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US5612436A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber

Assignee: Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co
•
Filing: 1995-09-08
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Granted: 1997-03-18
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Expires: 2015-09-08
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Abstract

Abstract The subject invention discloses an isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber which is particularly valuable for use in making treads for tires which have improved wear characteristics without compromising traction characteristics or rolling resistance. Said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber is comprised of (1) a first block which is comprised of repeat units which are derived from 1,3-butadiene and (2) a second block which is comprised of repeat units which are derived from both 1,3-butadiene and isoprene, wherein the repeat units derived from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in the second block are in an essentially random order, wherein the diblock rubber has a glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -100° C. to about -70° C., and wherein the diblock rubber has a Mooney viscosity which is within the range of about 50 to about 140. In cases where the isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber of this invention is employed in automobile tires it will preferably have a second glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -50° C. to about 0° C. The Mooney viscosity will preferably be within the range of about 80 to about 135 and in the case of oil extended polymers will more preferably be within the range of about 100 to about 130 before oil extension.

Inventors

  • 👤 Adel F. Halasa
  • 👤 Wen-Liang Hsu
  • 👤 David J. Zanzig
  • 👤 Paul H. Sandstrom
  • 👤 Laurie E. Austin

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-07 09:22
CPC Classifications
C; C08; C08F; C08F297/00; C08F297/02; B; B23; B23P; B23P6/00; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/80; Y02T10/86

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 66
Claim 1
Independent Claim 141 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber which has an excellent combination of properties for use in making truck tire treads, said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber being comprised of a butadiene block and an isoprene-butadiene block, wherein said butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has essentially one glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -100° C. to about -70° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock polymer has a Mooney ML-4 viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 50 to about 140, and wherein the repeat units derived from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in the isoprene-butadiene block are in essentially random order.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 141 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber which has an excellent combination of properties for use in making truck tire treads, said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber being comprised of a butadiene block and an isoprene-butadiene block, wherein said butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has essentially one glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -100° C. to about -70° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock polymer has a Mooney ML-4 viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 50 to about 140, and wherein the repeat units derived from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in the isoprene-butadiene block are in essentially random order.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 165 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber which has an excellent combination of properties for use in making automobile tire treads, said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber being comprised of a butadiene block and an isoprene-butadiene block, wherein said butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has a first glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -100° C. to about -70° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has a second glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -50° C. to about 0° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock polymer has a Mooney ML-4 viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 50 to about 140, and wherein the repeat units derived from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in the isoprene-butadiene block are in essentially random order.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 165 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber which has an excellent combination of properties for use in making automobile tire treads, said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber being comprised of a butadiene block and an isoprene-butadiene block, wherein said butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has a first glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -100° C. to about -70° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has a second glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -50° C. to about 0° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock polymer has a Mooney ML-4 viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 50 to about 140, and wherein the repeat units derived from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in the isoprene-butadiene block are in essentially random order.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 176 words
A pneumatic truck tire having an outer circumferential tread wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition comprised of, based on 100 parts by weight of rubber, (a) from about 70 to about 95 parts of an isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber, said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber being comprised of a butadiene block and an isoprene-butadiene block, wherein said butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has essentially one glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -100° C. to about -70° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock polymer has a Mooney ML-4 viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 50 to about 140, and wherein the repeat units derived from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in the isoprene-butadiene block are in essentially random order; and (b) from about 5 to about 30 parts of natural rubber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 176 words
A pneumatic truck tire having an outer circumferential tread wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition comprised of, based on 100 parts by weight of rubber, (a) from about 70 to about 95 parts of an isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber, said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber being comprised of a butadiene block and an isoprene-butadiene block, wherein said butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has essentially one glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -100° C. to about -70° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock polymer has a Mooney ML-4 viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 50 to about 140, and wherein the repeat units derived from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in the isoprene-butadiene block are in essentially random order; and (b) from about 5 to about 30 parts of natural rubber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 177 words
