Process for the preparation of block copolymers for tire tread compositions, and these copolymers
AssigneeMichelin Recherche et Techniques S.A.
InventorPierre Lasage
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AssigneeMichelin Recherche et Techniques S.A.
InventorPierre Lasage
Estimating the term…
A process for the preparation of a functionalized, coupled or starred block copolymer which is usable in a sulphur-cross-linkable rubber composition of reduced hysteresis in the cross-linked state, one at least of said blocks consisting of a polyisoprene and at least one other block consisting of a diene elastomer other than a polyisoprene the molar ratio of units originating from one or more conjugated dienes of which is greater than 15%. The process includes the steps of: copolymerization of one or more monomers comprising a conjugated diene other than isoprene using a catalytic system comprising at least one hydrocarbon solvent, a compound A of a metal of group IIIA, a compound B of an alkaline-earth metal and a polymer initiator C comprising a C—Li bond which is formed of a monolithiated polyisoprene intended to form the polyisoprene block, and addition to the product of the copolymerization of a functionalizing, coupling or starring agent comprising an acetoxy group and of formula Rn—Sn—(O—CO—R′)4-n, where n is a natural integer of from 0 to 4 and where R and R′ are each alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl groups which may be identical or different, so that said or each block formed of a diene elastomer other than a polyisoprene is functionalized, coupled or starred.
A process for the preparation of a functionalized, coupled or starred block copolymer which is usable in a sulphur-cross-linkable rubber composition comprising carbon black and of reduced hysteresis in the cross-linked state, one at least of said blocks consisting of a polyisoprene and at least one other block consisting of a diene elastomer other than a polyisoprene the molar ratio of units originating from one or more conjugated dienes of which is greater than 15%, wherein said process comprises:
A functionalized, coupled or starred block copolymer which is usable in a sulphur-cross-linkable rubber composition comprising carbon black as reinforcing filler and of reduced hysteresis in the cross-linked state, one at least of said blocks consisting of a polyisoprene and at least one other block consisting of a diene elastomer other than a polyisoprene, the molar ratio of units originating from one or more conjugated dienes of which is greater than 15%, wherein said block formed of a diene elastomer other than a polyisoprene is functionalized, coupled or starred by means of an agent comprising an acetoxy group of formula Rn—Sn—(O—CO—R′)4-n, where n is a natural integer of from 0 to 4 and where R and R′ are each alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl groups which are identical or different.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.