Sulfonated rubber compositions and processes therefor and therewith

Abstract

A sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition and a neutralized, sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition are provided. The sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition, preferably a composition containing such sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition, can be used as an additive in or for asphalt. The neutralized, sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition, preferably a composition comprising such neutralized, sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition, can be used for oil field applications such as preventing the loss of fluids used during such oil field applications. A process of preparing such compositions includes contacting a rubber composition, such as butyl rubber in the form of waste tire particles, with an oxidizing agent to provide an oxidized rubber composition. The oxidized rubber composition is then contacted with a sulfur-containing acid to provide a sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition. The sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition is then contacted with a base to provide a neutralized, sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition.

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