A pneumatic truck tire having an outer circumferential tread wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition comprised of, based on 100 parts by weight of rubber, (a) from about 70 to about 95 parts of an isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber, said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber being comprised of a butadiene block and an isoprene-butadiene block, wherein said butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has essentially one glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -100° C. to about -70° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock polymer has a Mooney ML-4 viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 50 to about 140, and wherein the repeat units derived from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in the isoprene-butadiene block are in essentially random order; and (b) from about 5 to about 30 parts of high cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 177 words
A pneumatic truck tire having an outer circumferential tread wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition comprised of, based on 100 parts by weight of rubber, (a) from about 70 to about 95 parts of an isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber, said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber being comprised of a butadiene block and an isoprene-butadiene block, wherein said butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has essentially one glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -100° C. to about -70° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock polymer has a Mooney ML-4 viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 50 to about 140, and wherein the repeat units derived from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in the isoprene-butadiene block are in essentially random order; and (b) from about 5 to about 30 parts of high cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 176 words
A pneumatic automobile tire having an outer circumferential tread wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition comprised of, based on 100 parts by weight of rubber, (a) from about 70 to about 95 parts of an isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber, said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber being comprised of a butadiene block and an isoprene-butadiene block, wherein said butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has essentially one glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -100° C. to about -70° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock polymer has a Mooney ML-4 viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 50 to about 140, and wherein the repeat units derived from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in the isoprene-butadiene block are in essentially random order; and (b) from about 5 to about 30 parts of 3,4-polyisoprene rubber.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 176 words
A pneumatic automobile tire having an outer circumferential tread wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition comprised of, based on 100 parts by weight of rubber, (a) from about 70 to about 95 parts of an isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber, said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber being comprised of a butadiene block and an isoprene-butadiene block, wherein said butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has essentially one glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -100° C. to about -70° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock polymer has a Mooney ML-4 viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 50 to about 140, and wherein the repeat units derived from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in the isoprene-butadiene block are in essentially random order; and (b) from about 5 to about 30 parts of 3,4-polyisoprene rubber.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 201 words
A pneumatic automobile tire having an outer circumferential tread wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition comprised of, based on 100 parts by weight of rubber, (a) from about 70 to about 95 parts of an isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber, said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber being comprised of a butadiene block and an isoprene-butadiene block, wherein said butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has a first glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -100° C. to about -70° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has a second glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -50° C. to about 0° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock polymer has a Mooney ML-4 viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 50 to about 140, and wherein the repeat units derived from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in the isoprene-butadiene block are in essentially random order; and (b) from about 5 to about 30 parts of high cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 201 words
A pneumatic automobile tire having an outer circumferential tread wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition comprised of, based on 100 parts by weight of rubber, (a) from about 70 to about 95 parts of an isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber, said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber being comprised of a butadiene block and an isoprene-butadiene block, wherein said butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has a first glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -100° C. to about -70° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has a second glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -50° C. to about 0° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock polymer has a Mooney ML-4 viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 50 to about 140, and wherein the repeat units derived from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in the isoprene-butadiene block are in essentially random order; and (b) from about 5 to about 30 parts of high cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 200 words
A pneumatic automobile tire having an outer circumferential tread wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition comprised of, based on 100 parts by weight of rubber, (a) from about 70 to about 95 parts of an isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber, said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber being comprised of a butadiene block and an isoprene-butadiene block, wherein said butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has a first glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -100° C. to about -70° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has a second glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -50° C. to about 0° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock polymer has a Mooney ML-4 viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 50 to about 140, and wherein the repeat units derived from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in the isoprene-butadiene block are in essentially random order; and (b) from about 5 to about 30 parts of natural rubber.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 200 words
A pneumatic automobile tire having an outer circumferential tread wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition comprised of, based on 100 parts by weight of rubber, (a) from about 70 to about 95 parts of an isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber, said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber being comprised of a butadiene block and an isoprene-butadiene block, wherein said butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has a first glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -100° C. to about -70° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has a second glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -50° C. to about 0° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock polymer has a Mooney ML-4 viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 50 to about 140, and wherein the repeat units derived from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in the isoprene-butadiene block are in essentially random order; and (b) from about 5 to about 30 parts of natural rubber.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 248 words
