Jerry L Bush

US Patent:

H002036, Jul 2, 2002

Filed:

Jun 2, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/324371

Inventors:

Jerry Levi Bush - Kent OH

Assignee:

The Goodyear Tire Rubber Company - Akron OH

International Classification:

C08L 900

US Classification:

525236, 525237, 525269, 525274, 473372

Abstract:

This invention relates to blends of a specific type of cis-l,4-polybutadiene rubber with other rubbery polymers, such as natural rubber, synthetic polyisoprene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, isoprene-butadiene rubber and/or styrene-isoprene- butadiene rubber. The cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber utilized in the blends of this invention is synthesized by polymerizing 1,3-butadiene in the presence of (a) an organonickel compound, (b) an organoaluminum compound, (c) a fluorine containing compound and (d) para-styrenated diphenylamine; wherein the organoaluminum compound and the fluorine containing compound are brought together in the presence of the para-styrenated diphenylamine. The cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber blends of this invention offer improved processability and enhanced physical properties. For instance, improved mixing which results in better incorporation of pigments and fillers, such as carbon black and silica, at lower levels of power consumption is realized. Additionally, improvements in extrusion characteristics and in tear resistance with little sacrifice in hysteretic properties, abrasion resistance and modulus are also attained with the rubber blends of this invention.