when mixed with a compound bearing active hydrogen and a catalyst. The curable compositions can be used as a rubber, tape, adhesive, foam, pressure sensitive adhesive, protective coating, thin film, thermoplastic monolithic molded part, thermosetting monolithic molded part, sealant, gasket, seal, or o-ring, die attachment adhesive, lid sealant, encapsulant, potting compound, or conformal coating. The compositions can also be used in composite articles of manufacture such as integrally bonded device including electrical and electronic connectors and scuba diving masks, in which substrates are coated or bonded together with the composition and cured.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a catalyst system for synthesizing rubbery polymers, such as styrene-butadiene rubber, that can be utilized in tire tread rubbers. The catalyst system, in one embodiment, includes an organolithium compound and a potassium alkyl borohydride or potassium alkyl aluminum hydride defined by: (R)3A?(H)K+, wherein A is boron or aluminum, H is hydrogen, K is potassium, and R, which is the same or different, is either H, a C1-C10 alkyl, a C3-C10 cycloalkyl, phenyl, or phenyl substituted C1-C10 alkyl, or a C3-C10 cycloalkyl, with the proviso that at least one R is a C1-C10 alkyl, and further wherein any two R's may optionally be part of a carbocyclic ring. The rubbery polymers can have low to medium vinyl microstructure content, i.e., from about 10% to about 40%, and are useful in tire tread rubber compounds which can exhibit improved wear and tear characteristics.

Abstract: Provided is a method for polymerizing a polymer precursor, comprising: contacting a polymer precursor with a lithium carborane catalyst and an initiator under polymerizing conditions. A reaction solvent may be used, but is not necessary. Also provided is a method of preparing lithium carborane polymers, comprising: contacting a lithium carborane polymer precursor having a terminal alkenyl or alkynyl group with an initiator and an optional reaction solvent under polymerizing conditions. Functionalized carborane anions are also provided.

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 process for preparing a functionalized polymerization initiator, the process comprising combining a functionalized styryl compound and an organolithium compound.

Abstract: A process for producing polymers having at least one high vinyl end segment is provided. The process comprises: (a) forming a living prepolymer high vinyl initiator with a vinyl content greater than about 45% using a vinyl modifier, (b) adding a R1R2R3aluminum or R1R2R3boron compound to nullify the effect of the vinyl modifier, and (c) initiating polymerization of diene monomers using said living prepolymer high vinyl initiator so as to form a polymer product with at least one high vinyl end segment, where R1, R2, and R3 are selected from the group consisting of C1-C12 alkyl, C2-C12 alkene, C2-C12 alkyne, phenyl, and alkyl-substituted phenyl, and may all be identical or may all be separately selected but cannot be H. The polymers having at least one high vinyl end segment may be coupled to produce a polymer having a high vinyl end segment on all ends.

Abstract: Disclosed are a conjugated diolefin (co) polymer rubber formed from either a conjugated diolefin or a conjugated diolefin and an aromatic vinyl compound, wherein the (co) polymer rubber has a primary amino group and an alkoxysilyl group which are bonded to a (co) polymer chain; a process for producing the same; a rubber composition; a composite; and a tire. The (co) polymer rubber has satisfactory processability, and can give an automotive tire tread having a balance among wear resistance, failure characteristics, low hysteresis loss and wet-skid characteristics.

Abstract: This invention relates to siloxy-functionalized polymers having the silicon of the siloxy group directly bonded to the end of a polymer chain through one or more carbon atoms, processes of producing the polymers, and initiators used to prepare the polymers. The polymers may be rubbery polymers, such as butadiene-styrene polymers, which are commonly used in tires.

Abstract: Monocyclopentadienyl complexes in which the cyclopentadienyl system bears at least one uncharged donor bound via a boron-containing bridge and comprising one or more atoms of group 15 and/or 16 of the Periodic Table of the Elements and is bound to a metal selected from the group consisting of titanium in the oxidation state 3, vanadium, chromium, molybdenum and tungsten, a catalyst system comprising at least one of the monocyclopentadienyl complexes, the use of the catalyst system for the polymerization or copolymerization of olefins and a process for preparing polyolefins by polymerization or copolymerization of olefins in the presence of the catalyst system and polymers obtainable in this way.

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: Disclosed is a process for preparing polymers and copolymer blocks of conjugated dienes with varying amounts of branching comprising the use of a microstructure control agent and a microstructure control agent deactivant. The polymerization can be started with or without a microstructure control agent. At some point in the polymerization prior to the completion of the addition of the conjugated diene to the polymer, the microstructure control agent can be deactivated, either partially or completely, resulting in a polymer or copolymer block having a region of less branching adjacent to a region of more branching. Preferred microstructure control agent deactivants are metal alkyls such as triethyl aluminum.