A process for preparing an isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber which has an excellent combination of properties for use in making tire treads which comprises: (a) polymerizing 1,3-butadiene monomer with a lithium initiator in the substantial absence of polar modifiers at a temperature which is within the range of about 5° C. to about 100° C. to produce a living polybutadiene block having a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000; and (b) utilizing the living polybutadiene block to initiate the copolymerization of 1,3-butadiene and isoprene, wherein the copolymerization is conducted in the presence of at least one polar modifier at a temperature which is within the range of about 5° C. to about 70° C. to produce a isoprene-butadiene block which is comprised of repeat units which are derived from 1,3-butadiene and isoprene, wherein the isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said butadiene block has a glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -100° C. to about -70° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene block has a glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -50° C. to about 0° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock polymer has a Mooney ML-4 viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 50 to about 140, and wherein the repeat units derived from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in the isoprene-butadiene block are in essentially random order.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 248 words
A process for preparing an isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber which has an excellent combination of properties for use in making tire treads which comprises: (a) polymerizing 1,3-butadiene monomer with a lithium initiator in the substantial absence of polar modifiers at a temperature which is within the range of about 5° C. to about 100° C. to produce a living polybutadiene block having a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000; and (b) utilizing the living polybutadiene block to initiate the copolymerization of 1,3-butadiene and isoprene, wherein the copolymerization is conducted in the presence of at least one polar modifier at a temperature which is within the range of about 5° C. to about 70° C. to produce a isoprene-butadiene block which is comprised of repeat units which are derived from 1,3-butadiene and isoprene, wherein the isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said butadiene block has a glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -100° C. to about -70° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene block has a glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -50° C. to about 0° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock polymer has a Mooney ML-4 viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 50 to about 140, and wherein the repeat units derived from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in the isoprene-butadiene block are in essentially random order.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 32 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 1 wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has a Mooney viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 80 to about 135.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 52 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 1 wherein the butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 50,000 to about 200,000; and wherein the isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 50,000 to about 200,000.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 51 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 10 wherein the isoprene-butadiene block is comprised of from about 10 weight percent to about 60 weight percent repeat units which are derived from isoprene, and from about 40 weight percent to about 90 weight percent repeat units which are derived from 1,3-butadiene.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 42 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 11 wherein the ratio of the number average molecular weight of the butadiene block to the number average molecular weight of the isoprene-butadiene block is within the range of about 25/75 to about 75/25.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 52 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 12 wherein the butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 70,000 to about 150,000; and wherein the isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 70,000 to about 150,000.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 51 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 13 wherein the isoprene-butadiene block is comprised of from about 20 weight percent to about 50 weight percent repeat units which are derived from isoprene, and from about 50 weight percent to about 80 weight percent repeat units which are derived from 1,3-butadiene.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 42 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 14 wherein the ratio of the number average molecular weight of the butadiene block to the number average molecular weight of the isoprene-butadiene block is within the range of about 35/65 to about 65/35.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 51 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 15 wherein the isoprene-butadiene block is comprised of from about 30 weight percent to about 45 weight percent repeat units which are derived from isoprene, and from about 55 weight percent to about 70 weight percent repeat units which are derived from 1,3-butadiene.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim 32 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 1 wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has a Mooney viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 100 to about 130.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 32 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 1 wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has a Mooney viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 80 to about 135.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 52 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 2 wherein the butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 50,000 to about 200,000; and wherein the isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 50,000 to about 200,000.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 51 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 19 wherein the isoprene-butadiene block is comprised of from about 10 weight percent to about 60 weight percent repeat units which are derived from isoprene, and from about 40 weight percent to about 90 weight percent repeat units which are derived from 1,3-butadiene.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 42 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 20 wherein the ratio of the number average molecular weight of the butadiene block to the number average molecular weight of the isoprene-butadiene block is within the range of about 25/75 to about 75/25.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 52 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 21 wherein the butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 70,000 to about 150,000; and wherein the isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 70,000 to about 150,000.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 51 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 22 wherein the isoprene-butadiene block is comprised of from about 20 weight percent to about 50 weight percent repeat units which are derived from isoprene, and from about 50 weight percent to about 80 weight percent repeat units which are derived from 1,3-butadiene.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 42 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 23 wherein the ratio of the number average molecular weight of the butadiene block to the number average molecular weight of the isoprene-butadiene block is within the range of about 35/65 to about 65/35.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 51 words
