Synthesis of high vinyl rubber
US6566478B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/86
- WIPO fieldMacromolecular chemistry, polymers
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
This invention is based upon the discovery that rubbery polymers having a high vinyl content and a low degree of branching can be synthesized with an initiator system that is comprised of (a) a lithium initiator selected from the group consisting of allylic lithium compounds and benzylic lithium compounds, (b) a Group I metal alkoxide, and (c) a polar modifier; wherein the molar ratio of the Group I metal alkoxide to the polar modifier is within the range of about 0.1:1 to about 10:1; and wherein the molar ratio of the Group I metal alkoxide to the lithium initiator is within the range of about 0.01:1 to about 20:1. These high vinyl polymers offer reduced levels of hysteresis and better functionalization efficiency. By virtue of their lower level of hysteresis these polymers can be utilized in manufacturing tire tread compounds that exhibit lower levels of rolling resistance and can accordingly be used to improve the fuel economy of motor vehicles without compromising other desirable characteristics, such as traction and tread-wear.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.