Abstract: Metal alkyl borohydrides are used as initiators of polymerisation, particularly in adhesive compositions for bonding a wide range of substrates including low surface energy substrates such as polyolefins. As described, the metal alkyl borohydrides are of the formula I or II. wherein R1 is C1-C10 alkyl, R2 and R3, which may be the same or different, are H, D, C1-C10 alkyl or C3-C10 cycloalkyl, phenyl, or phenyl-substituted C1-C10 alkyl or C3-C10 cycloalkyl, provided that any two of R1-R3 may optionally be part of a carbocyclic ring, and M+ is a metal ion. In particular, alkali metal trialkyl borohydrides are used, the alkali metal salt being selected from: Lithium triethylborohydride, Sodium triethylborohydride, Potassium triethylborohydride, Lithium tri-sec-butylborohydride, Sodium tri-sec-butylborohydride, Potassium tri-sec-butylborohydride, and Lithium triethylborodeuteride. Other exemplified compounds which are less effective on low surface energy substrates include Lithium 9-borabicyclo [3.3.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing a modified polymer rubber, which comprises the steps of: (1) reacting one part by mol of an organoalkali metal compound with n±0.7 (n is an integer of 3 or more) parts by mol of a specific diphenyl compound to produce a reaction mixture, (2) polymerizing in the presence of the produced reaction mixture an aromatic vinyl monomer and a conjugated diene monomer in a hydrocarbon solvent, and after completion of the polymerizing, stirring for at least 30 minutes, to produce a polymerization reaction mixture, and (3) repeating such an operation n−2 times that (i) an aromatic vinyl monomer and a conjugated diene monomer are added to the produced polymerization reaction mixture, and polymerized, and (ii) after completion of the polymerizing, stirring is carried out for at least 30 minutes, and thereby producing a modified polymer rubber, whose both ends and n−2 positions in its chain are modified by the compound represented by the formula (1).

Abstract: (1) A methacrylic ester or an acrylic ester is anionically polymerized, using a polymerization initiator compound comprising an addition reaction product of a conjugated diene compound and an organic alkali metal compound, in the presence of a tertiary organoaluminum compound having in the molecule thereof a chemical structure represented by a formula: Al—O—Ar wherein Ar represents an aromatic ring; or (2) a methacrylic ester or an acrylic ester is anionically polymerized, using a polymerization initiator compound comprising an addition reaction product of an organic alkali metal compound and a compound having a 1,1-diaryl-1-alkene structure, by adding the ester in the form of a mixture with the above-mentioned specific tertiary organoaluminum compound to the polymerization system.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing a modified polymer rubber having modified both ends, which comprises the steps of: (1) reacting a compound represented by the following formula (1) with an organic alkali metal compound to produce a chemical species, (2) polymerizing a conjugated diene monomer or a combination of a conjugated diene monomer with an aromatic vinyl monomer in the presence of the chemical species to produce an active polymer having an alkali metal at an end thereof, and (3) reacting the active polymer with a functional group-carrying modifying agent in a hydrocarbon solvent to produce the modified polymer rubber having modified both ends.

Abstract: Quaternary boron salts are used as initiators of polymerisation in adhesive compositions for bonding low surface energy substrates such as polyolefins.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for polymerizing a cationically polymerizable olefin comprising the step of polymerizing at least one cationically polymerizable olefin at a subatmospheric pressure in the presence of a cationic polymerization catalyst system which comprises an initiator and an activator, which together form a reactive cation and non-co-ordinating anion, the activator being prepared by the reaction of a metalloid compound of formula (R1R2R3)M with a co-initiator, the co-initiator being selected from the group consisting of an alcohol, a thiol, a carboxylic acid, a thiocarboxylic acid and the like.

Abstract: Hetero-telechelic polymers having the formula: FG—(Q)d—Z—J—[A(R1R2R3)]x  (I) wherein FG is a protected or non-protected functional group; Q is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group derived by incorporation of a compound selected from the group consisting of conjugated diene hydrocarbons, alkenylsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons, and mixtures thereof; d is an integer from 10 to 200; Z is a branched or straight chain hydrocarbon group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms, optionally containing aryl or substituted aryl groups; J is oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen; [A(R1R2R3)]x is a protecting group, wherein A is an element selected from Group IVa of the Periodic Table of Elements; R1, R2, and R3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl groups containing lower alkyl, lower alkylthio, and lower dialkylamino groups, aryl or substituted aryl groups containing lower alkyl, lower alkylthio, and lower dialkylam

Abstract: This invention relates to high molecular weight perfluorocyclobutane polymers and methods of polymerizing trifluorovinyl monomers to form high molecular weight perfluorocyclobutane polymers in the presence of a catalyst or initiator.