Am isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 24 wherein the isoprene-butadiene block is comprised of from about 30 weight percent to about 45 weight percent repeat units which are derived from isoprene, and from about 55 weight percent to about 70 weight percent repeat units which are derived from 1,3-butadiene.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 29 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 2 wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has a Mooney viscosity which is within the range of about 100 to about 130.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim 58 words
A process as specified in claim 8 wherein said polar modifier is selected from the group consisting of diethyl ether, di-n-propyl ether, diisopropyl ether, di-n-butyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, triethylene glycol dimethyl ether, trimethylamine, triethylamine, N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine, N-methyl morpholine, N-ethyl morpholine, and N-phenyl morpholine.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim 16 words
A process as specified in claim 27 wherein said lithium initiator is a monofunctional organolithium compound.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim 39 words
A process as specified in claim 28 wherein said monofunctional organolithium compound is selected from the group consisting of methyllithium, ethyllithium, isopropyllithium, n-butyllithium, sec-butyllithium, n-octyllithium, tert-octyllithium, n-decyllithium, phenyllithium, 1-napthyllithium, 4-butylphenyllithium, p-tolyllithium, 1-naphthyllithium, 4-butylphenyllithium, p-tolyllithium, 4-phenylbutyllithium, cyclohexyllithium, 4-butylcyclohexyllithium, and 4-cyclohexylbutyllithium.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim 30 words
A process as specified in claim 8 wherein said lithium initiator is selected from the group consisting of normal-butyl lithium and secondary-butyl lithium; and wherein said polar modifier is N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim 57 words
A pneumatic truck tire as specified in claim 3 wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition which is comprised of, based on 100 parts by weight of rubber, (a) from about 70 to about 75 parts by weight of the isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber, and (b) from about 25 to about 30 parts of natural rubber.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim 37 words
A pneumatic truck tire as specified in claim 31 wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition which is further comprised of carbon black, at least one antidegradant, at least one processing oil, and zinc oxide.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim 24 words
A pneumatic truck tire as specified in claim 32 wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition which is further comprised of silica.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim 58 words
A pneumatic truck tire as specified in claim 4 wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition which is comprised of, based on 100 parts by weight of rubber, (a) from about 70 to about 75 parts by weight of the isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber, and (b) from about 25 to about 30 parts of high cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim 37 words
A pneumatic truck tire as specified in claim 34 wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition which is further comprised of carbon black, at least one antidegradant, at least one processing oil, and zinc oxide.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim 24 words
A pneumatic truck tire as specified in claim 32 wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition which is further comprised of silica.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim 57 words
A pneumatic automobile tire as specified in claim 5 wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition which is comprised of, based on 100 parts by weight of rubber, (a) from about 70 to about 75 parts by weight of the isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber, and (b) from about 25 to about 30 parts of 3,4-polyisoprene rubber.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim 37 words
A pneumatic automobile tire as specified in claim 37 wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition which is further comprised of carbon black, at least one antidegradant, at least one processing oil, and zinc oxide.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim 24 words
A pneumatic automobile tire as specified in claim 38 wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition which is further comprised of silica.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim 58 words
A pneumatic automobile tire as specified in claim 6 wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition which is comprised of, based on 100 parts by weight of rubber, (a) from about 70 to about 75 parts by weight of the isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber, and (b) from about 25 to about 30 parts of high cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim 37 words
A pneumatic automobile tire as specified in claim 40 wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition which is further comprised of carbon black, at least one antidegradant, at least one processing oil, and zinc oxide.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim 24 words
A pneumatic automobile tire as specified in claim 41 wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition which is further comprised of silica.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim 57 words
A pneumatic automobile tire as specified in claim 7 wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition which is comprised of, based on 100 parts by weight of rubber, (a) from about 70 to about 75 parts by weight of the isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber, and (b) from about 25 to about 30 parts of natural rubber.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim 37 words
A pneumatic automobile tire as specified in claim 43 wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition which is further comprised of carbon black, at least one antidegradant, at least one processing oil, and zinc oxide.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim 24 words
A pneumatic automobile tire as specified in claim 44 wherein said tread is a sulfur cured rubber composition which is further comprised of silica.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim 250 words