Abstract: (1) A methacrylic ester or an acrylic ester is anionically polymerized, using a polymerization initiator compound comprising an addition reaction product of a conjugated diene compound and an organic alkali metal compound, in the presence of a tertiary organoaluminum compound having in the molecule thereof a chemical structure represented by a formula: Al—O—Ar wherein Ar represents an aromatic ring; or (2) a methacrylic ester or an acrylic ester is anionically polymerized, using a polymerization initiator compound comprising an addition reaction product of an organic alkali metal compound and a compound having a 1,1-diaryl-1-alkene structure, by adding the ester in the form of a mixture with the above-mentioned specific tertiary organoaluminum compound to the polymerization system.

Abstract: Processes for improving the thermal stability of living polymer anions are provided. The invention further improves the efficiency of subsequent functionalization and linking reactions of such living polymer anions.

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: Polymers are produced using transition metal complexes that have sites capable of binding a Lewis acid in close proximity to the metal center.

Abstract: Hetero-telechelic polymers having the formula:

Abstract: Hetero-telechelic polymers having the formula:

Abstract: Hetero-telechelic polymers having the formula:

Abstract: The present invention relates to an initiation system composed of the reaction product of at least one cyclic siloxane and at least one organometalic compound of sufficient reactivity to open the siloxane ring. Application of the present invention is to the preparation of homopolymers of (meth)acrylic, vinylaromatic or diene monomers, random or block copolymers of these monomers and, in particular, application to poly(methylmethacrylate) with a high content of isotactic triads.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement in a method of anionically polymerizing monomers by contacting them with an anionic polymerization initiator which is an organo-substituted alkali metal compound in the presence of low amounts of an accelerator/promoter and/or a highly active microstructure modifier. The improvement comprises adding from 0.1 to 1.0 equivalents of a metal alkyl compound per equivalent of alkali metal initiator wherein alkyl groups of the metal alkyl compound are chosen so that they will not exchange with the organo substituents of the alkali metal compound. The preferred initiator for use herein is the sec-butyl lithium adduct of diisopropenyl benzene and the preferred metal alkyl is triethyl aluminum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemical compound of the formula A The compound can be employed as a catalyst component for the polymerization of olefins.

Abstract: The invention is directed to organometallic catalysts prepared by a process comprising a) combining nucleophilic group-containing particulate support material with an arylboron or arylaluminum Lewis acid compound in the presence of a Lewis base compound; b) contacting the product of a) with a trialkylaluminum compound before combining said product with a metal precursor compound capable of activation for olefin polymerization by said product a); and, c) combining the product of b) with said metal precursor compound. These catalyst compositions are suitable for addition reactions of ethylenically and acetylenically unsaturated monomers. The invention includes a polymerization process of combining or contacting olefinically unsaturated monomers with the invention catalyst composition. Use of the invention catalyst to polymerize &agr;-olefins is exemplified.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement upon the known method of anionically polymerizing monomers by contacting the monomers with an anionic polymerization initiator which is an organo-substituted alkali metal compound. The improvement comprises decreasing the viscosity of the polymer cement by adding at least 0.01 equivalent of a metal alkyl compound per equivalent of alkali metal initiator if the metal alkyl is added before or at the beginning of polymerization. If the metal alkyl is added during the polymerization or after but before the living polymer is terminated, then at least 0.01 equivalent of the metal alkyl compound per equivalent of living polymer chain ends is should be used. The alkyl groups of the metal alkyl are chosen such that they do not exchange with the organo substituents of the alkali metal, which can be the living polymer chain ends or the organo substituents of the initiator.

Abstract: In a process for the homopolymerization of vinylaromatic monomers or the copolymerization of vinylaromatic monomers and dienes in the presence of at least one alkali metal compound and at least one compound of an element of group 3a of the Periodic Table of the elements, the compounds contain, based on the sum of molar equivalents of alkali metal and elements of group 3a, in each case a) from 0.1 to 3.9 molar equivalents of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen or phosphorus and b) from 0.1 to 3.9 molar equivalents of an organyl ligand.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an acrylic acid ester polymer, includes carrying out polymerization of an acrylic acid ester or block copolymerization of an acrylic acid ester and another (meth)acrylic monomer in the presence of an organolithium compound and an organoaluminum compound represented by the following formula (I): AlR1R2R3  (I) wherein R1 represents an alkyl group having at least 3 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having at least 3 carbon atoms or an aryloxy group, R2 and R3 each independently represent an aryloxy group or may be coupled together to form an arylenedioxy group. The process makes it possible to increase the reaction rate and living properties upon polymerization and increase the block formation efficiency upon block copolymerization.

Abstract: The anionic polymerization of dienes or copolymers of dienes and vinylaromatic monomers in a vinylaromatic monomer or monomer mixture to give homopolydienes or copolymers or mixed homopolydienes and copolymers is carried out in the presence of a metal alkyl or aryl of an element having a valence of at least two without addition of Lewis bases.