A process for preparing an isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber which has an excellent combination of properties for use in making tire treads which comprises: (a) polymerizing 1,3-butadiene monomer with a lithium initiator in the presence of at least one polar modifiers at a temperature which is within the range of about 5° C. to about 100° C. to produce a living polybutadiene block having a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000; and (b) utilizing the living polybutadiene block to initiate the copolymerization of 1,3-butadiene and isoprene, wherein the copolymerization is conducted in the presence of at least one polar modifier at a temperature which is within the range of about 5° C. to about 70° C. to produce a isoprene-butadiene block which is comprised of repeat units which are derived from 1,3-butadiene and isoprene, wherein the isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said butadiene block has a glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -100° C. to about -70° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene block has a glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -50° C. to about 0° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock polymer has a Mooney ML-4 viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 50 to about 140, and wherein the repeat units derived from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in the isoprene-butadiene block are in essentially random order.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim 250 words
A process for preparing an isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber which has an excellent combination of properties for use in making tire treads which comprises: (a) polymerizing 1,3-butadiene monomer with a lithium initiator in the presence of at least one polar modifiers at a temperature which is within the range of about 5° C. to about 100° C. to produce a living polybutadiene block having a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000; and (b) utilizing the living polybutadiene block to initiate the copolymerization of 1,3-butadiene and isoprene, wherein the copolymerization is conducted in the presence of at least one polar modifier at a temperature which is within the range of about 5° C. to about 70° C. to produce a isoprene-butadiene block which is comprised of repeat units which are derived from 1,3-butadiene and isoprene, wherein the isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said butadiene block has a glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -100° C. to about -70° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene block has a glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -50° C. to about 0° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock polymer has a Mooney ML-4 viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 50 to about 140, and wherein the repeat units derived from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in the isoprene-butadiene block are in essentially random order.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim 58 words
A process as specified in claim 46 wherein said polar modifier is selected from the group consisting of diethyl ether, di-n-propyl ether, diisopropyl ether, di-n-butyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, triethylene glycol dimethyl ether, trimethylamine, triethylamine, N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine, N-methyl morpholine, N-ethyl morpholine, and N-phenyl morpholine.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim 14 words
A process as specified in claim 46 wherein said polar modifier is tetrahydrofurfuryl ether.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim 175 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber which has an excellent combination of properties for use in making automobile tire treads, said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber being comprised of a first isoprene-butadiene block and a second isoprene-butadiene block, wherein said first isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said second isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has a first glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -100° C. to about -70° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has a second glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -50° C. to about 0° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock polymer has a Mooney ML-4 viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 50 to about 140, and wherein the repeat units derived from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in the first isoprene-butadiene block and the second isoprene-butadiene block are in essentially random order.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim 175 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber which has an excellent combination of properties for use in making automobile tire treads, said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber being comprised of a first isoprene-butadiene block and a second isoprene-butadiene block, wherein said first isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said second isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 350,000, wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has a first glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -100° C. to about -70° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has a second glass transition temperature which is within the range of about -50° C. to about 0° C., wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock polymer has a Mooney ML-4 viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 50 to about 140, and wherein the repeat units derived from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in the first isoprene-butadiene block and the second isoprene-butadiene block are in essentially random order.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim 54 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 49 wherein the first isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 50,000 to about 200,000; and wherein the second isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 50,000 to about 200,000.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim 57 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 50 wherein the first isoprene-butadiene block and the second isoprene-butadiene block are comprised of from about 10 weight percent to about 60 weight percent repeat units which are derived from isoprene, and from about 40 weight percent to about 90 weight percent repeat units which are derived from 1,3-butadiene.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim 44 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 51 wherein the ratio of the number average molecular weight of the first isoprene-butadiene block to the number average molecular weight of the second isoprene-butadiene block is within the range of about 25/75 to about 75/25.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim 53 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 52 wherein the first isoprene-butadiene block has number average molecular weights which are within the range of about 70,000 to about 150,000; and wherein the second isoprene-butadiene block has a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 70,000 to about 150,000.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim 57 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 53 wherein the first isoprene-butadiene block and the second isoprene-butadiene block are comprised of from about 20 weight percent to about 50 weight percent repeat units which are derived from isoprene, and from about 50 weight percent to about 80 weight percent repeat units which are derived from 1,3-butadiene.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim 44 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 54 wherein the ratio of the number average molecular weight of the first isoprene-butadiene block to the number average molecular weight of the second isoprene-butadiene block is within the range of about 35/65 to about 65/35.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim 32 words
An isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber as specified in claim 2 wherein said isoprene-butadiene diblock rubber has a Mooney viscosity at 100° C. which is within the range of about 100 to about 130.

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